1937 MG SA Tickford Drophead Coupe

Описание: On offer at Imperial War Museum, Duxford - Wed, 22nd Jun 2022 13:00

https://www.handh.co.uk/auction/lot/l...

Rare Drophead Coupe model with coachwork by Salmons Tickford
Subject to a comprehensive restoration to original specification in 2012 by SVW Services (MG SA, VA and WA specialists)
Matching chassis and engine numbers example
Approximately 1,500 miles completed since the completion of the restoration
Recently benefitted from a full service by marque specialists
One of just 2,738 examples of the SA manufactured (across all three variants)
As a result of MG's sale to Morris Motors in 1935, rationalisation was the company's priority during 1935, and all new models shared as many parts as possible with other members of the burgeoning Nuffield Organisation. Launched at the 1935 Motor Show, the SA represented a new departure for MG. The first all-new model to be introduced since the company's acquisition by Morris Motors, it was considerably larger than any previous MG and caused a certain amount of consternation amongst enthusiasts who feared an abandonment of virtues embodied by the marque's nimble sports cars. They need not have worried, for although based on the Wolseley Super Six and aimed at the luxury car market, the SA received sufficient input from MG founder and designer Cecil Kimber to transform it into a car worthy of the famous octagon badge.

Originally of 2,026cc, the overhead-valve Wolseley six had been enlarged to 2,288cc by the time SA production commenced and was further stretched to 2322cc in 1937. With 75bhp propelling a car weighing around 1½ tons, acceleration was necessarily leisurely; nevertheless, the SA could cruise comfortably at 60-70mph and had a genuine top speed approaching 85mph. Only available as a four-door Saloon at launch, but subsequently offered a Tickford-bodied Drophead Coupé and Charlesworth-bodied Open Tourer completed the range. By the time production ceased in 1939, 2,738 SAs of all types had left the factory.

Despatched from the MG factory bound for Salmons Tickford on the 18th of May 1937 as a rolling chassis, ‘AAJ 654’ was supplied with the Tickford Drophead Coupé coachwork, being registered new on the 9th of July 1937 in Scarborough. Fitted with the 2.3-litre straight-six engine allied to the four-speed manual transmission, chassis number ‘SA1833’ is finished in the attractive colour combination of two-tone Light and Dark Green with a complementing Cream leather interior upholstery and a hood trimmed in Black. A matching chassis and engine numbers example, the SA comes complete with notable features including the long-range fuel tank, trafficators (with additional flashing indicators for safety), twin trumpet horns and a desirable steel spare-wheel cover.

Subject to an extremely comprehensive restoration with original specification in mind during 2012 by SVW Services (MG SA, VA and WA specialists), the MG entered into current ownership the year after (2013). The speedometer was zeroed upon the conclusion of the restoration and now showing just 1,540 post-restoration miles, the MG is unsurprisingly rated by the vendor as being ‘very good’ and ‘excellent’ condition throughout. Most recently benefitting from a full service which has been provided by marque specialists Chisbon Restorations, this is a rare opportunity to purchase a very well presented MG SA Tickford Drophead Coupé.

Vendor Condition Ratings:

Bodywork: 'Excellent'
Engine: 'Very Good'
Electrical Equipment: 'Excellent'
Paintwork: 'Very God'
Transmission: 'Excellent'
Interior Trim: 'Excellent'