Launched in 1936 as successor to the PB Midget, the first of the T-Series Midgets - the TA - was an altogether larger and roomier car. The simple chassis design followed established Midget practice with semi-elliptic springing all-round, though the use of hydraulic dampers at the front and the adoption of Lockheed hydraulic brakes were new departures. Although styled in a manner MG enthusiasts had come to expect, the new two-seater broke with tradition by employing an overhead-valve engine instead of the previous overhead-cam type. Although outwardly all but indistinguishable from the TA, the successor TB Midget, introduced in May 1939, boasted an entirely new ‘XPAG’ engine that would serve the company well for the next 15 years. Derived from that of the Morris Ten, the highly tuneable 1,250cc XPAG engine boasted a shorter stroke than its predecessor, resulting in a higher rev ceiling and an increased maximum power output of 54.4bhp at 5,200rpm. A Borg & Beck dry-plate clutch (replacing the old cork-in-oil type) and synchromesh on the upper three gears were welcome improvements to the transmission. When the enforced switch to war production brought MG car production to an end in September 1939, a mere 379 TBs had been built, making the model by far the rarest of the T-Series Midgets. This right-hand drive TB underwent a body-off restoration circa 2000 that included a full hardwood replacement. Subsequently the engine was overhauled (in 2005) and the car subjected to total mechanical refreshment including new carburettors, brakes and brake lines. In Long Island, NY ownership for 30-or-so years, the car has been shown extensively in New York and Florida, and most recently in 2005 at Palo Alto Concours. Finished in classic British Racing Green with tan leather interior, this rare pre-war MG sports car is offered with restoration invoices and State of California title.
Launched in 1936 as successor to the PB Midget, the first of the T-Series Midgets - the TA - was an altogether larger and roomier car. The simple chassis design followed established Midget practice with semi-elliptic springing all-round, though the use of hydraulic dampers at the front and the adoption of Lockheed hydraulic brakes were new departures. Although styled in a manner MG enthusiasts had come to expect, the new two-seater broke with tradition by employing an overhead-valve engine instead of the previous overhead-cam type. Although outwardly all but indistinguishable from the TA, the successor TB Midget, introduced in May 1939, boasted an entirely new ‘XPAG’ engine that would serve the company well for the next 15 years. Derived from that of the Morris Ten, the highly tuneable 1,250cc XPAG engine boasted a shorter stroke than its predecessor, resulting in a higher rev ceiling and an increased maximum power output of 54.4bhp at 5,200rpm. A Borg & Beck dry-plate clutch (replacing the old cork-in-oil type) and synchromesh on the upper three gears were welcome improvements to the transmission. When the enforced switch to war production brought MG car production to an end in September 1939, a mere 379 TBs had been built, making the model by far the rarest of the T-Series Midgets. This right-hand drive TB underwent a body-off restoration circa 2000 that included a full hardwood replacement. Subsequently the engine was overhauled (in 2005) and the car subjected to total mechanical refreshment including new carburettors, brakes and brake lines. In Long Island, NY ownership for 30-or-so years, the car has been shown extensively in New York and Florida, and most recently in 2005 at Palo Alto Concours. Finished in classic British Racing Green with tan leather interior, this rare pre-war MG sports car is offered with restoration invoices and State of California title.
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
