It’s always sad when an estate sale includes restoration projects in process, but after reading the story here about Lew Reader and his pre-war MG collection, it’s nice to know the cars were enjoyed by him prior to being taken apart for restoration. Unfortunately, Mr. Reader passed before the cars were finished, so they are being offered for sale in our classifieds here and through the website 3mgs.org. The price for all three projects and a lot of spare parts has just been reduced to $40,000 obo and the cars are currently located in Watsonville, California.
The sale consists of three cars, a mid-restoration L-Type Magna, a mid-restoration SA Saloon, and a SA parts car. All three cars have titles, and the sellers feel that the parts are there to finish the restorations of two of the cars at least. They have taken over 1,100 pictures of the collection so you can examine them closely if you are serious about purchasing the lot.
Unlike many of the pictures we see, the ones of these cars are quite artistic as well as showing details of the cars’ condition. This is the chassis of APF533, an L-Type Magna originally equipped with a green body and blue seats. You can see it below while it was still driveable. Mr. Reader and his wife often drove their MGs and were active in tours and meets.
An extensive history exists on at least two of the cars.
While the un-restored parts of the cars certainly show their age, it’s quite apparent that substantial care was taken when the cars were disassembled and I don’t see anything that would preclude a current restorer apart from figuring out what parts go with what car. The sellers seem willing to help on that front however possible.
You can see the standard the cars were being restored to in this picture.
This is Mr. Reader’s MG SA, which was dismantled for paint and interior upgrades sometime after being awarded First Place Pre-War at the 1988 GoF (Gathering of the Faithful) West show. According to the seller, Lew and his wife Nancy used this car for road trips throughout the 1980s and 1990s and called it their ‘happy car’ because it made folks smile and wave. There is another SA “parts car” included in the sale, but as it has a title as well I would be loath to strip it down.
I believe this is the car I would take on first, as it is still largely together and would require the least amount of work to make it roadworthy. How about you? Are any brave pre-war MG enthusiasts willing to take on these cars?
Owned a ’39 MG SA drophead (4 seat convertible) with pushrod 6, parts were unobtainium in the ’50’s according to previous owner who imported it after WWII). Apparently same engine used by thousands of Wolsley police cars, slightly modified for more power, so thanks to internet, parts that fit, maybe not SA parts, can be found to keep engine running. With Hudson six and overdrive engine was happy at 55 mph, but running gear was not happy going any faster than 50. Tires were 19″ x 4.75, in the late ’60’s available from Sears. 12 volt electrical system. It was a gorgeous car as are these. Drove it a lot around town in good weather – no heater let alone defroster -.
My only MG experience was a 1957 MGA , I had for a very short time in college. I some how thought it would help my quest for a girl friend. I gave up on that very quickly and went back to my Hot Rod roots. As far as the girl friend ,there was no difference. But, looking at these pictures maybe, I did have the wrong cars. The SA that is the closest to done, might do the trick. I would have no problem owning that car, it is classic in every way, it looks like a true piece of Art. Irresistible!
Love the Rake effect of that roofline!