In 1939, MG was merrily producing what it called Midgets – small sports cars with lightweight bodies and enough power to whip around a race track or scamper up a muddy hill without embarrassing the driver. To augment its lineup, MG introduced several saloons. At the bottom of the saloon series was the MG Y. While its interior appointments were luxurious, it was burdened with the 1250 cc motor from the MG TC, making just 46 bhp. Furthermore, it was developed moments before World War II began, with the unfortunate result that production was delayed for eight years. The car was born into a world less interested in running boards and more interested in sleek European-influenced styling. Still, the Y series had its charms, not the least of which was the price, and once the Tourer came along, a convertible top. For the true British car fan, this 1949 MG YT Tourer is available here on eBay, with a starting bid of $6500 and no reserve. This car is located in Brunswick, Georgia. Thanks to T.J. for the tip!
This example is represented as an original, complete car not licensed since 1982. The motor does turn. The new owner will need a variety of skills to resurrect the YT – while it’s not rusty, everything needs rebuilding. Fortunately, many of the mechanical components are available, thanks to MG’s habit of sharing components across models. The engine bay shows the twin SU carburetors, the hard-to-source air cleaner, and hanging off the battery box, the Jackall fluid container. The Jackall is a hydraulic system that incorporates four rams underneath the car. When activated, it raises the car just enough to change a tire. Plan to learn a lot about valves, piping, seals, and bleeding to fix this system.
The interior is substantially complete with all gauges present, along with the original steering wheel and shift knob. A replacement dash is called for – in walnut, please. The front seats are Regency Red leather, but curiously the back seats do not match. The windscreen is in good shape but best of all, the frame looks clean. Side curtains, nearly impossible to find, come with the car, along with interior panels. Of course, she is right hand drive.
The undercarriage is soaked in good old British grease – helping to keep components rust-free! No serious corrosion is evident, nor any collision damage. Just below the control arm is one Jackall ram, shown fully retracted. The steering boot is torn, and the new owner will need to clean out all the grease nipples and start with fresh grease. Do you have the skills to handle this Brit?
Could be a good project but I don’t see anything that doesn’t need some work on it. Cut back that starting bid a bit and you might sell something that’s pretty rare these days to someone with money and time to restore it.
There’s one of these at our local British car shop-
Union Jack,that needs a complete restoration.
Ironically I was just looking at the 1950 YT below before I came over here. If you can afford it, I think ultimately it would be the cheaper of the two. https://www.beverlyhillscarclub.com/1950-mg-yt-tourer-c-12979.htm
Indeed, sir. I can’t imagine purchasing and restoring this sad example for 20K.
My adopted cousin had 1. It was super slow climbing hill with 4 aboard. This was in the late 1970’s We attended an MG meet/show. The judges were looking under the front wings/fenders to make certain the correct washers had been used.
When I was Jaguat show judge for years, we were not allowed to look under a car. OK by me.
Even though the TD didn’t come out until late 1950 or 51, its mechanicals are based on the Y type so most parts (except body) are available. The TD was the first MG to have disc wheels; another Y type carryover. Not nearly as desirable as the T series, but sort of “cute” in its own way.
I had two of these many years ago, both 1950’s, one restored by me and the other just a driver. My kids were little then so the back seat was a plus.They never had much resale demand so no BIG BUCKS here. I spent $2700 in 1974 for the top and custom side curtains in 2 ply Hartz cloth from a trim shop in Detroit area. I imagine the price today is 5 times over. Yup, they were slow, so back roads only, not suitable for todays fast pace highways. Three TD’s were parked in the same garage,,,,they were much more fun.
How about all the other cars? Sunbeam Alpine, big Healey, Aston DB2/4,TR 2 and 3,Hillman Imp
Quite the collection
The Y Type sedans had a wooden dash and octagonal instruments, as well as built in jacks! The Y’s independent front suspension designed by Sir Alec Issigonis, made its way onto the TD. The sedan was a great car to drive, well chosen gear ratios helped with performance. Remember, this was an era of frugality and small motors.
The model made a few competition appearances in Australia.
The above could have the tinge of prejudice to be expected from an ex owner!
I wonder if this the same one that sat in a field in Athens, GA some 25 years ago…