The introduction of the MG TA in 1936 marked some new ground for the famous British car marque, which was still in its infancy. The TA, despite being small, had a track 3″ wider and a wheelbase 7″ longer than its predecessor model the PB. This particular car is characterized as 90% complete by the seller, who has posted it for sale here on craigslist. Thanks to Matt R. for this great find! The car is located in Empire, California and the asking price is $11,500.
In addition to the larger dimensions (although it was called the “Midget”), the TA introduced a new engine derived from the Wolseley 10. Its 1292cc pushrod layout was uprated to twin SU carburetors, a modified camshaft, and manifold, bringing power output to approximately 50 horsepower at 4,500 RPM. While it was more powerful than the PB engine, the pushrod architecture actually was a step backward, as the PB had an overhead-cam unit. Of course, that 50 horsepower only had to move around 1,765 pounds, so performance (for the day) was described as ‘sprightly’. 3,003 TAs were produced between 1936 and 1939.
We know that among the parts missing from this car are the windshield and side curtains. I know the windshield is a simple sheet of cut safety glass or is available from a specialist for $174.50, and as best as I can tell the side curtains are from a TC (which are available) fit. That being said, how much time would you spend driving this car with the side curtains and top installed? Yeah, me neither!
There’s a pleasing, somewhat used look to this car that I think lends itself to a classic for driving, as opposed to showing. Not that the car wouldn’t be welcome in a show with this patina (there, I used the p-word) but I think it would be much more fun to drive. While I was researching this post, I found two books written by someone who has over 500,000 miles in T-Series MGs; it can be done!
It’s funny. Whenever I post about an MG T-Series, my mind goes back to my favorite BarnFinds post ever, from 2016 about an MG TA survivor. I start thinking again about The Red Car, the book that started it all for me. Perhaps this will be someone else’s dream — I need to get down about 40 pounds to even fit behind the wheel — but the dream has been reignited for me! Tell us about your T-Series experiences in the comment section below!
Ah yes, The Red Car. That book started it all, for many of us.
And this car, well its a nice one for sure. And I wouldn’t fit in it either.
Actually, my S-2000 was tough enough.
Have a friend who has one of the PBs. The first time I saw it several years ago I couldn’t believe how similar it was to our ’53 TD. TD had a little more room for people but in the end the design had lasted from the PB through the TA, TC and on to the TD series end in ’54. That’s a lot of model years in anyone’s book.
Just terrific to see the update from Christian about that car:
https://barnfinds.com/i-want-1935-mg-ta-survivor-find/
This one seems like a good deal for someone with the skills to get it running. May not be as nice looking as the car now in Chile, but a great place to start?
Yes, that absolutely made my day!
Great write-up Jamie. And great car. I wish I had it. And the Starfire this week. Barn Finds is too much.
Thank you, Matt! This was my first day riding in almost a month and I tried to put my best foot forward :-)
Looks like it could be a good driver but 11k and you need parts? Does it run? Windshield, side curtains, top, air cleaner etc. Seems overpriced by 5k to me, but that’s just me.
Passed one on I-91 on a wet Friday It had the top up and the side curtains fitted. I presumed he was on the way to Vermont’s British Invasion. It did not look like a fun experience. But I would have loved to have done it.
I am not sure when Britain started building cars again. I think in the immediate post war all production was of utility vehicles like tractors and trucks (lorries).
When passenger vehicles resumed production, they just used 1939 tooling. In 1947 the US was getting new designs, but British vehicles looked like they were form the 30s until the 50s.
They had a bit tougher go of it than we did.
Yes …. many memories! Had driven through my undergraduate years in a TD ; top down all winter in snowstorms, etc. The heater worked but the side screens would ice up as well as the windscreen. No defrosters so you stuck your hand out the window and scrape! TRUE!!! I restored a Mark II, TD about 16 years ago. Has 24 miles on the clock and is a National AA winner.
I think the listed auto is overpriced considering the work it requires and current market. Completing this to full restoration is not doable with its required investment. It should be left as is and driven, not shown as restored but preservation. I would be around $5000 as is plus transport.
So I decided that to need to read “The Red Car”. Lowest price on Amazon: $68 paperback and $454 hardback. I guess I’ll have to remain ignorant.
Mike buy the book from this guy like I did, it’s a lot cheaper: https://www.ebay.com/itm/194543220625?hash=item2d4badf791:g:JqsAAOSw9sNby39r
Thanks, just bought a copy. The big A didn’t even mention that it was being reprinted.
Matt, thanks for the heads up here. I also bought it, just now. I am guessing my original copy and I must have parted ways around 1964.
I had a 1939 TA as my everyday driver when I was an 18 year old apprentice tech. First day out I broke a half shaft. I rang the seller and he informed me that there were three spares in the under bonnet (hood) tool box!
Broken shafts were a common problem on the TA…….
Biggest negative to the TA is the motor & trans. They are prewar technology: puored bearings and a wet clutch with cork discs as a pressure plate. Set these parts aside and install an XPAG engine/trans. (TD or TC) .Won’t hurt value and a better set up where parts are available.
great car, if it was nearer me in Canada I would be bidding. Litle bit of work and you could be driving. Lots of fun and nice patina. I drive a 36 Morris 8 two seater convertable, very similar car, highly recommended.
Ad is gone. I emailed seller on Friday with no reply, so apparently not over-priced!