Footnotes

• 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 2,322cc in 1937. With 75bhp propelling a car weighing around a ton-and-a-half, acceleration was necessarily leisurely; nevertheless, the SA could cruise comfortably at 60-70mph and had a genuine top speed approaching 85mph. 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.
  This particular SA saloon, chassis number 'SA 444', has one of the rare, early, alloy four-speed gearboxes with synchromesh on the top two gears only. The car originally left the Abingdon factory on 28th April 1936, the original paint colour being black, and was fitted with engine number 'QPHG 0688'. This engine was subsequently changed by the factory, which installed 'QPHG 605' on 15th November 1936. Records do not give a reason for the exchange but '605' had had a busy life, having been fitted to 'SA 0358' on 15th April 1936 then removed on 5th October 1936 at the factory before being fitted to 'SA 444'. The original engine 'QPHG 0688' was fitted to 'SA 1342' on 6th May 1937 according to the SVW Register records.
  'BOY 451' is believed to have undergone a 'body off' restoration in the 1990s and more recently has benefited from a bare-metal repaint and re-chroming of the radiator grille and front bumper. New front springs, shock absorbers and a reconditioned water pump have been fitted within the past five years. We are advised that the car has a strong engine that starts easily and displays healthy oil pressure of 80psi. The sunroof is operational and it is reported that all instruments work correctly. Finished in Royal Blue/silver with blue leather interior, this rare MG sports saloon is offered with (copy) workshop manual, old-style logbook (1945-1965), MoT to July 2012, Swansea V5 document and expired MoTs dating back to 2003. Chromed wire wheels, an electric cooling fan and discreetly mounted flashing indicators are the only notified deviations from factory specification.
  

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Category: Motoring / Motor Cars

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