View full gallery (157)

1930 MG M Type

reserve not met
8 Bids
8:00 PM, 20 Oct 2021Auction ended
Highest bid

€15,000

reserve not met

Background

Often referred to as the 8/33, the MG M type was launched at the London Motor Show in 1928, after sales of the larger MG cars started to drop due to the economic climate at the time. The M Type was designed to bring new MG ownership to another sector of the market, and it is rumoured that the sales of the smaller car could have saved the company. At a cost of £185, the MG was reported to be good for 65mph.

From the beginning, early cars were produced at the Cowley factory, but from 1930 onwards, production was moved over to the Abingdon site, where the manufacturing of the first affordable sports car continued. The early bodies, such as this one we have here, were a fabric covered wood frame, before they changed to an all metal body in 1931.

The engine in the MG is a 847cc four-cylinder overhead camshaft engine, producing 20 bhp and was quoted by Autocar as saying, “Sixty or Sixty Five miles an hour are not adventure but delight, acceleration is very brisk, altogether an extraordinarily fascinating little vehicle”. What more needs to be said about the MG M Type.

  • 1198
  • 1969
  • 847
  • Manual
  • green/black
  • red/leather
  • Right-hand drive
Vehicle location
Manzano, Italy

Background

Often referred to as the 8/33, the MG M type was launched at the London Motor Show in 1928, after sales of the larger MG cars started to drop due to the economic climate at the time. The M Type was designed to bring new MG ownership to another sector of the market, and it is rumoured that the sales of the smaller car could have saved the company. At a cost of £185, the MG was reported to be good for 65mph.

From the beginning, early cars were produced at the Cowley factory, but from 1930 onwards, production was moved over to the Abingdon site, where the manufacturing of the first affordable sports car continued. The early bodies, such as this one we have here, were a fabric covered wood frame, before they changed to an all metal body in 1931.

The engine in the MG is a 847cc four-cylinder overhead camshaft engine, producing 20 bhp and was quoted by Autocar as saying, “Sixty or Sixty Five miles an hour are not adventure but delight, acceleration is very brisk, altogether an extraordinarily fascinating little vehicle”. What more needs to be said about the MG M Type.

Overview

This lovely 1930 MG M type started life at the Abingdon factory as one of the first affordable sports cars to be offered by a manufacturer.

It is reported that the MG was restored by a UK specialist in 1991. At this point it was also installed with the later type remote control J2 gearbox, improving the gear change and driveability of the M type.

The MG then spent the next 5 years in the UK until 1996, when it was shipped off to Italy, where it currently resides.

Exterior

The MG is finished in what is believed to be, or very close to, the original colour, which looks to be British Racing Green with Black wings. Constructed from a wooden frame with a fabric covering, the MG is in an extremely well presented condition. Not so long ago the car was treated to a fresh coat of paint to the bonnet and wings, purely to freshen it up.

Looking around the car, the bonnet aligns well and the wings look to fit nice and straight. The doors fit nicely against the body and open and close as they should. There are no real chips or marks to mention, as no real use has been given to the car since the respray. Moving up from the bonnet, and the windscreen is in good condition, with just a few age related marks to it, and the frame is in good condition.

The grille does have some slight signs of pitting under the chrome finish, and the same can be said for the mirrors and headlight surrounds. That said, it is only light, and when you think how old the MG is, it can be considered to be in good condition for the age of the vehicle. The headlight glass is free from any chips or cracks.

Just in case you get caught in a shower, there is a tonneau cover which can be used to cover the whole interior or just the passenger side, if you are feeling brave enough to drive home in some rain.

Interior

Inside the M Type has been retrimmed, possibly at the time of the restoration in 1991. The leather is in good condition with just some age related creasing to the base of the seats. The door cards have been covered in the same material and are in good order, with just a few light scuffs.

The wooden floor looks to be in good condition with no obvious signs of excessive wear.

Sitting in the driver’s seat you are faced with the original large four-spoke steering wheel, and just behind is the wooden fascia dashboard. The Rotax dashboard instruments all appear to be in good condition, with the odometer reading 1,970 miles, but the authenticity of this can not be verified.

Mechanical

Underneath the MG M all looks to be in relatively good order. There is some slight surface corrosion on some parts of the chassis, but this could easily be freshened up to save any unwanted corrosion creeping in.

The 847 cc engine has been given a fresh set of white metal bearings to ensure the smooth running of the MG’s engine. The car starts up as it should and runs nice and smoothly. The drive is reported to be as you would expect, and the gear change is as it should be. Bringing the car to a halt are the hydraulic brakes, which have been upgraded from rod brakes.

The chassis has been confirmed to be the original MG one. The engine is correct in every detail but the number on the block does not appear to be an M type number.

History

A well presented 1930 MG M Type, with a nice history file offering plenty of reading for the new owner, which dates back to the early 1990’s.

The MG also comes with a letter of authenticity confirming the build date and numbers of the vehicle. The letter also states that it still has the original registration number it was issued with.

Summary

A nice chance to own a piece of the MG story with a 1930 M Type. In good running order and with just a little amount of fettling to do to the underside before any corrosion starts to creep in. Perfect for the handy DIY mechanic who loves to tinker about in the garage with a classic.

Who will be the one to carry on this MG M’s journey?

We estimate that this British classic will bring in the region of €23,000 - €30,000.

Viewing is always encouraged and as stated this car is located in Manzano, Italy. To arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing to make an appointment. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.

About this auction

Seller

Private: private

Viewings Welcome

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and is strictly by appointment. To book one in the diary, please get in contact.

2d76bef2-3165-4b01-b6ef-745c15e6d45f/preview-5986b6b0-0a52-4850-bb27-28a0f714252e.jpg?optimizer=image&width=650&quality=90&format=jpg image

Thinking of selling your MG