1938 MG VA Tourer

“JD 9565” was first registered in July 1938 and would have cost its first owner the princely sum of £280. Not much is know about the MG’s early history but we do know that when it was purchased by a previous owner in 1969, it was in pretty rough shape. Two photos, which can be viewed in the gallery below, show the VA with its then owner who took on the brave project. The restoration stalled for many years before it was finally acquired by the current owner in December 1999. Affectionally calling the car “Vera”, the VA was treated to a complete ground up restoration by the current owner over a seven year period. No expense was spared which saw the pre-war sports car restored to its former glory.

Today the MG VA Tourer presents in very fine condition indeed and looks very sharp in MG red with a contrasting cream interior and a tan mohair hood.

The Morris Bodies two door coachwork is an attractive shape which is set off by the instantly recognisable upright MG chrome grill.

Vera’s bright red paint is in very good order with only a few marks noted. There is a small chip on the edge the drivers door, which is shown in the photos below.

Setting off the Morris Bodies coachwork are the painted wire wheels which are finished with chrome knockoffs. And the 19” wheels are fitted with a set of period correct Blockley cross ply tyres which have good tread.

During its restoration a brand new tan mohair hood was fitted along with new side screens, which makes the MG an all weather Tourer. The hood and screens are in very nice shape and have clearly had little use.

The sports tourers chrome is also in nice condition and is the jewellery that finishes off this very lovely pre-war sports car.

As this was a no expense spared restoration, Vera was treated to a new cream leather interior which goes very well with its red exterior. The leather trim is in very nice shape with only small signs of use present. 

New carpet was also fitted along with front and rear seat belts, which the current owner added so they could take their grandchildren out for drives in the vintage MG.

The wood dashboard with its fantastic art deco era gauges presents in excellent shape and is set off by the classic MG four spoke steering wheel. The owner notes it has been modified to add a period correct indicator switch from a VA saloon. As the car was an open tourer, MG expected its drivers to use their arms for turn signals. While waving ones arms about may be apt for the period of this car, modern day indicators are a welcome upgrade.

The front windscreen folds down nicely and in this position it was said to increase top speed by an additional 6MPH.

Vera also comes with a fitted tonneau cover which protects the interior when the roof is stowed.

The MG was treated to a full mechanical overhaul which took place from 2010 until the cars restoration was completed in 2017. This was carried out by marque specialists Chisbon Restorations in Essex and the owners believes less than 1,000 miles has been covered since the restoration was completed.

Under the bonnet resides the 1.5 litre engine which produced 54BHP. The current owner notes that this engine is a correct replacement MG VA engine, which was stripped and rebuilt in 2010.

Also refurbished were the MG’s 4 speed gearbox, suspension and brakes, which is detailed in the numerous invoices below. 

The engine bay itself presents in very clean condition and still looks fresh after the cars restoration. 

The current owner upgraded the dynamo to a modern dynator and also fitted an electric fan. Other upgrades include a high ratio crown wheel and a stainless steel exhaust system. 

A new battery was also fitted in April of this year.

They add that the MG was recently attended to by Weald Service Station of Goudhurst on 21st May 2024. They addressed difficult starting and a misfire by cleaning out the fuel system and carburettors and fixed two damaged push rods.

They go on to say that the original Jackall system is installed but is not operational. And the Luvax shock absorber adjustment system is believed to be functional but has never been used.

Vera comes with an old style buff log book and one patina heavy tax disc from 1961. 

As mentioned earlier there are two old photos in the history file from 1969, which show the MG before its first restoration started.

The owner adds that there is an extensive photographic record on file of the restoration carried out by Chisbon Restorations.

The MG VA Tourer has the V5C in the owners name, an expired MOT Certificate from 2015 and comes with two sets of keys.

When you close your eyes and imagine what a pre-war British convertible sports car looks like, an MG is always the first to spring to mind. With its upright grill, wire wheels and Morris Bodies coachwork, the MG VA is arguably the most quintessentially British pre-war sports car. And it is one forever associated with the fly boys and hero pilots of the RAF thanks to all those nostalgic black and white matinee films we used to watch on those Sunday afternoons. This lovely and very rare 1938 MG VA Tourer has clearly been a labour of love and presents in very fine condition. With summer calling, Vera is now ready for some new adventures.

Therefore, our estimate for this car is £15,000 - £20,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located with the vendor in Tenterden, Kent. Viewings are strictly by appointment.  To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.