Background
Although introduced in 1947, the new MG saloon had been good to go prior to the advent of World War II. Named the One and a Quarter Litre saloon, or Y-Type, its Morris Eight Series E stablemate provided the underlying basis.
Its all-steel body featured bodywork modifications to the front and rear – specifically, the adoption of a swept tail and rear wings, and a vertical chrome slat radiator, to endow it with a traditional MG aesthetic.
Underneath though, it sat on an entirely new chassis. All new too, was the independent front suspension, designed by Alec Issigonis, and soon to be found on the more overtly sporting T-Type Midget. Specification elsewhere remained high, with rack-and-pinion steering, a four-speed all-synchromesh gearbox, and a 46bhp single-carburettor version of the 1250cc XPAG engine.
A well-appointed interior added a touch of luxury to a car that cruised beautifully and could lend its hand to spirited driving when required. Owners too, could show off by utilising its unique Smiths ‘Jackall’ four-wheel hydraulic jacking system, which allowed all four wheels to be lifted off the ground for maintenance.
In 1951 an improved version (later termed the YB, with its predecessor retrospectively becoming the YA), with smaller wheels, a front anti-roll bar, hypoid rear axle, uprated brakes and stronger shock absorbers arrived.
Those of an open air bent could also opt for the drop-top YA version, although most found their way to the antipodean market. MG shifted an impressive 8000 units of all flavour Y type – not bad, for what was essentially a pre-war design.
Surviving examples very rarely come up for sale. As an older restoration, the understated YA below provides a charmingly patinated example.
