1938 MG TA Tickford

Often, when weighing up a classic car, it’s as interesting (and important) to learn about the people around the car, as well as look at the machine itself. And, with that in mind, you immediately start to take note.

This fully restored and very smart-looking black with tan hood/interior MG TA ‘Deluxe Tourer’ was bought by the present owner - actually the chairman of the vintage section of the MG Owners’ Club - in 2012. A veteran racer and collector of the earlier cars, it had been recommended to to him by an equally knowledgeable and discerning chap; the overall Club chairman.

‘I bought it from the wife of the man who rebuild the car,’ explains Patrick, the owner. ‘He’d done a superb job in restoring it and I couldn’t resist when offered such a beautiful car. (And this coming from a collector who is more inclined towards the cut-down racing machines than the tourers).

The previous owner/restorer had bought the car on his retirement (from a career in engineering). Its rebuild would become his hobby - though the word shouldn’t in any way diminish the standard and meticulous nature of the work done. A full photographic record accompanies the car, as well as a comprehensive list of parts, jobs and invoices - some 20 years-worth - on what was already a solid and respectable machine.

However, the rebuilder gave the TA another trick up its sleeve - or exhaust pipe. Alongside new paint, a re-trim and re-chroming, the MG was treated to an upgrade to the MG TC drivetrain, which offered more speed and power. ‘It’s faster and the gear change is a lot better,’ emphasises Patrick; ‘The TC ’box has much better synchromesh.’ It’s perhaps worth noting that the engineer had previously refettled the TA engine, but just wanted to go that extra mile.

Ruminating on the MG as a whole, Patrick says; ‘it’s not a racer’ (and he’s had a few of those), ‘but it’s a beautifully put-together, reliable, good-looking car that’s just nice to drive.’

These Tickford MGs look smart in most any colour, but there’s something about black that really brings out the sharp, minimal lines of this diminutive two-door. The paint retains a deep gloss across all panels and surfaces, and apart from a couple of very small blemishes, maintains the highest of standards. Bonnet, door and mud guard edges are scuff/chip-free and the panels themselves line up very neatly. We can't see any dents in the bodywork to interrupt the smooth flow of all those vaguely Art Deco lines and the beading between the body and mudguards is even and snugly-fitting. The car looks very straight side to side.

Like the coachwork, the chrome and bright metal retain a deep shine, with no sign of rust, bluing or pitting in the metal. All the lights appear firmly mounted - and point in the right direction - and their lenses are clean. The vanes in the tall radiator grill are straight and the enamelled MG crest atop the grill retains all of its colour and detail. (The one on the spare wheel spinner is similarly nice). It’s good to see how tidy the edges around details and the numerous bolts are, as well as the areas where different materials and metals meet - no ripples in the paint or ‘frayed’ edges. And no rust or grime in the bonnet fasteners. Look too at the window seals - sometimes a dodgy area - but again, very nicely executed.

All in all, very very tidy.

It’s tricky to maintain that delicate balance between restoration and the more natural patina of the years, but the restorers have managed that perfectly with this car. The sand-coloured leather seats retain all of their shape - the backs straight with tidy ribbing and fairly firm-looking seat cushions. Like all of the leather, they retain their colour nicely with no scuffs, dirt or discolouration. (Okay, maybe there’s a little on the bottoms of the door cars where they meet the bodywork). Nothing looks tired, nor sags, though there is just enough bend or rounding of materials to tip a nod to the car’s age.

Similarly, the woodwork has the dull sheen of respectful use and handling. And again, it’s the small details which suggest how carefully the MG has been restored and kept.

 Instruments are clean, fully functioning and their surrounds bright. Take a look around the edges of switches and knobs, how straight their fitting and the lack of fading or scratches from nails or rings. Note too the screws that secure the dash panel, door cards, the steering wheel or the strike plates in the doors. All are clean, free of rust or dirt, and, best of all, inserted at exactly the right angle.

The roof too is very tidy. It shows a little more weathering (and there is a very tiny fray just above the driver’s window), but it retains all of its colour and holds its shape perfectly. Its underside is as good as the exterior and all its components are present and correct and operate and fold as they should. The mats and carpets are pretty clean and those surrounding the transmission tunnel nicely trimmed.

The car’s open Thirties design allows for a very thorough inspection of the underside and running gear, enabling you to see that there is no visible rust, damage repair or anything less than excellent restoration. Chassis components are as nicely finished as the coachwork; smoothly painted, clean and very sturdy looking. Suspension and brakes assemblies are free-moving and look to be in very good order (the present owner had the front drums repainted), and the spokes of the wire wheels are straight and - yes - very clean. The MG-logo’d knock-off spinners retain the same excellent finish and deep shine as the rest of the chrome work. The car has only covered some 2000 miles since completing restoration - the tyres will attest to that - and remains very robust underneath.

Even with all this so far mentioned excellence, its hard not to see the engine bay as the car’s best feature. Although obviously not totally ‘authentic’ (remember this is a TC drivetrain, not a TA), nearly every item is otherwise ‘correct’ (I’m liking the braided hoses) and sitting in exactly the right place.

The rocker cover and SU carburettors retain a dull sheen while black surfaces also retain a consistency of finish and condition. There is no evidence of leaks or overheating.

Again, it is the details which set this car apart from less meticulous restorations. No matter how closely you look; clips, bolts, brackets or joins in pipes - there is no matching of components that is off kilter nor areas of the engine bay that have been allowed to deteriorate. All metals appear polished to their best lustre - and then there’s that tasty, handled-just-enough tool kit also. Mmmmmmmmm.

There isn’t an overall ‘service history’ of the MG as such. But the most important thing to consider is the car’s restoration and the very comprehensive set of pictures and documentation pertaining to it.

That in effect reset the car’s history to year zero, and since that time it has covered little more than 2000 miles. It’s also worth noting that the later owners of the TA were well-informed and experienced - dyed-in-the-wool - MG folk. You can probably take their excellent stewardship as a given.

The vendor wanted to add that he entered the car in the MG Club DAY at Brooklands in 2012 and 2013 and won the PRE WAR Concours - FIRST PLACE. In 2019 again at Brooklands for the Best Vintage Award. He still has the Award Trophies to confirm this!

We’re not sure it gets much better than this - condition, spec (just the right upgrades without losing period feel) and owner ‘pedigree’. Yes, we know; we can’t quite tick the totally ‘authentic’ TA box, but as a loved and cared-for, fully-fettled, ready to go, pre-war tourer…it’s gorgeous. All it needs is a driver.

MG TA Tickfords are pretty special and as a result are sitting between £45,000 and £55,000 at the moment, and we would have no hesitation in bidding towards the higher figure for this for this superb example.

Inspection is always encouraged (within Govt. guidelines of course), and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; to arrange an appointment 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, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.