Lot Ended
Description
Well-maintained and in regular use; current owner 8 years and previous
owner 40+ years; one of only a dozen left in roadworthy condition; older
restoration in good order with a large history file
In production
from February 1937 to September 1939, the MG VA 1.5-litre was the smallest of
the three touring models that MG offered before the war. The VA’s 1,548cc
four-cylinder twin-carburettor engine generated a useful 54bhp and the car could
cruise comfortably at 60mph and top 80mph with the windscreen folded flat.
Other features included a four-speed
synchromesh gearbox, 10” Lockheed hydraulic drum brakes, adjustable Luvax shock
absorbers, sporting 19” wire wheels, built-in chassis lubrication and Jackall
jacking system, and a bumper stabiliser to damp torsional flexing at the front
end. Just 2,407 VA models were produced in total during that short period
(saloon, drophead and open tourer), and all are much sought-after
today.
First registered in London in July 1938,
this VA Tourer has a plaque on the dash suggesting it was supplied new by Squire
Motors of Henley-on-Thames. A buff continuation logbook shows that it was
resident in Wales throughout the 1960s, later moving to Somerset. From 1981 –
2015 it was owned by a Brian Griffin of Bristol who fully restored the MG
and toured Europe in the car with his family.
There are lots of bills
and photos of the car during his long ownership, and lots of interesting
correspondence with the VSCC, the MG Car Club and with previous owners. It seems
that EYM 323 is one of only 12 four-seat VA Tourers known to survive in
roadworthy condition.
Our vendors
acquired the car in 2015 and have continued to use it regularly and to look
after it well, as shown by various invoices on file. An old MOT from 1993
indicates that the odometer was showing 91,424 miles at that date and it is now
showing (1)16,553 miles so it seems to have covered around 25,000 miles in the
last 30 years – regular use being a good sign of a healthy
car!
It has certainly been starting promptly
and running well as we have moved it around on site, with good 40psi oil
pressure. Supplied with a good set of weather gear (hood, sidescreens and
tonneau) which stow neatly behind the rear seats, it also comes with lots of
useful tools, an original instruction book and parts catalogue plus much
technical literature related to the model.
Nicely mellowed and commendably sound and solid, this rare
and well-historied MG only needs an enthusiastic new owner who can continue
to preserve it for future generations to enjoy.
For more information contact James on 07970 309907 or email
[email protected]
* All charges are subject to VAT