Lot details
Registration No: MG 445
Chassis No: 2/M1360
Mot Expiry: April 2007

Introduced at the October 1928 London Motor Show, the M-Type proved to be a landmark model for MG. Smaller, lighter and cheaper than anything the marque had yet produced, the newcomer was based around a stepped ladder-frame chassis equipped with all-round semi-elliptic leaf-sprung suspension and four-wheel drum brakes. Inspired by WW1 aero-engine practice, its SOHC 847cc four-cylinder engine developed 20bhp @ 4,000rpm (rising to 27bhp during 1930) and was allied to three-speed manual transmission (though, a four-speed gearbox would later become optional). While, most M-types wore Carbodies coachwork in either open 'Boat-Tail' tourer or closed 'Sportsman' coupe guises, some were supplied as bare chassis. Priced from £175, the diminutive MG was reputedly capable of 64mph and 40mpg. Decidedly compact (6ft6in wheelbase / 3ft6in track), it garnered considerable competition success taking gold medals in the 1929 Land's End Trial and a class win in the 1930 Brooklands 'Double Twelve'. Although total production is thought to have amounted to 3,325 cars (1928-1932), survivors are comparatively scarce today.

First registered on April 12th 1930, 'MG 445' has changed hands just four times in the last sixty-five years. The subject of a sympathetic older restoration, it sports a V-shaped windscreen, J2-style cutaway doors, 'MG' fasteners, 1953 tax disc, Rotax instrument panel, adjustable seat back and Royal Aero Club Associate badge. Starting readily on inspection, the M-Type houses a jack, spare wheel, hood and sidescreens within its boat-tail. A truly enchanting little car, 'MG 445' is offered for sale with buff logbook, sundry correspondence, Octagon Car Club ephemera, MOT certificate valid until April 26th 2007 and historic class (free) road tax valid until June 30th 2007.