1939 MG WA Tickford Drophead Coupe

Lot details
Registration No: FNE 845
Chassis No: WA0463
Mot Expiry: Feb 2013

The MG WA was unveiled at the 1938 London Motorshow and was the most luxurious and imposing model ever to wear the famous Octagon badge. Based on a sturdy box-section ladder-frame chassis equipped with all-round semi-elliptic leaf-sprung suspension, the newcomer employed the same 10-foot 3-inch wheelbase as its SA stablemate, but benefited from a widened rear track and larger 14-inch drum brakes. Powered by a 2.6-litre OHV straight-six engine allied to four-speed manual transmission, the WA was capable of 85mph and sustained high-speed cruising. Available with a choice of Saloon (£442), Tickford Drophead Coupe (£468) or Charlesworth Tourer (£450) coachwork, the MG flagship was somewhat more expensive than its main SS Jaguar rival. Though by way of compensation, each variant boasted a beautifully trimmed cabin complete with generously upholstered leather seats, finely finished wood veneers and a striking instrument panel housing octagonal gauges. Cut short by the intervention of WWII, total WA production is thought to have amounted to just 369 cars, c.52 of which were Tickford three-position Drophead Coupes by Salmons & Sons. Probably only 20 or so of these remain today, of which the sale car has to be one of the finest examples.

`FNE 845' features two-tone Green coachwork and a Beige leather interior, and was the subject of an extensive restoration in late 1999/2000, having been rescued from a scrapyard in Worksop by a former keeper. The initial refurbishment work was performed by the late Richard Beresford of Land Rover fame. Thereafter, the project was taken over by Peter Ratcliffe of SVW Restorations - a leading international specialist for MG's SA, VA and WA models. A new ash frame was constructed and the main bodywork recreated using aluminium rather than steel in the interests of both lightness and longevity, while the new wings and running boards were fabricated from steel. As the then owner intended to employ the MG on international historic rallies, the refurbishment featured a variety of related upgrades, including: raising the engine's compression ratio to 7:1; equipping the gearbox with new bearings; and installing Koni dampers, uprated springs and twin leading shoe front brakes. The exterior brightwork, wire wheels, interior trim, carpets, walnut facia and door cappings were all attended to and refurbished/renewed as required.

The bonnet is louvered on the top and sides, the SU carburettors are well insulated and there is a special fan-driven ventilation system. A later distributor is linked to a Lumenition Magnetron ignition. The fuse system is located in the armrest between the front seats and there is a binnacle mounted on the gearbox tunnel which houses a volt meter, telephone point and typical rally switches. The car has been converted to negative earth, and there is the usual competition car isolator switch, plus one for the two 12-volt batteries, that's hidden behind and under the rear seats as part of the battery management system. Other rally-inspired additions include a Belmog gearbox-driven tachometer and a high output dynamo.

In that keeper's hands `FNE 845' completed numerous events including: the winter challenge to Monte Carlo, a classic run to Cortina, the Scottish Malts and the New Zealand Kiwi Rally (December 2006). The MG apparently finished in the medals in all except the first, and was joint winner of the New Zealand one, in addition to receiving two other prizes for the best-prepared car. Since acquiring the WA from Coys 2009 sale at MG Live!, Silverstone, the vendor has successfully completed a couple of such events, including the 2012 Flying Scotsman rally from London to Edinburgh. This splendid MG is now available for a new keeper to enjoy, either as MG originally intended or as a very well sorted historic road rally car.

PLEASE NOTE: This vehicle has an MOT until Feb 2013.