1938 MG TA Tickford Drophead
A rare and desirable TA Tickford, fully restored by Alastair Naylor

Registration No: ETF 647
Chassis No: TA 2687
MOT: Exempt

• 1 of just 37 examples that rolled off the production line in 1939, from a total of c.260 produced
• Matching numbers example and reputed just three owners from new
• Rare and desirable TA Tickford bodied by Salmons & Sons
• Fully restored by Fullbridge Carriage Company and marque specialist Alistair Naylor of Naylor Brothers to the very highest of standards
• Over £70,000 worth of restoration expenditure

The first of the famous MG T-series line, the TA was introduced in 1936. Larger, faster and more comfortable than its PB predecessor, the newcomer was powered by an MPJG 1292cc OHV engine that developed some 50bhp @ 4,800rpm. Allied to four-speed manual transmission, it endowed the two-seater with a nigh-on 80mph top speed. Traditionalists may have decried the adoption of a less exotic powerplant, insulating rubber engine mounts and - after a while - synchromesh on 3rd and 4th gears but the TA had accounted for 3,003 sales by the time production ceased in 1939. To bridge the gap between the two-seat roadster and the more substantial VA Series, a new version of the TA was launched in 1938 - the Tickford Drophead Coupé. Built by Salmons & Sons, the new model featured a telescopic steering column, a three-position insulated Landau top, wind-up windows paired with full-height doors, and a windscreen that could be opened for ventilation.

This particular TA Tickford is one of just 37 examples that rolled off the production line in 1939 before the factory began to concentrate on its wartime responsibilities, with the TA completed by Salmons in February 1939. Classically finished in Black paintwork with a splendid cockpit in Burgundy leather with Crimson carpets, a varnished dashboard and door caps, and unmarked Silver 19" wire wheels, the engine bay is very impressive and superbly detailed throughout, even down to a full complement of tools that still reside in the engine bay toolbox. Entering into current ownership in 2001 as a barn-find, the exhaustive restoration that followed had an expenditure total of some £70,000, with photographs, videos, and invoices documenting the whole process present.

The comprehensive restoration (approximately 12 years ago now) was completed by the Fullbridge Carriage Company, and Alistair Naylor of Naylor Brothers finished the TA to the very highest of standards, as you might expect from one of the industry's leading marque specialists. With a restoration that took almost eight years to come to fruition, as you can imagine, every area of the MG received attention, resulting in ‘ETF 647’ surely one of the very best extant! Even though it has been used as intended, attending events all over the UK and Europe and not kept as a show piece, it would hold its head high on any show field even today.

Recently benefiting from a refurbished water pump in 2023, last year the TA received new batteries and a full overhaul of the dynamo and regulator. One of the most desirable iterations of pre-war Midget, further benefitting not only from the elegant Salmons & Sons coachwork but also from the rarity and desirability that special bodywork entails. Understood to have had just three owners since 1939, this matching numbers MG with buff logbook is not one that will not disappoint and is ready to be pressed into action once again.

For more information, please contact:
Paul Cheetham
paul.cheetham@handh.co.uk
07538 667452