1940 MG VA Tickford

Registration No: JPF 421
Chassis No: VA2137
MOT: April 2024

• Winner of ‘First in Class’ and ‘Best MG Overall’ at the MG Car Club 57th Silverstone International Meeting and Concours
• Extensive restoration completed in 2007 and extremely well preserved since
• Subject to over £14,000 expenditure in the last 18 months

The MG VA Tickford holds a significant place in automotive history as a finely crafted automobile that exemplified elegance and engineering excellence during the interwar period. Manufactured by Morris Garages (MG) in collaboration with renowned coachbuilder Salmons & Sons, the MG VA Tickford was introduced in 1937 as a luxurious touring car. It represented MG's foray into the upscale automotive market, offering discerning buyers a combination of style, comfort, and performance. Built on a robust steel ladder-type chassis, the MG VA Tickford featured independent front suspension and semi-elliptical leaf springs at the rear, ensuring a smooth and stable ride. Propelled by a 1.5-liter OHV inline-four engine, producing approximately 54 horsepower, the vehicle delivered respectable performance for its era. However, the true allure of the MG VA Tickford lay in its exquisite craftsmanship. Salmons & Sons, renowned for their meticulous coachwork, crafted the car's body with meticulous attention to detail. The result was a design characterized by graceful lines, subtle curves, and a distinctively styled grille. Inside the cabin, occupants were greeted with a refined interior adorned with high-quality materials and tasteful finishes. From sumptuous leather upholstery to fine wood trim, every element exuded an air of luxury and sophistication. The MG VA Tickford represented an era when meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail were paramount, leaving an indelible mark on the historical landscape of automotive design.

The Tickford Drophead Coupe offered today, Chassis VA2137, left Abingdon as a rolling chassis in December 1938, destined for Salmons & Sons (Tickford) works at Newport Pagnell. Subsequent to the completion of the Tickford coachwork, the MG was registered in Surrey as ‘JPF 421’ in March 1940. There is little known of the car’s early history other than a continuation buff logbook showing it was in the ownership of an Arthur Frasher Birch-Jones in 1963 and a Joseph Nuttall in 1966; both based in Windermere. ‘JPF 421’ would later go on to be discovered on the continent requiring full restoration in the year 2000.

Shortly after its discovery and purchase by the previous owner, this VA underwent an extensive restoration with the majority of work by Hallmark Restoration Ltd. The bodywork and paint was undertaken by I&M Autobody Repairs to an excellent standard and the parts supplied by Tickford body specialists SVW Spares. ‘JPF 421’ benefited from a mildly tuned engine; featuring an overbore to 1708cc, a new camshaft and oil pump and high compression cylinder head. The resulting increase in power of c.25% was driven through a high ratio rear axle, and the car also featured a stainless steel exhaust. Completed in 2007, this lovely Tickford attended the MG Car Club 57th Silverstone International Meeting and Concours on 24th June that year. ‘JPF 421’ was awarded ‘First in Class’ and the ‘Car of the Day’ trophy for ‘Best MG Overall’.

Since its completion, the car saw occasional use and resided in a dehumidified garage until the late previous owner’s passing. It was then sold via Robin Lawton to the current owner in 2021. Since its purchase, ‘JPF 421’ has been subject to over £14,000 expenditure; largely with The Pitstop Ltd. Notable works include in July-November 2022 the engine being removed, stripped and white-metaled. The valve seats and stems re-finished, engine rebuilt, the engine bay meticulously cleaned including ‘every single nut and bolt wire brushed’ and more. In February 2023 the brake shoes were re-assembled, some leaks rectified, points greased and the vehicle serviced and in March 2023 the manifold repaired and ultra-sonic cleaned, the fuel system flushed, carburettors overhauled and set up and further servicing.

Now offered for sale for health reasons, ‘JPF 421’ comes accompanied with a comprehensive history file containing a continuation buff log book, original instruction manual, MG VA brochure, chassis maintenance chart, a large collection of invoices for the restoration work and works undertaken since. As well as this, a copy of the official show guide for the 2007 NEC Classic Car Show in which the vehicle features on the Meguiars stand and is mentioned, an MG Car Club membership pack with magazine and further documentation. The V5C document is also included which displays 2 former keepers and the vehicle comes with an MOT valid until 25th April 2024 with no advisories.

For more information, please contact:
Andreas Hicks
andreas.hicks@handh.co.uk
07943584762