1931 MG M-Type Two-Seater Tourer
Coachwork by Jarvis

Registration No: GP 1856
Chassis No: 3044
MOT: Exempt

• Extremely rare Jarvis-Bodied M-Type
• Used extensively.
• Converted to 4 speed box with remote gear lever
• Phoenix crank with steel rods and four branch manifiold
• Original parts with car

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.

A rare coachbuilt M-Type that was bodied in metal by Jarvis with a decent luggage space behind the seats, Extensively used and enjoyed during the current ownership, the MG has been subtly uprated. Thus, its engine boasts a Phoenix crankshaft, steel conrods, downdraught carburettor and four-branch manifold, while the transmission has been upgraded using a period four-speed gearbox with remote linkage. The distributor has an automatic advance and retard set-up, the front springs have been cord bound and the rear brake drums replaced etc. More recent work has seen the batteries renewed and the petrol pump and starter motor overhauled. The hood is complemented by a full tonneau cover but there are no sidescreens. Offered for sale with V5C Registration Document and an assortment of original parts should a new owner wish to return the M-Type to standard specification.

The car's specification includes:

Phoenix counterbalanced crankshaft

Steel conrods (replacing weak Duralumin rods)

12/12 setup with downdraft carburettor and 4-branch exhaust manifold

Period 4-speed gearbox and remote

New twin batteries (2 months ago)

Overhauled petrol pump (2months ago)

Overhauled starter motor (2 months ago)

Distributor with automatic advance/retard

Advance/retard linkage on steering column.

Two homs Klaxon (button on steering column) & standard (on the dash)

Jarvis plaque on scuttle reverse side

Jarvis original tax disc holder.

Jarvis car number 30 plaque on the front of firewall

Jarvis embossed script in door pockets

Speedometer working but needs recalibrating to suit a 4-speed gearbox

Calorimeter on top of radiator (as no water: temperature gauge-in dash)

Battery isolator switch on driver’s side floor, alongside starter button

Front springs cord bound

New brake drums

New stainless steel wheel nuts

Full tonneau and hood (no sidescreens)