1940 MG VA Tickford Drophead Coupe
1 of just 591 examples made

Registration No: FLJ 518
Chassis No: VA2401S
MOT: Exempt

• Rare Drophead Coupe with coachwork by Salmons Tickford
• Subject to a comprehensive restoration by SVW Spares Ltd (MG SA, VA and WA specialists)
• 1 of just 591 examples made
• Offered with green logbook and documents on the restoration

Manufactured by MG in collaboration with renowned coachbuilder Salmons & Sons, the VA Tickford Three-Position Drophead Coupe 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 VA Tickford was powered by a twin carburettor-fed 1.5 litre engine allied to four-speed manual transmission. However, the true allure of the MG VA Tickford lay in its exquisite craftsmanship. Salmons & Sons built the car's body with meticulous attention to detail. The result was a design characterised 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. Total MG VA Tickford production amounted to just 591 cars.

First registered in Bournemouth on 24^th February 1940, chassis VA/2401/S must have been sold to a person of means / influence if only because taking delivery of a new car five months after the outbreak of World War Two was no easy feat! Surviving the conflict, the MG belonged to Michael Constable Esq of Orpington, Kent by the mid-1960s. Passing through the hands of John Tangye Lean Esq of Kensington (nephew of the celebrated director David Lean) and Trevor Morgan Esq of Honiton thereafter, the VA spent decades off the road before entering the current ownership as a ‘barn find’ in 2014. Undeterred by the Drophead Coupe’s poor condition, the vendor despatched it to SVW Spares Ltd, a restoration company specialising in MG’s SA, VA and WA models. Stripped to a bare chassis, ‘FLJ 518’ underwent an exhaustive restoration over the next five years which saw attention paid to its engine, ash frame, bodywork, interior, electrics, four-speed gearbox, brakes, suspension, steering, instruments and brightwork etc. The work was photographically documented and reportedly carried out on a ‘no expense spared’ basis with the final cost comfortably exceeding the car’s saleroom estimate. Said to ‘run and drive’ beautifully, this elegant MG VA Drophead Coupe is worthy of close inspection. Offered for sale with green logbook, V5C Registration Document, restoration photos and associated bills.

For more information, please contact:
James McWilliam
james.mcwilliam@handh.co.uk
07943 584760