1933/2010 Peter Gregory MG K3 Evocation

Lot details
Registration No: JB 1443
Chassis No: SABTVR0366A277261

- Stunning team car style Mille Miglia evocation by Peter Gregory, the last example built

- 1087cc supercharged engine, Wilson pre-select gearbox, British Racing Green / Apple Green leather

- Twin fillers, rare torpedo lamps, slab tank, hydraulic brakes etc.

The original K3 prototypes were built in the racing department at Abingdon over the winter of 1932, powered by supercharged 1100cc engines on specially made chassis with modified C-type racing bodywork. After initial success on the Monte Carlo Rally, three team cars were prepared for the 1933 Mille Miglia to be driven by Earl Howe / Hugh Hamilton, George Eyston / Count Lurani, and Henry Birkin / Bernard Rubin. Birkin would retire with a broken valve, but the remaining cars went on to break existing class records, taking first and second in class and winning the team prize as well. Driven by the leading drivers of the day, numerous other victories followed and the K3 remained a contender for top class honours in international events for the next couple of years.

The late Peter Gregory, known throughout the world for his expertise and knowledge of the MG marque, was entrusted to restore many notable competition examples and went on to create a limited number of the most exacting evocations of the racing variants. This example was the last produced and built for his own use rather than as a commercial proposition.

A most convincing evocation of one of the 1933 Mille Miglia MG K3 team cars, it is fitted with a 6-cylinder 1087cc engine and Centric 270G supercharger whilst the cable operated large Alfin drum brakes which would have originally been fitted have been upgraded to hydraulic operation using Riley parts. The transmission is a correct Wilson Pre-Selector type gearbox. The racing bodywork is painstakingly crafted to represent a 1933 Mille Miglia works car including a slab tank with twin fillers, cycle wings and the distinctive torpedo side lamps. The paintwork has been finished in British Racing Green as were the works cars with matching painted 19-inch wire wheels. Aero screens, a folding windscreen and full tonneau provide protection from the weather for the driver and passenger.

A large Jaeger tachometer dominates the instrumentation, which includes an oil pressure gauge, oil and water thermometers, fuel gauge, oil tank gauge, ammeter, supercharger boost gauge and supercharger oil pressure gauge. Gregory's attention to detail was extensive and a dash mounted KiGass hand pump is also fitted to prime the fuel system to assist cold starts. Running both a magneto and dynamo set up, a cut-off for the racing battery and USB point are also fitted.

In the current ownership the car has been re-registered under the 'works style' number JB 1443, adding to its appeal, whilst the accompanying Swansea V5 records a DVLA issued chassis number. With prices and availability of original examples making them a dream for many, this stunning looking evocation represents an extremely useable and sensible alternative.