1937 MG VA CHARLESWORTH TOURER

1937 MG VA CHARLESWORTH TOURER
Sold for US$ 31,900 Including Commission
Bonham's auction, Amelia Island, Florida 2015
Chassis no. VA/0549T
Engine no. TPBG 788
1,548cc 4-Cylinder Engine
58hp
Dual SU Side Draft Carburetors
4-Speed Transmission – Synchros on Three and Four
4-Wheel Lockheed hydraulic brakes
*Current ownership for eight decades
*Well maintained and delightfully presented
*Good example of a rare pre-war MG
*Very usable car with great road manners
THE MG VA
Launched at the 1936 Motor Show, the VA was the second all-new MG model to be introduced following the company's acquisition by Morris Motors, the first being the SA. Although based on the Wolseley Super Six and aimed at the luxury car market, the SA received sufficient input from MG founder and designer Cecil Kimber to transform it into a car worthy of the famous octagon badge. Likewise the VA, or 1½-Liter, shared its 1,548cc four-cylinder overhead valve engine with the Morris 12/4 and Wolseley 12/48. As installed in the VA, this unit featured twin SU carburetors and produced 54bhp, which gave the VA spirited performance. The VA could cruise comfortably at 60mph and had a genuine top speed of over 75mph, with more to come from the tourer once the windscreen was folded flat. Synchromesh made its appearance on 3rd and top gears for the first time in an MG saloon. A Tickford-bodied drophead coupé and Charlesworth open tourer completed the range. By the time production ceased in 1939, 2,407 VAs of all types had left the factory.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
This fine VA was purchased in England and brought to the Boston area in 1938. In 1939 it was acquired by the vendor's father from the original owners. The car has been used regularly but sparingly in the 75 years since.
The car resided in Brookline, MA, Brookfield, MA, and Newport, RI before finally settling on Cape Cod where it has spent most of its life. A well-known car in the region, its owner regularly drove it to the country club and the ice cream stand with his Great Dane riding shot gun.
After 50 years of regular but careful use, the MG VA was entrusted to Classic Coachworks of Hyannis to restore the car. Classic Coachworks had maintained the MG for many years prior and was familiar with what needed to be done to bring it back to like-new condition. The car was resprayed in its original black paint. The paint job, which cost $2k, looks amazingly fresh today; the interior was retrimmed in the correct green hides per its original specification.
Having recently been demonstrated for a Bonhams specialist, the car proved surprisingly lively and carved the twisty Cape Cod roads with great precision. The engine delivered good power and the transmission shifted easily.
An MG VA is a rare sight in America. To find one with the splendid continuous history this one has is a very special opportunity.
More Info Here: www.bonhams.com/auctions/22530/lot/161/?category=results&length=90&page=2
Robert Myrick Photography