1934-36 MG PA/PB MIDGET

This is pre-war motoring at its most immediate and exciting, before MG was ordered by Lord Nuffield to stop mucking about and start making its sports cars profitably. The PA blends one of the era’s more sophisticated engines – a Morris-derived, 850cc overhead-cam job – with flyweight engineering, and the result is a hugely entertaining B-road hit. The fidgety steering and crash gearbox make you work for your kicks, but get it right and this is one of the most rewarding two-seaters out there. Utterly wonderful.

BUYING TIPS

FUN TO DRIVE? Test-drive one first and ask if it’s the right MG for you. It’s hugely impressive, but the later T-type models are easier to live with and better supported – if that’s more your bag, turn to page 48.

CORROSION Bodies can be prone to rot, so make sure you take the time to check everywhere – from the front door bottoms to the wings and scuttle.

FINDING PARTS As with many pre-war cars, engines and spare parts for them are extremely difficult to get hold of now – many parts will have to be specially made. MG PA/PB MIDGET ENGINE 839cc/4-cyl/OHC POWER 43bhp@5500rpm TORQUE Unknown MAXIMUM SPEED 75mph 0-60MPH 27.4sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 28-32mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-speed manual

WHAT TO PAY CONCOURS £40,000+ // GOOD £30,000-35,000 // USABLE £22,500-27,500 // PROJECT £12,500-17,500