1950 MG YA

ENGINE 1250cc/4-cyl/OHV POWER 46bhp@4800rpm TORQUE 58lb ft@2400rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 71mph 0-60MPH 29.3sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 22-30mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-speed manual MoT 12 months from sale ODOMETER 55,414 miles

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

The XPAG engine fires first time with a steady 50psi oil pressure once warm. Gear selection is slick and the light clutch bites at half travel. Synchro is available on all but first gear and the steering is surprisingly light, even at parking speeds. This MG is willing enough on the move, though the 1250cc motor is happiest around 50mph. The brakes are efficient with rapid, in-line deceleration – impressive for a classic of this era.

BODYWORK CHECK

Scottish Restorations worked on the car in 2003, resulting in the Verdant Green Metallic paint; a Rolls-Royce colour very similar to the original Almond Green. Panel gaps are exact with just the odd chip on the leading edge of the offside bonnet, while the underside shows no signs of patch welding and is protected with an even application of underseal. All difficult-to-reach areas have been Waxoyl injected. The chrome is all original and therefore carries some age and occasional wear, but this adds to the character. The large dual horns are no longer connected, having been replaced by a hidden standard unit. The vendor will replace the perished petrol cap rubber prior to sale.

HOW’S THE INTERIOR?

The interior – fully re-trimmed in soft beige leather with green piping and matching green carpets that show little wear – is this YA’s outstanding feature. The wood around the doors is recent while the dash veneer is perfectly finished, blemish-free and houses octagonal Jaeger gauges containing amps, water temperature, oil pressure and speedometer. The clock doesn’t work but the semaphore indicators do, although additional audible flashers have been added, the fronts located within the original sidelights. The interior was completely restored in 2003 and has seen little use since, thus remains faultless, including the rear window blind operated by a cord above the driver’s seat.

UNDER THE BONNET

The engine dominates the bay area with original Abingdon brass plaques mounted on the immaculate panels. There are a couple of minor oil leaks – one from the cork rocker cover gasket, the other from failed O-rings on the hydraulic jacking system – but both will be rectified prior to sale. The history file is immense, detailing over £30,000 worth of work carried out since the 2003 ground-up resto. Although the mileage cannot be guaranteed it tallies with MoT certificates, which date back to 1967.

THE CCW VIEW

This YA offers pre-war visuals but drives as well as any Sixties classic. The cost of the restoration work carried out in the early 2000s far exceeded this MG’s value back then and the car remains excellent throughout today.

EXTERIOR Exceptional older resto INTERIOR Soft beige leather with perfect deep veneers MECHANICALS Drivetrain above average, everything works correctly