Expert Buyer

Looking for a motorised companion to play with this summer? Here’s what you need to know before buying one of these archetypal British roadsters

MG TA, TB & TC

If you like your cars from an era when hydraulic brakes were considered cutting edge and clutches were made from bits of trees, you can’t help but be charmed by the perfectlyproportioned MG T- Series.

It’s the first three iterations (TA, TB and TC from 1936 to 1950) that get the purists tingling. That said, few survive in largely original nick. Typically cherished by generations of ‘practical gentlemen’, most have enjoyed decades of tinkering – often with parts from later cars.

‘It’s rare to find one that hasn’t been altered in some way,’ says

Dorset specialist, Mike Rolls. An original TA can exceed 70mph, but it’s a hair-raising experience, so ‘a few upgrades tend to be desirable and don’t hurt the value.’ Owners planning motorway miles typically opt for taller gearing, often from a five-speed Type 9 Ford ‘ box (conversion kits are about £1300), and plenty of TA engines have been replaced with XPAG ones from the TB on. Other acceptable upgrades include an electric fan and mirrors.

Imports are not as common as they once were. Although more T- Series survive in America than the UK, this bias applies mainly to the more numerous MG TD onwards. Earlier cars are best sourced from the UK.

Projects are scarce and command remarkably strong money. ‘The difference in values between decent projects and bad ones is probably not as great as it ought to be, and you can’t get much for less than £15k.’ advises Mike. Keeping your ear to the ground among the specialist clubs and attending one of their many events is always a good call.

‘I think values overall have dropped a little recently,’ says Mike. ‘It’s difficult to say whether they’ll rise again – there are so many variables.’