1938 MG TA

This 1938 MG TA is said to be one of 206 Tickford drophead coupes produced and was originally sold in England. The car reportedly received a cosmetic and mechanical refurbishment in Nova Scotia before moving to California in the early 2000s. It was acquired by the seller in 2007 and has since been on display in the showroom of the seller’s restoration shop. Power comes from a 1292cc OHV inline-four paired with a 4-speed manual gearbox, and a 2017 service included a brake system inspection and tune-up. The car has been shown at several GoF West events during the seller’s ownership and is offered with a clean California title. Originally finished gunmetal gray, the car was repainted in its current “crackers and cream” scheme under previous ownership in Nova Scotia. Rusty areas were said to have been repaired prior to the paintwork, and the car was subsequently showed in a concours event in Maine. Photos taken soon after completion of the work can be found in the gallery below. The drophead coupe was built by Salmons & Sons Ltd. under the name Tickford and featured wind-up windows, an insulated 3-position convertible top, an upright grille with chrome surround, and wire wheels. Suspension consists of front and rear sliding trunnions, while braking is handled by Lockheed hydraulic drum brakes all around. The interior is trimmed in beige and includes a telescopic steering column, wind-up windows, and a fixed windshield. The wooden dash houses a Jaeger speedometer, odometer, and other instrumentation including an odometer showing 11k miles. A handful of miles have been added by the seller since 2007. Power is from a 1292cc overhead-valve 4-cylinder with dual SU sidedraft carburetors. The engine produced 52 horsepower when new and shifts through a 4-speed manual gearbox with synchromesh.