1938 MG SA

This 1938 MG SA is a right-hand-drive sport saloon that was reportedly sold new in Cumbria, England and remained in the UK until 1974. It then spent over two decades in the US and Canada, before being imported back to the UK in 1995. The seller is based in the US but purchased the car in Europe in 2017, for use in the 2018 and 2019 Mille Miglia Storica. Finished in two-tone blue over a navy leather interior, the car is powered by a 2.3-liter OHV inline-six paired with a four-speed manual gearbox. A handful of event-focused upgrades are fitted, including twin-leading shoe front brakes, telescopic shocks, driving lamps, and a secondary fuel pump. A new clutch was installed this year, and the seller also had four new Excelsior tires fitted during his ownership along with new brake lines and new batteries. Mechanical support and post-event storage over the last few years has been provided by The Houtkamp Collection, a Dutch dealership that is now offering the car in the Netherlands on behalf of the seller. Records from recent service are included along with a FIVA A3 identification card, Guernsey registration, and a bill of sale from Houtkamp. Introduced in 1936, the SA was one of the first models released after MG’s merger with Morris Motors. It was the largest and most luxurious offering in their lineup at that time, with the saloon measuring over 16′ in length. Fewer than 3k SAs were produced in total. Equipment includes a sliding sunroof, roll-up windows, and a top-hinged windshield. This example received a partial repaint in the mid-2000s, though cosmetic imperfections consistent with regular road use are noted.  Four new Excelsior radial tires were installed as preparation for the 2018 Mille. Braking is managed by four-wheel hydraulic drums, and the front brakes have been converted to twin leading shoes. A Smiths Jackall onboard jacking system is equipped, though it is currently inoperable. Per the seller, this SA is capable of approximately 85 mph and can cruise at 65-70 mph. The four-seat cabin is trimmed in worn blue leather over a matching carpet. Each of the door caps and window surrounds are made from finished wood with decorative inlays. The driver is positioned on the right side of the car, and the gearbox is shifted from the tunnel. Jaeger gauges are centrally located in a body-colored panel, itself mounted in a wood dash fascia. 10k miles are shown on the odometer, though true mileage is unknown. The 2.3L OHV inline-six was was rebuilt by an MG-specialist in 2010, at which point new white metal bearings were installed along with a replacement dynamo and water pump. Power is routed through a four-speed manual gearbox with synchromesh 3rd and 4th gears. The seller has had two new batteries installed.  The brake and fuel lines were replaced in 2017, and more-modern telescopic shocks are fitted at each corner. Additional photos of the undercarriage are shown in the gallery. Walk-around and driving videos are attached below.