MG TA ‘Tickford’ Drophead Coupe, 1938
Supplied new by one of the most famous of all MG dealerships, University Motors of London, this MG TA ‘Tickford’, one of just 260 such cars coachbuilt by Salmons & Sons of Newport Pagnell, was delivered by MG to Salmons on 20 October 1938 and first registered on 1st March 1939. It was delivered to its first owner, one R. Taylor Esq., of Scunthorpe, in whose custody the car remained for many decades. Today, the car remains a fully ‘matching numbers’ example, is still finished in its original colour scheme of black, with beige interior trim and hood, is complete with its full and correct original tool boxes and is still wearing its original and appropriate registration number.
Acquired in 1999 by an MG enthusiast, what was at that time a highly original car was then painstakingly restored over a period of many years, with strict adherence to originality, a task made easier by the fact that the car had never been molested over the previous 60 years. The result is a car which is today in near concours condition and a credit to both the original owner’s care and its restorer’s skill.
Most recently, this most exquisite of MGs has formed part of a very select collection and has continued to be maintained to the very highest standards.
*****
The complete nut and bolt, body-off restoration involved the chassis, engine and gearbox being completely stripped and restored, the Bishop Cam steering rebuilt, the original Luvax shock absorbers restored, a complete re-wire with the original CJR3 fuse box with three brush dynamo and the differential completely overhauled with all new back axle components. The original body was completely rebuilt and retained all the original components and hardware.The original Tickford hood irons were restored and the intricate roof to screen fittings work perfectly. The trademark cantilevering front screen is yet another delightful detail.
To the interior, the original dashboard and all wood cappings have been beautifully restored. All original instrumentation has been renovated, even down to the 30mph light and the dash operated fuel main/reserve system. The original University Motors badge remains in place, as do the original coachbuilder’s plates.
There is a smaller than original ‘Brooklands’ steering wheel presently fitted, but the original steering wheel, which has been beautifully restored recently at some considerable expense, obviously comes with the car and can easily be refitted if desired.
*****
PRICE
£ 47,500
07968 094741
The car is presently UK registered. It is supplied with a UK registration document and will be sold with 12 months MoT.
