Descended from the first Midget, the M type, the J-type Midget refined the qualities of the immediately preceding C and D types, reaffirming the classic MG look, which would characterise the marque’s sportscars well into the 1950s.
Just 2,083 of these MG J2 were produced between mid-1932 and early 1934.
Power comes from the 847cc, overhead-camshaft Wolseley-derived engine, fitted with twin SU carburettors.
The J2 was strictly a 2 seater. With its classic twin cowled scuttle, low cut away doors, fold flat windscreen and slab-type petrol tank with large “quick fill” cap, the car was a masterpiece of simple, functional, race bred design. The lightweight J2 possessed exemplary handling and steering by the standards of the day and to many enthusiasts, the J2 is the definitive of a pre-war MG.
This example in attractive Damask Red, comes with a detailed and fascinating documented history. Its original bill of sale shows it was first purchased in September 1933 for £199.10, from C H Truman & Co. Ltd in Nottingham, for the first owner’s 21st birthday. The documents folder even containing copies of the cheques for both the deposit and balance of funds, for its purchase. Unusually, although sold in 1933, the original bill of sale describes the car as a 1934 car and it features the later type “swept wings” and running boards, that replaced the earlier “cycle wings” from the earlier production model.
Its third owner acquired the car in 1966 and set about a full rebuild of the car, which was not finished until sometime in the late 90s, with many invoices from the 80s for parts and services, including fly wheel lightening and an engine rebuild.
The forth and most recent owner had a gearbox overhaul and full top and bottom engine rebuild over 2021/22, by well-regarded marque specialist Oliver Richardson. This included uprated Phoenix crankshaft and connecting rods, as the OEM two bearing crankshaft, is a well-known area of weakness, if the car was over revved.
This lovely example drives just as a pre-war MG should: lightweight, agile, and enthusiastic. It has been very well maintained by previous owners and is offered in excellent running condition, ideal for VSCC events, summer touring, or display within a discerning collection.
A rare opportunity to acquire an unspoiled and mechanically correct MG Midget J2, arguably, one of the most charming and iconic British sports cars of its era.
Although an older restoration, as can be seen from the photos the Damask Red paintwork is still in lovely condition, with the panel and door shut lines presenting uniform all round. The chrome work still shines brightly with no corrosion or pitting. As to be expected from an older restoration, the paintwork cannot be compared to a “fresh out of the box” restoration, so expect the odd age related blemish. However, as part of the pre-sales preparation, the car was subject to a professional paintwork detail and high end wax finish, which would still turn heads at any car show and defies the fact that the car is now, some 93 years old.
All wet weather gear which includes the fabric hood, side windows and both full and half tonneau covers, are in very good condition, fit as they should and look barely used.
Being a small two-seater, there is not a huge amount of interior to go over in the J2, however, what is there is in lovely condition. The high quality black carpets contrast perfectly with the dark red leather upholstery. The seats are in excellent condition with no rip, tears or obvious signs of wear, beyond the right level of patina to be in keeping with the overall aesthetic of the car. The separate seat bases and combined backrest would have more than likely been to save costs back in period, but as a design to look back on now, it’s fantastically simple and makes a lot of sense. In addition, the double seat back when folded forwarded, allows for easier access to the storage area behind where the hood, side windows and tonneau covers, can be stored.
The doors are tiny suicide opening ones that are trimmed with red leather door cards and an MG logo embossed inside the door compartment. They form part of the wrap around style interior along with the aluminium engine turned dashboard.
The dashboard is another example of the simple but effective styling applied to this car, the main dials are symmetrically placed on the ‘double cowled’ shaped dash, with the beautiful Jaeger combined speed and rev counter, immediately in front of the driver. A secondary display houses gauges for amps and oil pressure, with separate gauges either side of the centrally dash mounted rear view mirror, measuring oil and water temperature respectively. The thing that you notice first however is the relatively large four multi-spoke steering wheel finished with black plastic outer. The four spoke steering wheel is a real centre piece not only because of its size but because of its style, in good condition with little to no wear and tear. The other thing you’ll notice is the beautiful, exposed mechanisms for the gear selector box running down the centre of the floor, all in the same bare aluminium.
The engine bay provides for a fantastic display of the engineering at the time. The silver of the SU carburettors and rocker cover, itself adorned with a beautifully engraved brass plaque, detailing key maintenance information, is complimented buy the red finish to the engine block and surrounding copper piping. It could be considered as both an art piece as well as functional engineering.
Whilst invoice history identifies and engine rebuild in the late 80s, in 2021/2, the engine underwent a full top and bottom rebuild by marque specialist Oliver Richardson.
This included new upgraded crankshaft and con rods (by Phoenix Crankshafts Ltd), pistons, all valves, all bearings including white metal, rebored and pressure tested. In addition, the fly wheel was lightened, exhaust manifold was ported, compression increased, new silver soldered oil pipes fitted.
In 2022, the cable brakes and carburettors were adjusted, a new Lucas Distributor fitted and the dynamo rebuilt, as well as benefitting from oil and filter and anti-freeze change, before going into a period of storage.
The car sits on Rudge Whitworth painted wire wheels, with 2 eared centre locks. The wheels are fitted with period correct 4.00 x 19 Blockley cross (bias) ply tyre with a correct period triple stud pattern, with exact and accurate 400 x 19 tyre dimensions and all showing just minimal wear. The spare wheel is of the same type as the driven wheels as is its tyre. The car comes with the knock off wheel removing tool and hammer.
The J2 came standard with cable operated brakes utilising 8” drums, which were considered quite effective for the size of car back in the day. The hand brake lever is mounted on a shaft linked to the foot pedal and four cables, which allows for easy adjustment of the brakes.
The MG comes with a huge amount of history and documentation from its time on and off the road.
The history dates back to its 1st owner and includes amongst other information, the bill of sale, supplying dealer specification sheet and some photos of the car with its new owner from period. The history extends all the way up to 2022, when the car was stored for a period. Although there is parts and maintenance history going back to the car’s earliest years, by far the bulk of the history is during the period of ownership by the 3rd owner, who acquired the car in 1966 and then took a leisurely 30 plus years to fully restore it.
There’s a large file of correspondence from the 3rd owner in respect of the registration of the car, which was confirmed as TV 9223 in writing by the DVLA in 1996. This correspondence, adds some wonderful provenance to the car’s history, as it also includes correspondence with the original owner’s wife and the 3rd owner’s daughter.
In addition to the current V5C, there are a number of historic MOT certificates, some old tax discs, a large pile of additional technical literature for the J2 from period, as well as parts brochures and a dated but comprehensive list of MG J2s’ by both chassis and registration no. from the MMM Register. In addition, there are some printed photos of the engine rebuild in 2021/22 and the entire history is kept in a bespoke leather bound zip up folder monogrammed with the date of the car and its registration no.
Finally the car comes with one set of keys.
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