MG TA "Special"

[alanfacey]

About "Ruby"

1937 MG TA 'Special'
Build date: 13/05/1937, rebuilt 2013
Chassis: TA1324
Original Engine: MPJG1550 1292cc
Current Engine: XPAG 1350cc (mfd. 05/02/1955), BMC Replacement Unit No. F23602

What is Original?
- Chassis/ID with minor modifications to fit the body
- Front and rear axles, springs, trunnions, mountings etc.
- Handbrake and hydraulic braking system

Period modifications
- XPAG engine from a 1955 MG TF Midget
- Gauges
- Alfin brake drums
- Brooklands steering wheel (reproduction)

Non-period modifications
- Eaton supercharger
- RAF WWII boost gauge, likely from a Spitfire
- Ford Sierra five-speed gearbox conversion
- Volkswagen steering box

2011-13: Restored & rebodied by Steve Baker MG
The original 1937 MG TA donor car was acquired by Steve Baker in October, 2011 in the Oxford area. The restoration took 24 months.

The bespoke aluminium panel work was done by renowned aluminium fabricator Max Szewczyk, MJS Panels. It is not “correct” to any MG design but bears a strong resemblance to the MG Q-Type racing cars produced in 1934 (only 8, possibly 9 made).

2013: XPAG Engine, rebuilt by Peter Edney
Engine performance was improved by increasing displacement from 1250 to 1350cc and fitting a modern Eaton supercharger, a “roots” type blower similar to period units.

The crankshaft is a reground original forging and it has an original matched set of TC con-rods.

[Steve Simmons]

What a beauty! I've always wanted to build one, but I'm not foolish enough to think I would ever finish it.