1934→1935 MG PA
The PA chassis is an updated version of the J-Type Midget with a three-main-bearing engine and double SU carburetors that made the car more responsive. This small 847 cc engine was bored out to 939cc for the PB type.
George Eyston managed an all-female, three-car team of MG PAs at the 1935 LeMans 24 Hour Race. Eyston’s ‘Dancing Daughter’s’ finished the race in 24th, 25th and 26th position, all 69 laps behind the winning Lagonda M45R.
The Airline Coupé
The PA chassis was the first to receive the somewhat rare and striking Airline Coupé with it’s sliding roof and teardrop portholes. It was a design by Henry Allingham that was primarily executed by Carbodies of Coventry using a ash-frame and sheet steel skin. Some cars were produced by Whittingham & Mitchel. Since these cars were built to custom order, many were different in detail.
The Coupes were somewhat wider than normal and used an extension panel around the standard firewall.
The demand for a MG Coupé was somewhat small which explains entire production listed by Airline Coupè registry at just 50 cars across the PA, PB, NA, NB and TA chassis. The registry lists 27 coupes on the PA chassis, 15 on the PB chassis, 4 rebodied cars, and just 7 on the NA/NB 6-cylinder chassis. About half are accounted for today.
Story by Richard Michael Owen
In Detail
| submitted by | Richard Owen |
| type | Series Production Car |
| production years | 1934 – 1935 |
| built at | Abingdon, England |
| production | 2000 |
| engine | Inline-4 |
| fuel feed | Twin SU Carburetors |
| displacement | 847 cc / 51.69 in³ |
| power | 26.0 kw / 34.9 bhp |
| specific output | 41.2 bhp per litre |
| body / frame | Steel & Wood Frame Body over Steel Frame |
| front brakes | Drums |
| rear brakes | Drums |
| f suspension | Rigid Axle w/w/Luvax Shock Absorbers, Semi Elliptic Leaf Springs |
| r suspension | Live Axle w/Luvax Shock Absorbers, Semi Elliptic Leaf Springs |
| wheelbase | 2223 mm / 87.5 in |
| transmission | 4-Speed Manual |
