Bira’s Toy

1935 MG Airline Coupé

Every once in a while an incredible opportunity falls in your lap. A few months ago, I got an email from Vintage Roadcar publisher Casey Annis: “Are you planning on going to Hilton Head?” I was considering attending my first Hilton Head Island Motoring Festival and Concours d’Elegance in November, so my answer was something like, “sure!” It seemed that Vintage Roadcar subscriber Jack Simpson was going to have his very interesting MG Airline Coupé at the concours. It was once owned by Thai Prince Bira and his cousin Prince Chula, and Simpson was wondering if it was a car we’d like to cover in the magazine. Would we?! Of course we would, and that was before we knew all of the stories surrounding this car. There were concerns that Hurricane Matthew would force the postponement or cancellation of the concours, but the people of South Carolina hit the ground soon after the storm, and the organizers were able to pull off the show as scheduled—they deserve considerable respect for having the island and the show field in shape and ready for the influx of participants and attendees.