Published 18 June 2020 Updated 18 June 2020ID: CeBT0l
Expired 4 years, 5 months ago
Information from the owner
Body: Sports Car
Age: 86 years
Seller's comments about 1934' MG J2
For sale by auction on Saturday 18th July 2020 with Historics auctions.
Registration JA 4275 Chassis Number J 4137 Odometer reading 18395 Estimate £24000-£29000
The MG J2 Midget design is iconic, being the starting point for the square rigged MGs, a style which was retained up to the TF in the 1950s. The beauty was not skin deep however as the car was fitted with a jewel of an engine at 847cc with a cross flow single overhead cam, twin carburettors, four speed crash gearbox and improved chassis. In addition, these cars were road tested at over 80mph, which was an amazing achievement for such an affordable car with such a small engine. In total, 2083 of the two-seater versions were produced between mid-1932 and early 1934 and today the J2 is one of the most sought after of pre-war MG sports cars.
This MG J2 is particularly rare, retaining its original style clam shaped front wings, which were only fitted towards the end of production. A restoration was started in 1994 by the then owner Mr. John Waters and was completed when he sold the car to respected marque specialist Barry Walker, a new Ash frame was fitted at the time. From 1994 until 2008 a further five owners, including Barry Walker for the second time enjoyed this J2 although throughout that period she only covered 945 miles. The current vendor purchased this MG in 2008 and has covered over 17,000 miles during his stewardship, thoroughly enjoying the car in the meantime. In the words of the vendor and coming as little surprise to most classic car owners "It is an old car and requires plenty of attention". Work carried out whilst in the hands of the vendor has included a head gasket which only lasted a few years and failed again. The cylinder head was then skimmed and an earlier type gasket fitted with no subsequent problems. The gearbox has been rebuilt and a new clutch fitted. At the beginning of this year the battery had to be replaced at a cost of £205 and we are advised the charging light is staying on, it is also thought that the clutch may once again need replacing. The knowledgeable and enthusiastic owner is very open about any issues with the MG although it should be stated he has very high standards. Without doubt this is a lovely J2 and although requiring a little time and investment, she appears to be very competitively estimated. Supplied with a V5C registration document, good history folder and a number of spares.The health and safety of both our customers and team remains the utmost priority, we are therefore operating to COVID-19 guidelines throughout viewing and auction day.