1940 MG SA Saloon

A handsome example of MG’s imposing pre-war sports saloon, combining elegant coachwork, a spacious leather-trimmed cabin and smooth six-cylinder power.

Paint

The MG is finished in two complementary shades of blue, with lighter blue applied across the main body and bonnet panels and a deeper shade used for the roof, wings and surrounding details.

The paint retains a good overall gloss and presents attractively from a short distance. It displays some age-related marks and imperfections upon closer inspection, as should be expected from an older restoration.

The car would benefit from a careful wash, polish and comprehensive valet. This should help revive the existing finish and bring greater depth back to both colours without immediately requiring more extensive cosmetic work.

Overall, the finish gives the MG a smart, usable appearance rather than that of an untouched concours exhibit.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these hi-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Bodywork

The MG’s substantial four-door saloon body presents well and retains the graceful proportions that made the SA such a distinctive addition to the company’s pre-war range.

The panels appear straight overall, with neat-looking shut lines around the doors, bonnet and rear bodywork. We did not identify any significant dents or obvious areas of major body damage during our visit.

The long bonnet, separate flowing wings and compact passenger compartment create an especially elegant side profile. At the rear, the enclosed spare wheel and gently tapering bodywork complete the car’s formal appearance.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our hi-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view at what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Dashboard

The walnut dashboard is one of the interior’s most attractive features and stretches almost the full width of the cabin.

A instrument panel sits centrally within the veneer and contains the large speedometer, clock and supplementary gauges. Traditional switches and controls are arranged beneath the instruments.

The odometer appeared to indicate approximately 71,873 miles during our visit.

The timber presents well overall, retaining a rich colour and visible grain. Some age-related marks and variations in the finish should be expected, but the dashboard remains an impressive feature.

The instruments and switchgear appear complete.

The drive

A large pre-war MG saloon should provide an entirely different experience from that of a modern car.

The commanding seating position, expansive bonnet, large steering wheel and traditional controls promise a deliberate and wonderfully involving style of motoring. The straight-six should suit the car particularly well, delivering its power smoothly through the four-speed manual gearbox.

James reports that the MG drives very well and does everything it should. He describes it as an enjoyable and capable car that would benefit from being exercised more regularly.

However, the MG was not run or driven while we were in attendance. We are therefore unable to provide our usual first-hand assessment of the engine, clutch, gearbox, brakes, steering or suspension.

We have seen a separate video showing the engine running, but prospective buyers should make their own assessment and may wish to allow for routine servicing or recommissioning following its limited recent use.

Glass and trim

The extensive brightwork is central to the appearance of the SA and includes the tall vertical radiator grille, large headlamp bowls, auxiliary lamps, bumpers, mirrors, window surrounds and door furniture.

These components appear complete and present well overall, retaining an attractive shine. Light tarnishing, small marks and other age-related imperfections can be seen in places, but these do not detract significantly from the overall impression.

The prominent MG radiator badge remains in place and provides a strong focal point at the front of the car. Further badging and period fittings are present around the body.

The exterior glass appears clear and free from obvious major damage. The window frames, handles and associated fittings also appear complete and in serviceable condition.

Careful cleaning and detailing of the chrome would complement the recommended paintwork valet and further improve the exterior presentation.

Please view the photos and video below to review the condition of the glass and trim for yourself.

Wheels and tyres

The MG is fitted with traditional centre-lock wire wheels, accompanied by polished knock-off spinners.

The wire wheels are an important part of the car’s sporting appearance and work particularly well with its sweeping wings and substantial saloon body.

They appear complete and usable, although some tarnishing, surface corrosion and general age-related wear can be seen around the spokes and rims. A careful refurbishment or thorough detailing would improve their presentation considerably.

The tyres appear to retain visible tread.

Please take time to review the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior, wheels, and tyres so you can make your own assessment of their condition. Tyres are a key safety item, and you should consider replacing any that are cracked, perished, unevenly worn, or over 10 years old.

Seats and carpets

The MG is fitted with individual front seats and a generously proportioned rear bench, all trimmed in blue leather.

The upholstery appears to have formed part of an earlier restoration and remains in good overall condition. The seats retain their shape and traditional vertical pleating, with no obvious major tears visible within the photographs.

Some creasing and other signs of age can be seen, particularly around the front seats, but these are consistent with use and do not detract greatly from the cabin.

The blue door cards and surrounding panels continue the colour scheme throughout the interior. Matching carpets are also fitted and appear presentable, although a careful clean would improve them further.

The spacious rear compartment reflects the SA’s position as a genuine sporting saloon rather than a small sports car with occasional rear accommodation.

Please take a look at the photos and video below to decide on the condition of the seats and carpets for yourself.

Engine and gearbox

By 1939, the MG SA was fitted with a 2,322cc overhead-valve straight-six engine, equipped with twin SU carburettors.

The engine bay appears complete and retains a suitably traditional appearance. The green-painted engine block, twin horizontal carburettors, substantial intake assembly and period ignition components are all visible within the photographs.

There are signs of age and limited recent use around the engine bay, including surface oxidation on the manifolds and general patina across some components and fittings. A careful clean and mechanical inspection would improve its presentation and help establish its current servicing requirements.

The MG was not run during our visit, so we cannot offer a first-hand assessment of its starting behaviour, oil pressure, temperature, idle quality or mechanical noise.

We have seen a separate video in which the engine was running, while James reports that it runs well.

Power is transmitted through a four-speed manual gearbox. We were unable to test either the gearbox or clutch during our visit, although James advises that the car drives very well.

Electrics and other

The MG retains its traditional instrumentation, exterior lighting, trafficators and other period electrical equipment.

The large headlamps and numerous auxiliary lamps are all present, together with the dashboard gauges, switches and interior fittings.

No specific electrical faults have been reported by James.

As with the mechanical systems, a general inspection would be sensible before placing an 87-year-old car into regular use, particularly following a period of limited activity.

History and paperwork

Much of the file consists of operating and technical manuals that should prove valuable to its next custodian. Some car-specific documentation is also present, including references to restoration work undertaken earlier in its life.

The MG is being offered for sale following the passing of its previous owner, rather than because of any known problems with the vehicle.

This represents an appealing opportunity to acquire a rare and imposing MG SA Saloon with handsome two-tone coachwork, a beautifully traditional interior and useful supporting material. A careful valet, inspection and appropriate re-commissioning should allow its next custodian to enjoy one of MG’s most distinctive pre-war luxury models.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

This auction is now classified as a trade sale.
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From Trade Classics:

This is an auction on behalf of a trade seller and normal auction rules apply, i.e. there is no warranty, no return policy and bids are binding with more info in our terms and conditions.

We’ve carried out our usual seller checks, including verifying photo ID, the V5C, and an HPI check. This confirms the car has not been stolen, written off, or has any outstanding finance. Please note: This check does not include mileage verification.

We’ve summarised the car based on the seller’s information above. As always, we go to great lengths to photograph and film the car in high-resolution detail so you can make your own informed assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So grab a cuppa, relax, and enjoy reviewing everything in this listing.

Viewings are welcome for all our listings. Please get in touch to arrange a time - we just need to speak with you first and receive valid photo ID before confirming.

If there’s anything you’re unsure about, no matter how small, please ask the owner in the comments section below before placing your bids, as bids cannot be retracted and form a binding contract if you win - just like in a traditional auction house.

Suspension and brakes

The MG SA uses a conventional beam front axle and live rear axle, supported by semi-elliptic leaf springs.

This straightforward arrangement was intended to provide the durability required by a substantial luxury saloon while retaining the controlled road manners expected from an MG.

Hydraulically operated drum brakes are fitted at all four corners, while the large steering wheel provides the leverage needed for the unassisted steering.

We were unable to assess the suspension, brakes or steering on the road because the car was not driven during our visit. James reports that the MG drives correctly and that these systems perform as they should.

Given its age and apparently limited recent use, prospective buyers may wish to inspect the brake hydraulics, tyres, wheel bearings, suspension joints and lubrication points before returning the car to regular service.

No specific fault with the suspension, brakes or steering has been reported to us.

Steering wheel gear stick

A large four-spoke steering wheel is fitted, carrying an MG badge within its substantial central boss.

The wheel presents in good usable condition and is well suited to the proportions and period character of the car.

The long floor-mounted manual gear lever sits close to the driver and operates the four-speed gearbox. Its position and movement are typical of a substantial pre-war saloon.