1938 MG TA
Sold for
£10,600
Ended 23 Jun 2026
Data from Car & Classic, updated on 10 Oct 2026
- Year
- 1938
- Mileage
- 294 miles
- Gearbox
- Manual
- Engine
- 1292cc
- Colour
- Black
- Location
- Devon, United Kingdom
Specification
- Fuel
- Petrol
- Steering
- Right Hand Drive
- Auction house guide
- £8,400 – £12,380
Description
Highlights
- Two former registered keepers
- Service history dating back to 1985
- Engine turns over with good oil pressure and no leaks
- Described as requiring only light recommissioning
The Appeal
The MG TA, produced between 1936 and 1939, ushered in the celebrated T-series that would define MG's sporting identity for decades. Replacing the overhead-cam PB with a more refined overhead-valve engine, the TA offered improved reliability and tractability while retaining the nimble, open-top character that made MG synonymous with free-spirited driving on twisty B-roads and beyond.
This 1938 example has had just two former registered keepers and comes with service history stretching back to 1985, along with further service and MOT records from 1999. Although it has been off the road for approximately 20 years, the vendor believes that only light recommissioning is needed to produce a very sound car. The bodywork, paint, and underside are all reported to be in very good order, while the interior and instruments are described as being in good original condition.
Mechanically, the engine turns over with good oil pressure and shows no oil or coolant leaks - an encouraging foundation for bringing this pre-war sports car back to life.
Key Information
- Mileage: 00,264 miles (indicated, five-figure odometer)
- Country of registration: United Kingdom
- Technical inspection status: MOT exempt as a historic vehicle; last recorded MOT was September 2019 (expired)
- Technical specs: 1,292cc MPJG straight-four engine, 4-speed manual transmission
- Paperwork: service history from 1985; some service and MOT history from 1999; currently SORN (updated May 2026)
The Detail
- Off the road for approximately 20 years and requires recommissioning
- Interior reported in good original order
- Instruments reported in good original order
- Original steering wheel, carries some patina
- Hood cover and tonneau cover described as in fair condition
- Bodywork appears solid
- Some patina to the paint and brightwork
- Currently on SORN with historic vehicle status
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.
✓ Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalised, or heritage vehicle registration is not included in the sale of a vehicle.
Comparable sales
Sold prices from auctions that ended in the last 24 months. Chart shows the last 12 months. The latest 19 sales carry details. Prices in GBP.
Median sold price
£13,500
Sold range
£3,900 – £23,500
Sold lots
51
Price trend
Falling
Sold 21% below the median for this model

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