The MG VA was introduced in 1937 as part of MG’s move upmarket, bridging the gap between the smaller MG TA sports cars and the larger, more luxurious SA and WA saloons. It was positioned as a refined yet sporting four-seater, offering buyers an MG with real touring ability without sacrificing the charm.

At its heart, the VA carried a 1.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine, producing around 54 horsepower, modest by modern standards, but enough to give the car lively performance for its class. Power was sent through a four-speed manual gearbox, and with a top speed of just over 120km/h, the VA was perfectly suited for long-distance motoring in pre-war Britain.

Production lasted only until 1939, with just over 2,400 examples built before the outbreak of the Second World War brought civilian car manufacture to a halt. Today, the MG VA is remembered as a rare and elegant pre-war model, one that embodied MG’s ambition to move beyond small sports cars into the world of refined touring machines.

The MG VA ‘Tickford’ on offer presents very well, being finished in red with black wheel arches and sidestep over a cream leather interior, making for a stunning spec with 2268 miles showing on the clock. This car has been under its current ownership for 5 years, having been superbly restored approximately 6 years ago, it makes for a great example. These are a rarity in South Africa, with only a handful in the country. It comes with the original fire extinguisher, spare wheel positioned on the left-front wheel arch as well as original tools located in the engine bay.

Moto Village