1938 MG VA

A beautifully restored and exceptionally characterful example of MG’s pre-war sports saloon. This MG VA was built on 11 October 1937 and first registered in 1938, and is presented in the correct two-tone combination of Willow Green and British Racing Green, complemented by a biscuit leather interior.

The car has undergone a comprehensive restoration to a high standard. The body was dismantled and repainted, the interior was renewed with re-trimmed seats and door panels, and important mechanical and electrical systems were addressed, including the wiring harness and brakes. A photographic report documenting the restoration is available with the car.

Under the bonnet is MG’s overhead-valve four-cylinder engine with twin SU carburettors. During its engine rebuild, the original 1. 5-litre block was bored to approximately 1, 707 cc, following the style of the period uprated or “police specification” SVW engines.

The engine is paired with a 4-speed manual gearbox, with synchromesh on second, third and fourth gears, driving the rear wheels. The engine is running well and the gearbox shifts smoothly.

The car also has particularly interesting provenance. It was originally supplied in the United Kingdom to the Neave family, well known for their involvement in food production businesses. It later became part of a Dutch collection in 2008 and was registered on Dutch plates in 2019.

A substantial history file accompanies the MG, including:

Original manual and parts catalogue

Older British documentation

Invoices, inspection records and correspondence

Extensive historical information

Photographic restoration report

Rare original tool kit

The interior is one of the highlights of the car, featuring a beautifully finished wooden dashboard, gold-toned instruments and fittings, biscuit leather upholstery and numerous period details. Other distinctive features include the opening roof and folding windscreen mechanism.

The car is located in the Netherlands and can be viewed by appointment.

Worldwide shipping can be arranged. We can assist with transport and export to destinations throughout Europe and overseas. As an indication, shipping to the US West Coast is approximately €2, 000. Final transport costs depend on destination, port, transport method and current shipping rates.

We also have extensive video footage of this MG available. If you would like additional videos showing the exterior, interior, engine or the car on the road, please feel free to ask.

The MG VA represents a fascinating chapter in MG history. Introduced as the marque’s “One and a Half Litre”, it combined the sporting character associated with MG with the comfort, refinement and presence of a proper four-door touring saloon.

Its proportions are unmistakably pre-war British: a long bonnet, flowing wings, upright cabin, freestanding headlamps and the tall MG grille. In its two-tone Willow Green and British Racing Green finish, this particular car has an especially elegant appearance.

Inside, the experience is just as distinctive. The combination of biscuit leather, polished wood, gold-toned instruments and period switchgear creates an atmosphere that is almost impossible to reproduce in a later classic. Small details such as the opening roof and folding windscreen add even more character.

The VA also occupies an appealing position within MG’s SVW range of SA, VA and WA models. It is smaller and lighter than the larger SA and WA, retaining more of the nimble character traditionally associated with MG while still offering genuine four-seat comfort.

This example benefits from its rebuilt and enlarged approximately 1. 7-litre engine, giving it additional flexibility while retaining the period character of the original MG powertrain.

Perhaps most importantly for a pre-war car, it comes with an unusually extensive history. Its restoration is photographically documented, a substantial collection of older paperwork has been preserved and even the rare original tool kit remains with the vehicle.

Today, surviving MG VA Saloons are exceptionally uncommon. Combined with its high-quality restoration, attractive specification and extensive provenance, that makes this a particularly interesting example for someone looking for a pre-war British classic that can be both collected and genuinely enjoyed.