Time for T: The MG TA

On the anniversary of MG’s new sports car range launched in 1935, the T-Types, we look at the significant role this model range played in MG’s history.

The MG TA was a bit of a turning point for MG — and honestly, it couldn’t have come at a better time. Back in 1935, MG was folded into Lord Nuffield’s ever-expanding empire, and new boss Len Lord quickly decided things had to change—no more fiddly, expensive bespoke parts for every new MG. From now on, MG sports cars would borrow more from the Morris and Wolseley parts bin. Purists howled that this would ruin the “true MG spirit,” but as it turned out, they couldn’t have been more wrong.

Image: John Lakey

Enter the TA — the very first of the famous “T-series” Midgets. Launched towards the end of 1935 with production starting the following year, on paper, at least, it broke with tradition. Gone was the overhead-cam engine MG fans had known for years, replaced by a 1,292cc pushrod unit adapted from the Morris/Wolseley range. But while it sounded like heresy, the new setup made the TA faster, simpler, and a lot more reliable than the cars that came before it. For the first time, you also got a synchromesh gearbox instead of the old-school ‘crash’ type, which made driving it a far less stressful experience.

The  TA was, and still is, beautiful. Sleek, well-proportioned and with a purposeful, if narrow stance, it had all the signature MG flair — sweeping front wings, proud free-standing headlamps, and that unmistakable MG grille that had arrived with the J2. Plus, for once, the cockpit was big enough for two full-sized adults to sit in without feeling like sardines. Minor detail, big deal.

Performance-wise, the TA was the fastest Midget yet, even if its engine wasn’t quite as exotic as its predecessors. It was so good that it came dangerously close to embarrassing MG’s pricier six-cylinder Magnettes. The downside? Like most MGs of the era, you had to put up with a bone-shaking ride, ultra-sensitive steering, leaky weather gear, and a tendency to get wet in a downpour. But buyers didn’t care — they loved the spirit of the thing. The TA felt alive in a way that made every drive an event.

Crucially, the TA saved MG’s bacon. Before it arrived, the company’s future looked shaky. After it? The Midget line was flying off the shelves. Its successor, the TB, followed in 1939, and after the war, the lightly revised TC would become an international smash hit. Without the TA, MG as we know it might not have survived.

Buying an MG TA

Thinking about getting behind the wheel of a TA? Here’s what you need to know before you take the plunge:

Chassis

• Age is the enemy here. Look for corrosion, cracks, and evidence of poor repairs.

• A dodgy frame can make the car unsafe — fixing it is expensive.

Bodywork

• The bodies are timber-framed under the steel panels. Rot in the wood is very common.

• Check doors for sagging and floors for softness.

Engine

• The 1,292cc pushrod unit is tough but check for low oil pressure, oil leaks, and smoke.

• Parts supply is good, but a full rebuild won’t be cheap.

Gearbox

• Synchromesh was new back then, but not perfect.

• Test for smooth shifts — crunching gears could mean costly attention.

Trim & electrics

• Many TAs were “updated” over the decades. If originality matters, check the dashboard, gauges, and switches carefully.

Paperwork & provenance

• A full history file and evidence of quality restoration work add real value.

• Cars with competition history or period extras are especially desirable.

How much is an MG TA?

The market is a challenging one at the moment for pre-war cars, and due to their low numbers, there is not a lot of data on the TA. However, expect the following to cover most:

• Project Car: £15,000–£20,000
  (Prepare for a long and expensive rebuild — restorations often cost more than the finished car’s value.)

• Usable Driver: £30,000–£40,000
  (A solid, roadworthy example you can enjoy without worrying about every raindrop.)

• Concours / Show Standard: £50,000–£65,000+
  (The best of the best, often with meticulous restorations and detailed history. Rare and highly prized.)

Should you?

The MG TA might not have had the exotic overhead-cam engines of earlier Midgets, but what it delivered was far more critical: style, reliability, and a driving experience full of charm. Nearly 90 years on, it’s still one of the most characterful ways to enjoy vintage motoring — and one of the cars that kept MG alive.

There is a fantastic community around these cars and whilst parts may need some seeking out, the vibrant clubs will soon be able to help you find them. If you’re a member of one of our partner clubs such as the MG Car Club and MG Octagon Car Club, we offer exclusive policies with us here at Peter James Insurance that are not only made bespoke to suit the needs of the MG TA owner, but also feature a whole host of extra benefits not available outside of the Club schemes.

• MG Car Club Insurance
• MG Octagon Car Club Insurance

Image: John Lakey

Quick Facts: 1936 MG TA