The 1932 MG, J2 J Type was the predecessor to the P Type and then the well known and loved T series cars. So, you could very easily justify the J2 the “Grandfather of the British Sports Car Movement.”
In the 1920’s it was common practice to add a bit of tuning and dashing coachwork to an otherwise staid sedan and create a “sports car”. In 1922, Cecil Kimber began his experimenting, melding tuning and new coachwork to a 1.8 liter Oxford Engine, creating the MG Super Sports. Backed by Morris reliability and service, this little car was a success. By the 1930’s, MG’s evolved into the classic slab-tanked, two-seat roadster which remained popular for many years to come. The J2 shown is a 1932 model. The J2 features an 850 CC overhead cam engine, producing 36 horsepower and propelling the car up to 80 miles per hour. 2.083 J2s were produced along with a limited number of supercharged J3 and J4 (four passenger) variants. The success of the J types as sports and race cars helped solidify MG’s early reputation.
Overview
- Production Year: 1932-1934
- Manufacturer: MG (Morris Garages)
- Class: Sports car
- Body Style: Two-seater roadster
Design and Specifications
- Engine:
- The MG J2 was powered by a 0.8-liter (847 cc) inline-four engine.
- This engine produced approximately 36 horsepower at 5,500 rpm.
- Transmission: 4-speed manual gearbox
- Chassis: The J2 featured a steel ladder frame chassis, contributing to its lightweight construction and nimble handling.
- Suspension:
- Front: Rigid axle with half-elliptic leaf springs.
- Rear: Live axle with half-elliptic leaf springs.
- Brakes: Cable-operated drum brakes on all four wheels.
Performance
- Top Speed: The MG J2 could achieve a top speed of around 65 mph (105 km/h), which was quite respectable for a small sports car of its time.
- Acceleration: The lightweight design allowed for agile acceleration, enhancing its appeal as a sporty, fun-to-drive vehicle.
Design Features
- Bodywork: The MG J2 featured a classic two-seater roadster body with flowing fenders, a long bonnet, and an upright radiator. The design was both stylish and functional, with a focus on aerodynamics and lightweight construction.
- Interior: The interior was straightforward and functional, with bucket seats, a simple dashboard, and basic instrumentation. The emphasis was on providing an engaging driving experience rather than luxury.
Notable Achievements
- Racing Success: The MG J2 was popular in various motorsport events, including trials and hill climbs, thanks to its lightweight design and agile handling. It was particularly favored in amateur racing circuits.
- Affordability: The J2 was relatively affordable compared to other sports cars of the era, making it accessible to a broader range of enthusiasts and contributing to MG's growing popularity.
Legacy
- Historic Significance: The MG J2 is remembered as one of the key models that helped establish MG's reputation for building affordable and enjoyable sports cars. It played a significant role in popularizing the MG brand and sports cars in general.
- Collector's Item: Today, the J2 is highly prized by classic car collectors and MG enthusiasts for its historical value, charming design, and connection to the early days of British sports cars.
You may purchase aof the 1932 MG J2 print in our dElegance 2011 online gallery.
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