1935 MG PB Airline Coupe PB 0334 is one of 14 PB Airline Coupes built, one of six remaining and possibly the most famous. It was originally sold new by University Motors, London in 1935 to Prince Chula and Prince B. Bria, grandsons of King Mongkut of Siam, portrayed by Yul Brynner in the movie, The King and I. The cousins later formed White Mouse Racing Stable and Bria won numerous international racing events and awards over the next three decades.

This chassis was sent to Carbodies for fitment of the art deco body designed by Allingham and upgrades included are walnut trim, Connolly leather and a sliding sunroof. The Airline body design is often described as the most beautiful MG ever made.

PB 0334 won the First in Class Award at the 2016 Amelia Concours d’Elegance.

• Design and Styling:

  • The MG PB Airline Coupe was designed with an emphasis on aerodynamics and elegance. Its sleek, streamlined body was a departure from the more boxy designs of earlier cars.
  • The coupe featured a long hood, flowing fenders, and an enclosed cabin with a distinctive sloping rear roofline, giving it a sporty and sophisticated look.
  • The body was built by Carbodies of Coventry, a well-known coachbuilder that contributed to the car's unique and attractive appearance.

• Engine and Performance:

  • The PB model was equipped with a 939cc, inline four-cylinder engine that produced approximately 43 horsepower.
  • This engine was an upgrade from the previous PA model, with a larger displacement and improved performance, allowing the PB to reach speeds of up to 75 mph (120 km/h).

• Transmission and Drivetrain:

  • The car featured a four-speed manual gearbox, providing a good range of gears for both city driving and higher-speed cruising.
  • The drivetrain was rear-wheel drive, typical for sports cars of the era, contributing to the car's balanced handling characteristics.

• Chassis and Suspension:

  • The MG PB used a steel ladder frame chassis, which was both lightweight and strong, contributing to the car's agility and performance.
  • The front suspension utilized a solid axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, while the rear suspension also featured a live axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, providing a firm but responsive ride.

• Interior and Comfort:

  • The interior of the PB Airline Coupe was relatively simple but featured high-quality materials, such as leather upholstery and wood trim, offering a level of luxury that complemented its sporty nature.
  • The cockpit was designed with a driver-focused layout, including clear and accessible instrumentation.

• Historical Significance:

  • The MG PB Airline Coupe represented a period of innovation and style in the British automotive industry during the mid-1930s.
  • It was part of MG's effort to create affordable sports cars that offered both performance and style, appealing to a broad audience of driving enthusiasts.

• Legacy and Collectibility:

  • Today, the 1935 MG PB Airline Coupe is a highly sought-after classic car, valued for its rarity, elegant design, and historical importance.
  • Restored models are often seen at classic car shows and auctions, where they attract significant interest from collectors and vintage car enthusiasts.
  • Its unique blend of style, performance, and historical significance makes it a prized addition to any classic car collection.

Taken at the Hilton Head Island Concours d'Elegance & Motoring Festival.

You may purchase a print of 1935 MG PB Airline Coupe in our dElegance 2016 online gallery.

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