Tickford is the name given to the custom coachwork of Salmons and Sons of Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire, England. About 250 TA Tickfords were built and this 1938 MG TA Tickford Drop Head Coupe is one an estimated 35 are now in the United States. After the chassis, engine and firewall were completed at the MG factory in Abington the car was driven to the Salmons and Sons shop. There they were equipped with a patented three position folding top, which is referred to as a drop head. This clever top design, the rollup windows and a fixed windscreen offered the convenience and protection of a hard top with the thrills and excitement of an open car. It carries a 1,292 cc four-cylinder engine producing 50 hp. They sold for 750 pounds Sterling which was more than twice as much as a new Chevrolet.
Background
- Manufacturer: MG (Morris Garages)
- Year: 1938
- Model: TA Tickford Drop Head Coupe
- Coachbuilder: Tickford, a subsidiary of Salmons & Sons, known for their high-quality coachwork.
Specifications
- Engine: The 1938 MG TA is powered by a 1.3-liter (1292 cc) inline-four engine. This engine produces approximately 50 horsepower, providing decent performance for the lightweight car.
- Transmission: It features a four-speed manual transmission.
- Chassis: The TA is built on a robust, ladder-type frame chassis, typical of the period.
- Suspension: The car uses a solid front axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs and a live rear axle with similar leaf springs, offering a comfortable ride for its time.
Design and Features
- Body Style: The Tickford Drop Head Coupe is a two-door convertible with a folding soft top, allowing for open-air driving or a closed coupe experience.
- Design: The car features classic pre-war British styling with a distinctive, elegant look. The Tickford bodywork adds a touch of luxury with its high-quality materials and craftsmanship. The design includes flowing fenders, a long hood, and a graceful rear end.
- Interior: The interior is luxurious for its time, featuring leather upholstery, wood trim, and a well-appointed dashboard with period-correct instrumentation. The cabin is designed for comfort and style, suitable for leisurely drives.
Performance
- Speed: The MG TA Tickford Drop Head Coupe can reach a top speed of around 75 mph (121 km/h), which was respectable for its era.
- Acceleration: While not a high-performance sports car by modern standards, the TA offers spirited driving and nimble handling, making it enjoyable for enthusiastic drivers.
- Handling: The car's relatively light weight and balanced chassis contribute to good handling characteristics, making it agile and responsive on winding roads.
Historical Significance
- MG T-Series Lineage: The MG TA is the first of the T-Series Midget cars, which would go on to become iconic in the post-war period with models like the TB, TC, TD, and TF. The TA set the stage for MG's success in the small sports car market.
- Coachbuilt Elegance: The Tickford Drop Head Coupe variant is notable for its luxurious coachbuilt body, offering a more refined and upscale version of the standard TA. This collaboration with Tickford highlights the blend of sporty performance and elegant design.
Legacy
- Collector's Item: The 1938 MG TA Tickford Drop Head Coupe is a highly desirable classic car today, sought after by collectors and enthusiasts for its historical significance, elegant design, and charming driving experience.
- Preservation: Many examples of the TA Tickford have been lovingly restored and preserved, often showcased at classic car shows and events where they continue to attract admiration and interest.
- Influence on Future Models: The TA and its successors influenced the design and engineering of subsequent MG models, cementing MG's reputation for producing affordable and enjoyable sports cars.
You may purchase a print of the 1938 MG TA Tickford Drop Head Coupe in our dElegance 2018 online gallery.
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