Located in California, this car was almost totally disassembled, in very poor condition and given a total, frame-up restoration over 9 years. PA1823 was originally purchased by a Mr. H. Holliwell of Coventry, England March 1st, 1935. We have no records newer than 1949 and no records as when or how the car arrived in California. I have spoken to one previous California owner who owned it briefly in the 1970s and he informed me the car had already been disassembled at that time… and he decided against attempting what I did, some 20 years later.
Working from copies of the original factory records supplied by MG Car Club of UK, every part was reconditioned to “As new” status, or replaced with NOS. It is a complete, “Matching Numbers” vehicle with original engine, transmission, frame, body, rear differential, starter and other serial stamped parts. It has the correct Bishop cam steering unit (fitted from chassis # PA 1287 forward). In addition, it now carries an very rare, period correct, Lucas FT 27 running light, Brooklands racing windscreens, extremely rare original 3 spoke steering wheel (not the aftermarket banjo style), period correct badges, reproduction of the original 1935 British Road Tax stamp, The very rare “portable torch” emergency light, Period correct tools and tool roll..... The top (hood) and side curtains are new reproductions, custom built from the originals. The side curtains also have custom made protective storage cases.
Disclosure
In the spirit of total disclosure, there are a few alterations, forced by safety, time and/or total unavailability of parts. The lower shaft of the distributor is Bosch, as the original was beyond repair. The cap and all externals are correct and impossible to detect.
Because of my height at 6'4", I have moved the seat as far back as possible...taking up the very narrow space behind the seat, originally used for storage of tools, side curtains and jack. I then installed a replica wooden storage box used in the PA 4-seaters, in front of the firewall, as it was correctly located originally at the factory. It can be easily removed without any damage, holes or sign, and the seat moved forward if desired.
The fenders (wings) are aluminum reproductions which were completely re-shaped to correct, as the original steel fenders were beyond repair. Good news...less weight and NO rust ever! All 4 bonnet panels, petrol tank, scuttle and front apron are original, doors and entire body tub are new steel, as is about half of all wood under-framing...due to wood rot. The flywheel was lightened 11 pounds to improve performance.
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