The MG T series is a range of body-on-frame convertible sports cars that were produced
by MG from 1936 to 1955.
The series included the MG TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, and MG TF Midget models.
The last of these models, the TF, was replaced by the MGA.
The TF name was reinstated in 2002 on the mid-engined MG TF sports car.
The MG TA Midget replaced the PB in 1936.
It was an evolution of the previous car and was 3 inches wider in its track at 45 inches
and 7 inches longer in its wheelbase at 94 inches.
The previous advanced overhead-cam inline-four engine was now not in use by any other production
car so it was replaced by the MPJG OHV unit from the Wolseley 10 but with twin SU carburettors,
modified camshaft and manifolding.
The engine displaced just 1292 cc, with a stroke of 102 mm and a bore of 63.5 mm and
power output was 50 hp at 4,500 rpm.
The four-speed manual gearbox now had synchromesh on the two top ratios and was connected to
the engine by a cork-faced clutch running in oil.
Unlike the PB, hydraulic brakes were fitted with 9-inch drums.
Like the PB, most were two-seat open cars with a steel body on an ash frame.
A bench-type seat was fitted with storage space behind.
From 1938 the car could also be had with a more luxurious Tickford drophead coupé body
by Salmons of Newport Pagnell and 252 were made.
The soft top could be used in three positions, fully open, closed or open just over the seats.
Wind-up windows were fitted to the higher topped doors making the car more weathertight
and individual bucket seats used in the fully carpeted interior.
Complete chassis were fitted with a very basic body at the Abingdon factory and driven to
Newport Pagnell to have their coachwork fitted.
A closed Airline coupé made by Carbodies, as fitted to the P type, was also offered
but only one or two is thought to have been made.
The T-type was capable of reaching almost 80 mph in standard tune with a 0–60 mph
time of 23.1 seconds.
3,003 were made and in 1936 it cost £222 on the home market, the same as had been asked
for the PB.
When first introduced the model was known as the T Type and only after the advent of
the TB did the TA designation come into use.
Allan Tomlinson won the 1939 Australian Grand Prix driving an MG TA.
The TA was replaced by the TB Midget in May 1939.
It had a smaller but more modern XPAG engine as fitted to the Morris Ten Series M, but
in a more highly tuned state and like the TA with twin SU carburettors.
This 1250 cc I4 unit featured a slightly less undersquare 66.6 mm bore and 90 mm stroke
and had a maximum power output of 54 hp at 5200 rpm.
The oil-immersed clutch was also replaced by a dry-plate type and gear ratios revised.
Available as an open 2-seater or more luxurious Tickford drophead coupé, this is the rarest
of the T-type cars; only 379 were made.
The TC Midget was the first postwar MG, launched in 1945.
It was quite similar to the pre-war TB, sharing the same 1,250 cc pushrod-OHV engine with
a slightly higher compression ratio of 7.4:1 giving 54.5 bhp at 5200 rpm.
The makers also provided several alternative stages of tuning for "specific purposes".
It was exported to the United States, even though only ever built in right-hand drive.
The export version had slightly smaller US specification sealed-beam headlights and larger
twin rear lights, as well as turn signals and chrome-plated front and rear bumpers.
The body was approximately 4 inches wider than the TB measured at the rear of the doors
to give more cockpit space.
The overall car width remained the same resulting in narrower running boards with two tread
strips as opposed to the previous three.
The tachometer was directly in front of the driver, while the speedometer was on the other
side of the dash in front of the passenger.
10,001 TCs were produced, from September 1945 to Nov. 1949, more than any previous MG model.
It cost £527 on the home market in 1947.
Fuel consumption was 28 mpg-imp.
Its 0–60 mph time was 22.7 seconds, a respectable performance at the time.