The MG TA Midget Roadster was introduced in 1936 as the successor to the MG PB Midget, marking the beginning of the celebrated T-type series of British sports cars. Produced by the MG Car Company at Abingdon, Oxfordshire, the TA represented a significant departure from the earlier overhead-camshaft Midget models, introducing a larger engine, a more spacious body and improved everyday usability. Although some enthusiasts initially questioned the move away from MG’s traditional high-revving engines, the TA proved popular and established the foundations for a family of sports cars that would continue until the introduction of the MGA in 1955.
The TA Midget was developed during a period of change for MG, following the company’s integration into the Morris Motors organisation. Greater emphasis was placed on using established components from other vehicles within the group, reducing manufacturing costs and improving reliability. The result was a sports car that retained MG’s traditional appearance and engaging driving characteristics while becoming more practical and affordable to maintain.
Power came from a 1,292 cc inline four-cylinder engine derived from the Morris Ten. Unlike the overhead-camshaft engines used in the earlier P-type Midgets, the TA employed a conventional overhead-valve design operated by pushrods. Fitted with twin SU carburettors, the engine produced approximately 50 horsepower at 4,500 rpm. Although mechanically less sophisticated than its predecessor, the larger engine delivered improved low-speed torque and greater flexibility, making the TA easier to drive in ordinary road conditions.
The engine was coupled to a four-speed manual gearbox transmitting power to the rear wheels. The transmission featured synchromesh on the upper three ratios, making gear changes more convenient than those of many earlier MG models. The combination of the larger engine and revised transmission provided lively performance, with a maximum speed of approximately 78 mph (126 km/h), depending on road conditions and vehicle specification. Acceleration was respectable for a small sports car of the period, while the engine’s flexible power delivery made the TA particularly enjoyable on winding country roads.
The chassis retained traditional body-on-frame construction, employing a ladder-type steel frame with rigid front and rear axles. Suspension was provided by semi-elliptic leaf springs, with hydraulic shock absorbers controlling movement. One important improvement over the earlier P-type was the introduction of hydraulically operated drum brakes, which offered more consistent braking performance than the mechanical systems used on previous Midgets. These changes contributed to the TA’s improved road manners and made it a more capable vehicle for everyday motoring.
The TA Midget Roadster featured the classic British sports car appearance that would become closely associated with the MG marque. Its long bonnet, upright radiator grille, separate chrome headlamps and flowing front wings created an elegant yet purposeful profile. The open two-seat body incorporated cut-down doors, a folding fabric hood and detachable side screens, providing basic protection against poor weather while preserving the character of an open sports car.
The TA was noticeably larger than the PB Midget, with a wider body and more generous passenger accommodation. Its wheelbase measured approximately 94 inches (2,388 mm), providing additional interior space and improved stability. Wire-spoked wheels, running boards and a rear-mounted spare wheel completed the traditional appearance. The combination of compact proportions and carefully balanced styling helped establish the visual identity that would remain recognisable throughout the subsequent T-type generations.
Inside, the TA offered a more comfortable and practical cockpit than its predecessors. The two seats were upholstered in leather, while the dashboard incorporated a traditional arrangement of instruments, including a speedometer, tachometer and gauges for monitoring essential engine functions. The large steering wheel and relatively upright driving position reflected the design conventions of the period. Although the cabin remained simple by modern standards, the increased width and improved seating made the TA better suited to longer journeys.
The roadster’s folding hood and detachable side screens allowed it to be used in a variety of weather conditions, although protection from wind and rain remained limited. Luggage accommodation was modest, and the driving experience was characterised by direct steering, mechanical noise and a close connection with the road. These qualities, rather than outright refinement, formed an important part of the car’s sporting appeal.
The MG TA Midget quickly became popular among British sports car enthusiasts, attracting buyers who wanted an affordable vehicle suitable for both everyday transport and recreational competition. Its relatively robust engine and improved braking system made it particularly attractive for club motorsport, including trials, hill climbs and rallies. Private owners frequently modified their cars for competition, while the TA’s straightforward mechanical construction made maintenance and tuning relatively accessible.
The TA also provided the basis for several special-bodied and competition-oriented variants. Among the most notable was the MG TA Tickford Drophead Coupé, featuring coachwork by Salmons & Sons, which offered greater comfort and more elaborate weather protection. The MG TA Airline Coupé was another distinctive closed-body interpretation, while the TA chassis was also used for specialised sporting bodies. These variations demonstrated the adaptability of the T-type platform and broadened its appeal beyond the conventional two-seat roadster.
Production of the MG TA continued until 1939, when it was replaced by the improved MG TB Midget. Approximately 3,003 TA Midgets were manufactured, making it a commercially successful model for MG during the late 1930s. The subsequent TB introduced a new 1,250 cc XPAG engine, which would become central to the development of the later TC, TD and TF models.
The TA’s importance extends beyond its individual production figures. It established the basic mechanical layout and styling philosophy of the T-type series, which would become one of MG’s most successful and internationally recognised sports car families. In particular, the post-war MG TC helped introduce British sports cars to a generation of American enthusiasts, building upon the design principles first established by the TA.
Today, the MG TA Midget Roadster is highly regarded among collectors and enthusiasts of pre-war British sports cars. Its traditional styling, accessible mechanical construction and historical significance make it a desirable classic. Surviving examples range from carefully preserved original vehicles to fully restored cars, with particular attention often given to the condition of the ash-framed bodywork, chassis, engine and hydraulic braking system.
The MG TA Midget Roadster represents a pivotal moment in the history of the MG marque. By combining a more practical engine and improved mechanical components with the distinctive character of a traditional British sports car, it successfully bridged the gap between MG’s early overhead-camshaft Midgets and the celebrated T-type models that followed. Its enduring appeal lies in its elegant appearance, engaging driving experience and important contribution to the development of affordable British sports motoring.
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