Lot details
Registration No: ALO 393
Chassis No: J3499
Mot Expiry: May 2012

A direct derivative of the M Type, the cheeky little J2 Midget was announced in August 1932. The underslung chassis was topped by a simple but striking two-seater open body - early versions had cycle wings at the front while subsequent examples featured integral swept units. Power came from MG's proven Wolseley-derived 847cc OHC four-cylinder engine that produced 36bhp and drove through a four-speed manual gearbox. Suspension was by semi-elliptic springs all round and braking by cable-operated 8-inch drums. Some 2,083 J2s were manufactured before the J-Type model range was superseded by the PA.

'ALO 393' was manufactured in July 1933 and delivered new via University Motors to Miss Joan Fleming of Finchley Road, London. The MG was acquired by its current owner in 1965 and, though disassembled, was complete and original except for the windscreen and engine block that were inexplicably missing. He soon commenced the required restoration, but was then forced to put the task on ice until his retirement in 2000, at which point the job was entrusted to marque specialist Adrian Priestly of Chisbon Restorations. The Midget evidently remains in superb overall condition, having covered just a few hundred miles since returning to the road; winning the concours d'elegance at the 2006 Vaynor Classic event along the way.

The original engine and gearbox have been replaced with those from a 'big cam' P-Type model. During the restoration, this later unit was fitted with a new PB specification block, increasing the capacity to 938cc and the output to 43bhp. A Phoenix crankshaft and conrods with shell bearings were installed, along with new pistons and rings. The rear axle was modified with a four-star differential and the brakes upgraded with 12-inch P-Type drums.

This very smartly presented J2 features Oxford Blue bodywork and carpets complemented by Cambridge Blue leather seats and vinyl trim, and is equipped with new, original-pattern double duck hood, frame and side screens. The MG comes complete with a selection of the replaced parts, which include the original J2 gearbox with remote control, original cylinder head, J2 brake back plates and drums, invoices, photographic records, a collection of Triple M Bulletins and is taxed and MOT'd into May 2012.