Lot details
Registration No: LOE 485
Chassis No: Y6619
Mot Expiry: None

Introduced in 1947, the Y type saloon was an important car for MG. Boasting an all new welded box-section chassis (later adapted for use on the marque's TD / TF sportscars) its sophisticated coil-and-wishbone independent front suspension was the work of Sir Alec Issigonis and MG draughtsman Jack Daniels. Equipped with rack and pinion steering, a four-speed manual gearbox and hydraulic drum brakes as standard, it was powered by the same 1250cc XPAG four-cylinder engine as the TC Midget sports car. Said to develop some 46bhp and 58.5lbft of torque, the single SU carburettor fed unit reputedly endowed the model with a 71mph top speed. Elegantly understated, the four-door saloon's handsome lines were the work of Gerald Palmer. Benefiting from a well-appointed cabin, the YA remained in production until 1951 (by which time some 6,158 are thought to have been sold).

Finished in black with red leather upholstery, this particular example has been in the current (fifth) ownership since 1971. Dividing his everyday motoring between a MG TD in the summer and `LOE 485' during the winter, the vendor kept the saloon on the road until the mid / late 1980s. Reportedly still in running order when laid-up with "a serviceable engine, gearbox, clutch and rear axle", it has been dry stored ever since. Said at the very least to "require attention to its bodywork, fuel pump and brakes", `LOE 485' nevertheless boasts "good, original" interior trim. Showing an unwarranted 75,667 miles to its odometer, this MG has the makings of a potentially rewarding restoration project.