75 bhp, 2,288 cc OHV six-cylinder engine, four-speed manual gearbox, solid front and live rear axles with semi-elliptic rear springs, and four-wheel Lockheed hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 3,124 mm

• One of just five Charlesworth-bodied SA Tourers known to exist

• Limited mileage since total restoration in 2002

This splendid MG SA left the Abingdon Motor Works as a Charlesworth sports tourer and is thought to be one of very few original Charlesworth tourers in existence today. Chassis number 1771 was delivered new, in English Cream over red leather, to its first owner, Mr. Alfred Nencini, on 29 May, 1937. In November 1939 he was involved in an accident, after which his beloved MG was sent to Pickwick Motor and Engineering Works in Corsham where the car was repaired and subsequently painted black.

When work on the car was finished, Pickwick Motors and Engineering Works attempted to reach Mr. Nencini to settle the invoice. Their letters were returned unopened. Mr. Nencini’s insurance company finally explained to Mr. Sperring, proprietor of Pickwick Motor Company, that Mr. Nencini had tragically taken his own life. In lieu of a settlement, Mr. Sperring chose to inherit this fantastic sports tourer. During his ownership, the MG saw infrequent use and was ultimately laid up for many years.

It wasn’t until 2002 that the car was sold to its current owner. That same year it was sent to world-renowned TT Workshops for a total restoration where it was returned to its original colour. It has since covered less than 5,000 miles including a trip to Le Mans in 2004 where it won an award for the best MG. It has been described as a very usable tourer as the owner has taken it on several long runs through Europe, including journeys to France and to the Le Mans Classic.

This fantastic MG SA is certainly among the most desirable MGs with its six-cylinder power plant and lovely low open sport coachwork by Charlesworth. Well-known journalist Laurence Pomeroy wrote of the SA in The Motor (7 June, 1938), “I can quite honestly state…that for the sheer pleasure in driving, I have come across nothing which pleases me more than the car now reviewed.”