All About The… MG T-type

The T-type was one of the most important models in MG’s history and was produced for 19 years. We detail the numerous variants of continually-evolving sporting classic

- Jack Grover

The first T-type was a lightly-modified version of the previous P-type, boasting three-inch wider axles and seven inches let into the chassis between the wheels. The big change was under the bonnet – previous Midgets had used a Wolseley-designed overhead-cam engine but it was replaced by the new M-Series engine. This was an overhead-valve conversion of an existing Morris 1292cc sidevalve unit and its MG application had twin carburettors, an uprated camshaft and revised manifolds. It made 50 horsepower and brought with it a new gearbox with synchromesh between third and fourth, which was another first for MG. Instead of the P-type’s cable-operated brakes the new T-type featured four-wheel hydraulic brakes. Externally, the styling was almost identical to the P-type and every other MG sports car – an upright chrome surrounded grille, separate headlamps, tall front wings leading down to the running boards and a sparse open cockpit with cutdown doors and a collapsible hood. All this came for the same price as the outgoing P-type: £222 including taxes.