Description
The MG PA Midget was introduced in 1934 as the successor to the popular J2 Midget and represented a further refinement of MG’s small-capacity pre-war sports car formula. Compact, lightweight and mechanically straightforward, the PA continued MG’s tradition of offering affordable sporting motoring with lively performance and distinctive styling.
The PA Midget retained the classic pre-war MG appearance, with cycle wings, a narrow upright radiator grille and separate headlamps mounted on a crossbar. The two-seat open body featured cut-down doors and a simple folding hood with detachable side screens for weather protection. Its proportions were compact, emphasising agility and lightness over comfort or luxury.
Power came from an 847 cc four-cylinder engine with overhead camshaft design, similar in basic layout to the earlier J-type units but refined for improved reliability and performance. Output was modest, yet the lightweight chassis allowed the PA to deliver spirited acceleration and engaging handling. A four-speed manual gearbox transmitted power to the rear wheels, providing direct control and contributing to the car’s lively character.
The chassis used a ladder-frame construction with solid axles and semi-elliptic leaf springs. While suspension technology was simple by modern standards, the car’s low weight and narrow dimensions gave it responsive handling and a strong connection between driver and road. Braking performance was improved compared with earlier models, reflecting MG’s continued development efforts.
Inside, the cockpit was minimal and driver-focused. Instruments were centrally mounted on the dashboard, and seating was snug, reinforcing the car’s sporting intent. The driving experience was direct and mechanical, with little in the way of insulation from road noise or vibration, but this rawness formed part of the car’s appeal.
The MG PA Midget was popular in club competition, trials and hill climbs during the mid-1930s. Its accessible price and strong sporting credentials helped cement MG’s reputation as a leading producer of small British sports cars. Production numbers were healthy for a specialist vehicle of the period, and the PA became one of the defining MG models of the era.
Today, the MG PA Midget is regarded as a classic example of pre-war British sports car engineering. Its combination of lightweight design, overhead-cam engine and traditional styling makes it highly desirable among vintage car enthusiasts. As a historical model, it represents MG’s continued evolution of the Midget concept and its enduring commitment to affordable performance motoring.