The Triple M series of MG’s all belong to a family of models that commenced with the 1929 MG Midget and continued through to the mid-thirties via a long string of four and six cylinder OHC engined cars that forged the marques identity.

RX 5974, a 1931 season MG 8/33 Midget Sportsman’s Coupe was the subject of a publicity photoshoot of which at least four images survive. This internet sourced shot shows the car in a summer setting adjacent to an idyllic English cottage, which was also the location for another of the surviving photographs taken that day.

Eustace Watkins were the London main dealers for Wolseley cars and were quick to spot the sporting potential in the Wolseley Hornet six cylinder engine. Although not the first to market an open sports body on the Hornet chassis they were not too far behind the Surrey coachbuilder, Hoyal. This model first appeared in the autumn of 1930 and was priced at £225.

The Triple M series of MG’s all belong to a family of models that commenced with the 1929 MG Midget and continued through to the mid-thirties via a long string of four and six cylinder OHC engined cars that forged the marques identity.

This Light Car & Cyclecar cover shows an MG Midget on Hustyn Hill possibly taking part in the 1931 MCC London-Lands End Trial. As can be seen in the magazine’s trhc, this edition is from March 25th 1932 and the cover is serving to advertise the 1932 event which was to take place on 3rd/4th April that year. If, as is probable the photo was taken at the previous years event, the Midget carrying competition number 202 is being driven by R.H. Day-Dewdney. While the car’s  registration plate is partially concealed, it is likely to be that of FJ 6110, a March or April 1929 Exeter registered car – thus making the Midget a very early production example indeed. The Donald Cowbourne archive lists the car among the MG contingent, although it is described as an 847 cc special, further muddying the waters.

The Triple M series of MG’s all belong to a family of models that commenced with the 1929 MG Midget and continued through to the mid-thirties via a long string of four and six cylinder OHC engined cars that forged the marques identity.

The ‘Musketeers’ and ‘Crackers‘ teams were effectively MG factory supported, although the cars were notionally owned by their drivers. They successfully competed in the trials and rallies of the period, their drivers becoming well known, even outside of motor sporting circles. JB 3639 was a 1934 Berkshire registered ‘P Type’ and was owned by R.A. MacDermid. Car and crew are seen here taking part in the first of two special tests on the promenade at the Blackpool Rally, held over 12th-14th June 1936 where MacDermid and JB 3639 went on to earn a First Class award. (LATplate C9118 – courtesy of Motorsport Images)

The Triple M series of MG’s all belong to a family of models that commenced with the 1929 MG Midget and continued through to the mid-thirties via a long string of four and six cylinder OHC engined cars that forged the marques identity.

LAT image (B3485) has featured here previously. This edited extract however concentrates on the two MG Midgets at the head of a long line of parked cars, all of which had stopped for breakfast while taking part in the 1930 MCC London-Lands End Trial. The lead 1929 Midget (being refuelled) can be identified from its competition number as being the mount of T.G. Clark who went on to win a Gold award. His car had sensibly been fitted with sidescreens for it’s overnight journey from Slough, the Launceston stop being scheduled for 9-45AM. The second Midget is a 1930 model, RP 8266 (competition no. 221). This one, driven by D. M. Dorr, did not feature among the awards and was retired later that day. (Information courtesy of Donald Cowbourne, photo courtesy of Motorsport Images.)

The Triple M series of MG’s all belong to a family of models that commenced with the 1929 MG Midget and continued through to the mid-thirties via a long string of four and six cylinder OHC engined cars that forged the marques identity.

Throughout the thirties, the Scottish Motor Transport Company ran a fleet of buses across Scotland and also published the SMT Magazine in conjunction with the LNER and LMS railway companies. Each edition of the magazine was effectively a travelogue, full of articles relating to places of interest and holiday destinations across the United  Kingdom, its purpose to encourage would be holiday-makers to use their services. Strangely perhaps, the magazine’s pages are also populated with advertisements from car manufacturers and motor traders encouraging the readership to buy cars, effectively dissuading them to use the facilities offered by the magazine’s publishers. However, SMT had this base covered as they also owned a car dealership in Scotland’s capitol city, Edinburgh. This very late SMT MG Midget advertisement appears in the January 1932 edition and depicts a metal panelled model illustrated by Harold Connolly. Does anyone know of a later dated MG ‘M’ Type Midget advertisement?

The Triple M series of MG’s all belong to a family of models that commenced with the 1929 MG Midget and continued through to the mid-thirties via a long string of four and six cylinder OHC engined cars that forged the marques identity.

This Bill Brunell image of MG Midget UF 5796 seen here competing in the 1930 Brighton-Beer trial with E. Tebbs at the wheel was first published in the Auto Motor Journal. (see left-hand magazine snippet) The original plate survived and is now part of the Brunell image collection held by the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu.

The Triple M series of MG’s all belong to a family of models that commenced with the 1929 MG Midget and continued through to the mid-thirties via a long string of four and six cylinder OHC engined cars that forged the marques identity.

The Spring Shelsley event, held on 27th May 1933, was a damp and dreary affair according to contemporary reports. Surviving photographs confirm this with umbrellas raised and a wet track surface clear to see.  Three MG K3 Magnettes took part, including two of the Mille Miglia machines, one driven by Count Lurani, the second by Fay Taylour, a mount she shared with G.E.T. Eyston. The third Magnette was driven by E.R. Hall, who easily won his class, ascending the hill in 48.00 seconds. This photo is of Miss Taylour’s MG K3 awaiting the signal to start an ascent of the famous 1000 yard course. (LATplate C487 courtesy of Motorsport Images)

The Triple M series of MG’s all belong to a family of models that commenced with the 1929 MG Midget and continued through to the mid-thirties via a long string of four and six cylinder OHC engined cars that forged the marques identity.

RX 9153 (2M/3150) was a 1932 season metal panelled MG Midget, built towards the end of the model’s production life, being subsequently replaced by the MG J2 later in the year. The panelled M Types were roomier than the earlier fabric skinned versions and this supercharged model was a full 10 MPH quicker, the addition of a blower adding £65 to the asking price over its predecessor. (It sold for £250) This photograph was one of a sequence taken to illustrate an Autocar road test, published 12th February 1932, a copy of which can be found on the MG Midget page, under ‘The cars’ in the open area of the website. (LAT plate E1921, courtesy of Motorsport Images)

The Triple M series of MG’s all belong to a family of models that commenced with the 1929 MG Midget and continued through to the mid-thirties via a long string of four and six cylinder OHC engined cars that forged the marques identity.

(LATplate C5789) This shot of MG Magnette BLP 484 was, according to the markings on the plate, taken on Hustyn during the 1935 MCC London-Land’s End Trial. Car and crew (driver: J.H. Hibbitt) appear to be taking a leisurely passage through the ford watched by the customary large crowds at this traditional spring event. (Photo courtesy of Motorsport Images)