1935 MG PA Midget | Running project - Fascinating Period History
£12,995
1935 MG PA Midget
ALJ 666 | Running Refurbishment Project | Fascinating Period History | Brooklands Museum & Murray Walker Connections
A Running Project with Remarkable History
An interesting opportunity to acquire a 1935 MG PA Midget with fascinating period competition history, connections to Brooklands Museum and almost 50 years of family ownership.
Recently mechanically recommissioned at a cost of over £3,500, ALJ 666 is running and has been road-tested. However, it remains a refurbishment project requiring further mechanical attention and considerable cosmetic improvement.
Offered at £12,995 to reflect its present condition, this is a car for the enthusiast who enjoys sympathetic restoration and appreciates an interesting provenance.
The MG PA Midget
Introduced in 1934, the MG P-Type Midget was a development of the successful J-Type, retaining its attractive traditional styling whilst incorporating a number of mechanical improvements.
Powered by an 847cc overhead camshaft four-cylinder engine with a three-bearing crankshaft, the PA developed approximately 36 bhp and offered lively performance and excellent handling.
Produced between 1934 and 1935, the PA remains one of the most appealing of the small pre-war MG sports cars.
Fascinating Period Competition History
Bearing its distinctive Bournemouth registration number, ALJ 666 was reportedly delivered new in January 1935 to E. H. Banfield, a keen sporting motorist who participated in trials and competitive events during the 1930s.
The substantial accompanying history file contains research and correspondence relating to Banfield’s ownership and competition activities, including a reported First Class Award in the 1935 RAC Rally.
Of particular interest is a contemporary article from The Light Car, dated 28 June 1935, covering the Brighton–Beer Trial. This includes a period photograph of an MG clearly displaying registration ALJ 666, providing valuable evidence of the car’s early sporting involvement.
The history file also includes correspondence dating from 1981, when Graham Roots was actively researching the MG’s early life, including enquiries to the MG Car Club and National Motor Museum Library concerning its participation in period trials.
Whilst the documentation provides a fascinating account of the car’s early years, certain competition results and historical associations have not been independently authenticated by us.
Brooklands Museum and Murray Walker
Adding further interest, ALJ 666 is understood to have spent approximately 15 years or more on display at Brooklands Museum.
The accompanying photographs include images of the MG at Brooklands featuring the late Murray Walker, the legendary motorsport commentator.
This association provides another interesting chapter in the car’s history.
Almost 50 Years of Family Ownership
The MG has remained in the same family ownership for almost half a century, during which time an extensive collection of historical material has been assembled and preserved.
The history file includes period publications, photographs, correspondence, club documentation and records of mechanical work.
Of particular interest is a Vintage Sports-Car Club eligibility document issued in July 2000, recording registration ALJ 666 and chassis number PA/1780.
The engine number has also been checked against the current V5C registration document and corresponds with the recorded details.
Recent Mechanical Recommissioning
In September 2026, the MG underwent mechanical recommissioning by Rees Bros Restorations of Aldershot, with expenditure totalling £3,524.34.
Work included attention to the fuel system and ignition, tachometer drive repairs, clutch adjustment, attention to the transmission and propshaft, and the fitting of five new Blockley tyres and tubes.
A replacement petrol pump was also fitted.
Following this work, Rees Bros road-tested the MG and recorded that it was driving satisfactorily.
Importantly, this work represents mechanical recommissioning rather than a comprehensive restoration. Further inspection, repairs and preparation will be required before the car is suitable for regular road use.
Condition and Refurbishment Required
Finished in green with contrasting red wire wheels and beige upholstery, ALJ 666 has an unmistakably authentic, time-worn appearance.
The paintwork, interior, fittings and general cosmetic presentation show considerable age and wear, and the car would benefit from extensive sympathetic refurbishment.
We have deliberately not undertaken cosmetic restoration, preferring to offer the MG substantially as received, allowing its next custodian to decide how far to take the work.
This is a running project, not a fully sorted, ready-to-use example.
Prospective purchasers should anticipate further mechanical investigation and expenditure, together with cosmetic refurbishment, and we would encourage a thorough inspection before purchase.
For the right enthusiast, however, it offers the opportunity to bring an interesting pre-war MG back to a standard of their choosing, whilst preserving its distinctive character.
Our Thoughts
What makes ALJ 666 particularly appealing is the richness of its accompanying history.
Its documented appearance in period motoring publications, early competition associations, lengthy connection with Brooklands Museum and almost 50 years of family ownership give it a story that many restored examples simply cannot offer.
It is not a concours car, nor is it being represented as an immediately usable example.
Rather, it is an honest, running refurbishment project with considerable historical interest and the potential to become a very rewarding little MG.
Now offered at £12,995, reflecting its condition and the work required.
Viewing strictly by prior appointment.
For further information, photographs or to arrange a viewing, please contact Robin or Michelle.
enquiries@robinlawton.com
01420 474919