1935 MG R-type

A tiny, wavering soprano has a tough time in a Wagnerian opera, no matter how good she may be

by Thor Thorson

H&H Classic Auctions

Last of the Abingdon marque’s pre-WWII racing cars, the R-type was unveiled on April 25, 1935. Beautifully wrought, its revolutionary chassis boasted such advanced features as selective dampers and finned drum brakes. Powered by a supercharged 747-cc OHC four-cylinder engine mated to four-speed ENV pre-selector transmission, the racer was credited with an incredible 113 bhp at 7,200 rpm. Clad in lightweight aluminum bodywork, it looked every inch the miniature Grand Prix car. In keeping with MG’s contemporary competition policy of backing selected privateers rather than fielding its own works team, the ten R-types produced were sold to hand-picked customers at a bargain price of £750.