Using original drawings and an actual Q-Type for reference in making a Q-Type recreation out of this 1934 MG P-Type for sale on Hemmings.com certainly appears to have paid off in terms of authenticity. No less, it’s a clean and detail-oriented build that would look just as good at a show as it would among a field of vintage racers. From the seller’s description:
The car for sale is a faithful recreation of the 1935 Q-Type and based on a contemporary 1935 P-Type. Access to an original Q-Type aided the construction. The car has just emerged from the workshop and has yet to be run in. It has been carefully constructed from refurbished original equipment parts combined with new parts created using original Q type drawings and patterns. It is currently UK registered and can be used on the road. The registration and other particulars are as follows:
Chassis: PB0761; Engine: 986APB; Registration: CEL 341
The only significant change from the original factory specification is fitment of a Volumex supercharger rather than a Zoller unit for reliability. The Volumex supercharger operates at a nominal pressure of 12 lbs./sq. inch allowing use of conventional high-octane petrol.
The P Type chassis has been sandblasted then modified to exact Q Type dimensions and specifications using original drawings. It is boxed and lightened & painted in black enamel. The running gear specification includes correct N Type axles, a limited slip differential, correct Andre friction duplex shock absorbers at the front & pair of original Luvax hydraulic units at the rear. Under-slung semi-elliptic springs with binding are fitted as original. Other chassis specifications include correct Bishops cam steering, correct cable-operated 12-inch finned drum brakes, fly off handbrake operating on all four wheels and front braking torque reaction cables. The gearbox is an original ENV preselector fitted with the desirable close ratio gears and slim top-mounted gear change mechanism.
In terms of electrics there is a Redline Racing Battery mounted at the rear. The standard vertical dynamo arrangement is used for charging using a two-brush dynamo with a Lucas Type 37182 Control Unit mounted under the dash. Ignition is by Scintilla magneto. No lighting or mudguards are fitted in conformance with original specification, but wiring, switchgear and fusing has been incorporated should an owner wish to retrofit lights. Wiring is by braided cable. A Lucas SF4 Fuse Box is mounted on the aluminium engine bulkhead.
The engine is based on a new three-bearing P type block as used on the original Q Types. The engine specification includes an original Q Type finned magnesium sump. The sump is fed from a scuttle mounted auxiliary oil tank via SU metering system as original. This has not been fully commissioned as the original factory arrangement proved unreliable in use. Instead oil is topped up via an inspection plate in the cam cover. The cam cover and inspection plate follow the original Q Type pattern. A high capacity oil pump gives an oil pressure of approximately 80lbs/square inch. A full flow oil filter is fitted. Modern oil seals are fitted. Other engine features include a Phoenix crank, Carrillo con rods, forged aluminium pistons, gas flowed cross flow cast iron head, cam and valve gear to Q Type specifications and a solid copper head gasket. The engine capacity is a nominal 980 cc. The front-mounted Volumex supercharger has integral oiling arrangements with an inspection tube to check oil levels. The supercharger oil reservoir has an approximate 1/2 pint capacity. Fuel-air mixture is fed to the engine via an original specification aluminium inlet manifold with blow off valve. Original specification water pump and radiator are used for cooling, Road tests indicate excellent cooling operation. The radiator has a quick release cap. A new SU HV8 model carburettor to original specification supplied by Burlen is fitted. No enrichment device is a fitted in conformance with original specifications. In practice all that is needed for a cold start is to tickle the carburettor. Otherwise, once warm, the car starts on the button with racing spark plugs.
The wheels are 18 x 3.0 Turrino aluminium rim wire wheels painted black and fitted with Blockley racing tyres.
Aa close replica of the special Q Type light steel 19-gallon fuel tank with baffles is mounted as per original, and incorporates twin quick release fillers. Fuel is supplied via a high-capacity Facet racing fuel pump. For safety, modern steel braided petrol feed pipes are used.
The engine exhausts via a four-branch tubular manifold and twin side-mounted Brooklands Regulation exhaust system with fish tails. The exhaust system is painted matt black.
The body is hand-built in aluminium and made to original drawings and patterns. It is fully detachable from the chassis and has opening tail section as original. Body panels are painted light blue with a single aero screen on the driver’s side and a single centre mounted rear view mirror. Vehicle registration numbers are to be hand painted according to new owner wishes. No mudguards are fitted to conform to original factory specification. Twin bucket seats are covered in antique brown leather. A brown leather bonnet strap secures the louvered bonnet. The supercharger fairing is hand made to the original pattern and fitted with an original MG Q Type badge.
Aircraft style instrumentation and switchgear conforms with original specifications unique to the Q Type. Gauges as follows: Rev counter, supercharger boost pressure, main oil pressure, over-head valve gear oil feed pressure, water temperature, oil temperature, ammeter. No speedometer. The dashboard is fabricated in aluminium, painted matte black and laid out as original.
The car has been road tested and exhibits very strong performance and excellent handling.
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