"The MG Q-Type is a racing car produced by MG in 1934. The chassis was based on the one used on the MG K3 but was narrower and used N-Type axles. The engine used the cylinder block from the P-Type but with a special crankshaft to bring the capacity down to 746cc by reducing the stroke. A high-pressure Zoller supercharger was fitted giving a boost to 2.5 atmospheres and allowing the engine to produce 113bhp at 7200rpm. A sprint version was also made with output increased to 146bhp which at nearly 200bhp per litre this figure was higher than any other racing engine in the world at that time and equated to over 200bhp per 1,000cc! To add stability at the inevitable high speeds, it was decided to increase the wheelbase and track on the basis that the extra power would more than compensate for the additional weight. The wheelbase was made the same as on the K3, and N-Type axles of 3' 9 track, with special 12 brake drums, were used.
Regarded as the ultimate traditional overhead cam-engined MG Midget, it is thought only eight were made (Michael Sedgwick states nine) as the car was expensive at £550–£650, and the rigid-axle chassis had difficulty in dealing with the power of the engine. In general layout the car followed the 1934 MG K3 very closely and inside elevation it is not easy to tell the two models apart. All eight Q-Types were originally fitted with very attractive open two-seat sports racing coachwork with a sloping, pointed tail and outside exhaust.
The final track testing of the Q-Type was undertaken by Bill Everitt and on Whit Monday, 1934, he broke the Class H Brooklands Mountain lap record at 69.97mph, first time out. He then competed at a Donington Park race meeting, achieving a first place and two seconds. At Brooklands on August 1st, he broke the Standing Kilometer and Standing Mile records at 69.75 and 79.88mph respectively - this was a direct measure of the improvement of the Q-Type since these records were taken from E.R. Hall who had set them the previous year in an MG J4. In October 1934, Everitt raised the Mountain Lap record to 75.58mph in the Q-Type and the Standing Kilometer and Mile records to the remarkable figures of 75.42 and 85.59mph.
The Q-Type bodied MG PA on offer today is presented in French Racing Blue and we ascertain from the large history file it was subject to a full photographic restoration in 2007. In stunning order and boasting the Volumex supercharger, during our vendors tenure the car has undergone significant expenditure to create what is a fabulous recreation of the Q-Type racer showing a body work akin to the days racing at Brooklands. This included the blower, the bespoke external handbrake, quick fill fuel caps , turned metal dash with dual chronograph clocks, Brooklands aero screens, aluminium foot plates and aluminium and rubber mats in the footwell. The bonnet straps and coachwork are as new likewise the trim sitting on wire wheels with bespoke tonneau and a fabulous fantail exhaust.
Eligible we would believe for hill climbs and sprints, this would be a great drivers car and certainly one of the best looking examples in the paddock. Our vendor has moved abroad so can no longer enjoy thus viewing is strongly advised for a car that will be finding a new home. This is an exceedingly rare opportunity to purchase a stunning homage to one of the eight Q-Types and in fine condition. It is an extremely exciting road car as well as a competitive pre-war racing car.
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