Keep up to date
Keep up to date with all things Trade Classics, along with new cars.
FOR SALE

1933 MG J2 Supercharged

£36,450

Rare Supercharged | Restored | Engine Rebuilt

  • Mileage~1,373 on the clock
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine885cc Supercharged
  • LocationLoughborough

£36,450

1933 MG J2 Supercharged

Premium Classified Sale

Introduction

Paul Wright
Professional Consigner

A quintessential British, supercharged pre-war classic.

A significant model in British automotive history, the MG J2 is a quintessential pre-war sports car. Its 847cc four-cylinder engine, generating around ~36bhp, offered impressive performance for the era, with a top speed capability of up to ~75mph in its light and nimble form. As a two-seater roadster, it featured characteristic cutaway doors, wire wheels, and a fold-flat windscreen, along with a long bonnet and initially cycle-type wings (later updated). The J2's four-speed manual transmission, rigid axles, and mechanical drum brakes provided a traditional, involved driving feel. Its popularity in club racing and amateur motorsport during the 1930s was crucial in building MG's reputation for sporting vehicles. Today, the J2 is a highly valued collector's item, celebrated for its classic aesthetics, mechanical simplicity, and its role in the golden age of pre-war British motoring.

This beautifully restored example comes to the market after three years with our vendor who bought the car after its restoration was completed, it has the benefit of a supercharger, increasing the performance to around ~50bhp.

This listing was written from information supplied by Paul after meeting John the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

Exterior

Two-seater roadster, cut-away doors – does pre-war motoring get much more fun than this?

Wheels and Tyres

The wire wheels are finished in silver and are in excellent condition. Also, the chrome knock-offs are in good condition with minimal tarnishing. The tyres have been replaced with period-correct cross-plies and are in like-new condition, having not covered many miles.

Please see the image gallery for detailed shots.

Bodywork

During the restoration, the body tub for the MG has been reconstructed with new timbers and skinning where necessary. The doors have been rebuilt and fitted with new hinges, and both fit superbly. All body irons and the front rain channel have been fitted. No dings or dents were spotted when looking around the car.

High-resolution images and videos have been provided, so please review all media to assess the car’s condition thoroughly.

Paint

Finished in Connaught Green, the paintwork presents well; there are some areas of orange peel, and a couple of small chips, but nothing excessive.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The two Brooklands screens and the aluminium frames are in excellent condition, with no scratches to be noted.

There is a small tonneau cover fitted to the rear, which has no damage.

Interior

It's a Midget, so the inside is quite cosy but comfortable.

Seats and Carpets

The fixed seats have been retrimmed in black leather and are in excellent condition.

Both door cards are believed to be vinyl but are in good condition with no damage.

The ribbed rubber flooring is in good condition with no signs of excessive wear.

Please see the interior gallery for more detailed images.

Dashboard

The dashboard is finished in body colour. All of the instruments are working correctly and present very well with no tarnishing to the bezels.

The oil pressure has a healthy reading, and the odometer shows a reading of ~1,373 miles.

Please see the interior gallery for more high-resolution images.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The four-spoke steering wheel is in excellent condition with no real signs of age, and the same can be said for the ball gear knob.

Please refer to the interior gallery for more images.

Mechanics

A fully rebuilt 885cc engine performs well, but is entirely different with a blower attached.

Engine and Gearbox

The fully rebuilt original numbered engine uses 58mm Cosworth racing pistons, and the cylinder head has been upgraded to accept unleaded petrol. Both the bay and engine are extremely well presented, and the engine fires up nicely and runs with no issues reported, other than a slight oil leak John told us, he also told us the engine would originally have been 847cc, it has possibly been bored out at some point, as it is recorded as 885cc on the V5. The icing on the cake is, of course, the supercharger, which sits proudly at the front of the car.

Fitted with a four-speed gearbox, it has a change as you would expect from a car without synchromesh. This does take some adjusting to, but as you can see in our on-the-road video, the changes are excellent when driven correctly.

Suspension and Brakes

On the road, the ride is firm and the car handles very well, with no untoward noises coming from the suspension.

As with anything pre-war and with mechanical brakes, you do have to think a little bit further ahead when it comes to slowing down. However, the brakes do bring you to a stop in a straight line and with no issues reported.

The Drive

Driving the 1933 MG J2 is a lively, hands-on experience. Its lightweight build and eager supercharged 885cc engine deliver vintage charm, while the non-synchromesh gearbox, direct steering and mechanical brakes demand driver skill.

With the wind in your hair, it’s a spirited throwback to classic British motoring, but most importantly, it turns on the grin factor and turns heads.

Electrics and Other

The wiring in the MG is minimal, and everything is said to be working correctly.

An additional switch is fitted to power an electric water pump on the engine, helping to aid cooling.

History and Paperwork

Dating back several years, the history file is comprehensive for the MG J2.

The detailed history file kicks off with the surviving original registration booklet and a handy copy of the workshop manual. There is a large collection of invoices which would take a brave owner to total up! These date back several years and show the amount of work carried out on the MG, including the parts used in the engine rebuild.

This 1933 MG J2 Supercharged is a lovely example which has been meticulously restored to a very high standard to ensure the pre-war British classic remains on the road for many more years to come – will it be you driving it?

A well-presented example coming from a 3-year ownership with a recent service, leaving it ready for the new keeper to embark on their upcoming grand tour.

We've carried out our usual seller checks, including verifying photo ID, the V5C, and running an HPI check. This confirms the car has not been stolen, written off, or has any outstanding finance. Please note: this check does not include mileage verification.

We’ve summarised the car based on the seller’s information above. As always, we go to great lengths to photograph and film the car in high-resolution detail so you can make your own informed assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So grab a cuppa, relax, and enjoy reviewing everything in this listing.

Viewings are welcome for all our listings. Please get in touch to arrange a time – we just need to speak with you first and receive valid photo ID before confirming.
If there’s anything you’re unsure about, no matter how small, please ask the owner in the comments section below before placing your bids, as bids cannot be retracted and form a binding contract if you win – just like in a traditional auction house.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
2022 Restoration completed
2020 Engine rebuild
Key Details
  • ModelJ2
  • TransmissionManual
  • Reg. Date05.07.1933
  • CC885cc Supercharged
  • Mileage~1,373 on the clock
  • ColourConnaught Green
  • Interior ColourBlack
  • Interior TrimLeather
  • Chassis #J3037
  • Engine #1837AJ
  • RestoredYes
  • Engine RebuildYes
  • MOT ExemptYes
  • Road Tax ExemptYes
  • HPi ClearYes - All Clear
  • Former Keepers5
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned3 years
  • Key FeatureSupercharged
  • Fuel TypePetrol
  • Body TypeConvertible
  • Auction ID2735

Insurance Quote


Average annual insurance premium for a like this is via our trusted partner ClassicLine.
GET AN INSURANCE QUOTEAnd get 10% off when you mention us.

*Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid .

Vehicle Location

Loughborough

Thank You


Offer Submitted

Your offer has been submitted successfully and we'll be in touch shortly.