1934 MG PA/B Type Supercharged 'Black Adder' Special

This fantastic MG Special was built from the remains of two PA Midgets (0864 and 1665) between 1979 and 1982 by Roger Thomas on behalf of owner Bryan Ditchman. It was prepared with the MCC Trials in mind and featured cycle-type wings and a special heavy-duty differential reinforced by long through bolts. The car duly obliged with a Silver Medal in an Exeter Trial in the early 1980s, failing only one stage which was a good effort on standard carbs. It was subsequently purchased from Bryan Ditchman by the owner prior to our vendor, Steve Dear, in June 1992 and was developed by him as an all round competition car for sprints, driving tests, hill-climbs and trials. Steve was ‘Mr MG’ at the time and very knowledgeable about pre-war Midgets. For some reason that we haven’t established yet, the little MG became known as ‘Black Adder’ and the name seems to have stuck.

In 1993, he fitted the car with a Marshall A 75 supercharger resulting in a string of problems, however, they were all eventually sorted out. The full story of the following years, the new parts that were fitted, the upgrades and modifications is contained in an information sheet in the car’s history file which can be inspected at our Documents Desk or could be emailed to interested parties.

Over the years 'Black Adder' enjoyed numerous successes in a variety of events including the Exeter Trial, Exmoor Fringe, VSCC Driving Tests, Prescott, Brooklands and Malvern, all documented. As is often the way, another project came along and 'Black Adder' was retired to the shed and was last used in 2005. It was then purchased in 2021 by our vendor, a previous Touring Car Champion and vintage enthusiast, who set about recommissioning the car. This included removal of the sump to check the crankshaft - all was well - the radiator was re-cored, a new water pump fitted as the old one was blocked with solid antifreeze and, with a new battery fitted, 'Black Adder' sparked into life. The car was then tuned on the rolling road and the result is spectacular! The Phoenix crank and high compression pistons propel the lightweight MG at an alarming rate and the car could well be very effective in VSCC/MG Club competitions on road or track. It would also be great fun on rallies and it’s surprising just how much room there is for fuller-bodied pilots! Don’t believe us? Come along to the sale, jump in and try it.