MG Y Type

Magazine Subscription

Subscribe to Classic Motoring Magazine and save over 20%

Subscribe NOW

Available at all good newsagents including WHSmith

● T Type charm ● Four seats ● Great value ● Choice of saloon and tourer

Produced around the same time as the T sports cars, that iconic two-seater may have been driven by war-time fighter pilots, but the Y Type seemed to be the choice of their superior officers. In essence, the Y Type is an MG TD, albeit in a saloon body but with the same raffish MG character. Rarer too yet their prices handsomely undercut those of a T Type and are almost as easy to own.

Driving

Unless you hanker for sports car motoring, you may find the Y Type far more pleasing, thanks to an ultra stylish interior decked in wood and leather with just about enough room for four in comfort – plus, they came with a steel sunroof.

In its detuned 46bhp state the MG is about as peppy as a 1098cc Morris Minor although it’s easy to bring the unit up to TD tune, if desired. Handling is much like the sports car brother and can be similarly uprated, but you may find some cars still running on period cross-ply tyres. Radials can be fitted to the YB only and may need slightly deflating for it to fit in the spare wheel well and not so foul the boot lid! Pre-war MGs had some lovely touches including self-actuated jacks and a front opening windscreen. The steering column is telescopically adjustable for added comfort.

Best models

The later rarer YB – with its altered rear wings, covering smaller 15inch wheels, to complement a better chassis and brakes, – is the better bet if you can find one, but you can uprate a YA to suit if you want. The twin carb YTs are extremely rare and their values are dependent on how much you want one plus it may well be a left-hand drive US expat although a fair number were also exported to Commonwealth countries so right-hand drive.

That said, condition is the most important factor with any Y Type model and a capital YA makes a better bet than an average YB. You may well find some cars modded with T Type running gear, and certainly makes the saloon more suited to modern roads.

Prices

Compared to the T sports cars, Y Type saloons remain absolute bargains. Even the best you can find is pretty unlikely to exceed £15,000 although you may have to double that for a YT drophead, when one of these rarities comes along, that is.

Average-to-good saloons cost £8-10,000 and projects around £2500 irrespective of model. Aside from body parts, spares are relatively easy to obtain, especially the oily bits which are common to the TD, and renowned T Type experts such as NTG Motor Services of Ipswich, Andy King, Barry Walker (cars) MG Automobile Company (parts) and Barrie Carter can help.

Buying advice

The good news is that the design figured virtually on later MGs, like the TF and MGA, so spare parts either new or used, can easily be sourced. Availability of body and trim panels new is non existent so you’ll have to source repair sections or opt for used components and bear in mind that few Morris 8 bits fit. NTG Motor Services of Suffolk is your first port of call. YB bumpers aren’t the same as the YA and YT and both are rare finds.

The chassis is broadly TD so look for past repairs in all the usual areas. MG TD chassis or repair sections can be used if required – the main area that may require attention are the rear suspension pick up areas and the spare wheel well.

Check the floor for rot, and pay attention at the running boards and sills, A post rusting and cosmetic tin worm at the door bottoms and boot lid. How the suicide doors fit tell you the state of the A and B posts.

Bringing a typical aged interior up to concours standards can be quite involved and as expensive as a Jaguar Mk2 so don’t dismiss the worn leather and jaded woodwork lightly.