The J2 two seat model was introduced in August 1932. With it’s classic “two humped” scuttle and “cut away” doors the car was a masterpiece of simple, race bred design. The engine was derived from a Wolseley unit, with a eight port crossflow cylinder head and twin SU carburettors. The gearbox was a four speed unit with neat remote gearchange, bringing the gear lever conveniently to the driver’s hand. Only around 2000 examples were built, and they are much prized finds today.

Our car was rebuilt over many years by a well known engineer, with considerable claims to fame in the MG world Don Hayter - see www.houstonmgcc.com/hayter.htm A new body was fitted with new floors. The engine has new steel clubman crankshaft & rods, with rebuilt head , dynamo & drive gear . Morris type hydraulic brakes are a useful improvement over the original system. Sadly having completed the car he found he was not able to drive it easily due to “ anno domini” (coming to us all) so it was offered for sale.

The car’s file alone is worth having, with lots of engineer type diagrams and notes etc. In fact there are even copies of the car’s original warranty document dated 7th August 1933, and copies of letters from early owners to the factory with replies etc. One of particular interest is an exchange regarding paint defects, where the factory agreed to raise their offer of compensation from £2 to £4 !

We engaged our friends at Moto-Build in Egham to supply and fit new leather trim and weather gear, which was all the car needed to finish it off nicely. The car is now back with us and is looking quite superb.