Registration - XSL 395

Chassis No. - Y0674

M.O.T. - Exempt

Odometer - 16,000

A delightful example of MG’s post-war saloon, this YA is offered at no reserve, and tastefully specified in Lincoln Green and with British Racing Green bodywork, over cream and tan interior. Powered by MG’s 1,250cc four-cylinder engine that gave the model it’s “one and a quarter litre” moniker – as seen on the owner’s manual – ‘XSL 395’ puts its power to the wheels via a four-speed manual gearbox. The interior features a number of desirable factory fitted elements, including sunroof, wood veneer dash, leather upholstery and door cards, floor-mounted pedals, and Jaeger dials and gauges.

Owned since the mid-1990s by the current owner, they report that ‘XSL 395’ has had just five previous owners in its 77 years on the road. During that time, it has had a rebuilt engine, which would go some way to explaining the exceptionally low mileage for its age of just 16,000 miles indicated on the odometer. The MG has also had its brakes serviced, and the light bulbs replaced by LEDs. ‘XSL 395’ has been used for touring on the continent, particularly in France, and on the Channel Islands, and used for weddings in the past. It is offered with a large folder of paperwork, including original owner’s books, and tool-kit. The vendor describes the interior as in ‘average’ condition, and the upholstery is clearly in need of some care. However, the engine and electrics are rated as ‘good’, and the transmission, bodywork, and paint – the latter having been resprayed in 2023 and given ceramic treatment – described as being in ‘excellent’ condition.

• Offered at no reserve
• Recently resprayed with desirable paint scheme
• Low mileage example thanks to engine rebuild

Originally aimed to start production in 1941, MG’s Y Type saloon was naturally postponed because of the war, and instead started rolling off the production line in Abingdon in 1941. Designed before the outbreak of the Second World War, the model – also known as the one and a quarter litre saloon – was MG’s version of the Morris Eight Series E. The steel bodywork resembled that of the Morris, but changes were made to the front and rear to make the car look more like an MG, including sweeping wings each end. The chassis was markedly different however, as was the suspension set-up, all of which marked the model out as MG’s own, and formed the basis of many other sports car models of the era. Although never officially designated ‘YA’, the Y Series saloon has adopted that name over the years from owners and enthusiasts. More than 6,000 units were produced before production ceased in 1951, when the revised YB was introduced.