THERE aren’t many pre-war items that look better now, almost 100 years later.

But that is the case for an MG car, lovingly restored after being discovered in a garage, where it had sat for more than 45 years.

It was bought by the current owner, who painstakingly restored the car, which will go up for auction on Thursday, June 8, through Sherborne firm Charterhouse.

“To say the MG was bought as a project makes it sound much better than it was as it was in a very sorry state indeed,” said auctioneer, Richard Bromell.

“Thankfully the owner was more than handy with a spanner and undertook a complete restoration of the MG.”

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The MG VA rolled off the production line in 1939. Very much a sports saloon, with its 1.5 litre engine, twin carburettors and Art Deco interior, it was only made from 1937 to 1939 as the outbreak of war stopped production.

The car in question failed an MOT in 1969 and was rolled into a garage. The owner planned to restore the car and in 1970 it was partially dismantled.

It remained in its dismantled state for the next 45 years until it was rescued by the current owner.

The classic MG VA sat in a garage for 45 years before the start of restoration work

Over the next five years, the car was lovingly restored with the owner carrying out all the work himself, apart for some engine work and a respray which he felt best left to the professionals.

Having enjoyed restoring the car rather than driving the car, the owner has decided to let a new custodian use and enjoy the MG.

Estimated at between £10,000 and 12,000, the 1939 MG VA is ready for classic car shows or for lazy summer picnics and is set to go under the Charterhouse gavel as part of the classic and vintage car auction on June 8.

The MG VA has now been restored and is ready for classic car shows

Charterhouse are accepting further entries for the specialist sale, being held at Haynes International Motor Museum, Sparkford. Richard Bromell and the team at Charterhouse Auctioneers can be contacted on 01935 812277 or by email to cars@charterhouse-auction.com.