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| Q Type Profile |
It was only two months after the start of P type production that the Q type racing Midget was announced. Which car was foremost in the designer’s mind is a matter of debate for the Q could not have been produced without the development of the P engine. Like its J and C predecessors the Q used the short-stroke, 73mm, counter-balanced crankshaft but now with the advantage of the centre main bearing of its P type block. The supercharger fitted was a Zoller unit, giving over 25 psi of boost, an almost unheard of pressure for a racing engine, and developing over 110 bhp. The strain on the transmission was given careful consideration and a non-operating two-plate clutch was fitted, with the pre-selective gearbox, which was designed to slip when too much torque was developed. This helped prevent, but not eliminate, rear axle failures. The chassis was a bit of a mix, with side rails similar to the short chassis K but fixed closer together while the three foot nine axles were similar to the N type. The brakes were once again cable operated, 12" drums but with stiffer rims. The body bore more than a passing resemblance to the ‘pointed tail’ K3, and, all in all, was a very purposeful machine. Surprisingly, the Q type was a catalogue car costing £550 but it is not known if the MG Car Company made any profit on this price.
Taken all round, the Q type had a successful and highly developed engine in a chassis that was not capable of realising the engine’s full potential.
Q type specification
Wheelbase
Track
Steering
Brakes
Wheels
Tyres
Weigh of complete car
in racing trim |
7' 10" (2.39m)
3' 9" (1.14m)
Bishop Cam
12" drums, cable operated
3.00" x 18" side laced wire, Rudge type
4.75" x 18"
13 cwt 21 lbs (670 kg) |
Bore
Stroke
Capacity
Power output |
57 mm
73mm
746cc
113 bhp |
18th May 1934
Note: these were the first and last dates
that the Guarantee Plates were issued.
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to 20th September 1934
The cars could have been completed
earlier than these dates. |
Q type pictures:
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