A LOVINGLY restored pre-war car is set to go under the hammer at an auction of classic and vintage cars in June.

The MG VA is a sports saloon that rolled off the production line with a 1.5 litre engine, twin carburettors and an art deco interior in 1939.

Production only ran for two years, before it was stopped at the outbreak of the war.

The car failed an MOT in 1969, and was dismantled the following year, with the intention of it being restored.

Bournemouth Echo: Restored MG VA.

It sat in pieces for 45 years, before its current owner rescued it.

He restored the car over a five-year period, carrying out all the work himself, aside from some engine work and a respray which was done professionally.

The owner decided to let a new owner use and enjoy the car, as he enjoyed restoring it rather than driving it.

It is estimated that the car will fetch between £10,000 and £12,000, when Charterhouse auction it at Haynes International Motor Museum on Thursday, June 8.

Bournemouth Echo: Dismantled MG VA.

Richard Bromwell, from Charterhouse auctioneers, said: “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.

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