The DFW Car & Toy Museum is currently showcasing one of the most exquisite and rare examples of pre-war British motoring artistry: a 1935 MG PB Airline Coupe, now on proud display as part of The Ron Sturgeon Collection. With only 14 known to have been built on the PB chassis, this maroon masterpiece represents not just automotive rarity but a sculptural expression of design at its most refined.
This exhibition matters because it preserves and presents a crucial piece of automotive heritage that demonstrates the intersection of art and engineering during the Art Deco period. The vehicle's significance extends beyond collector circles to design historians and cultural preservationists, offering insight into 1930s aesthetic values and technological capabilities. For automotive enthusiasts, this represents an opportunity to witness one of the rarest production cars from the pre-war era.
Designed by H.W. Allingham and bodied by Carbodies of Coventry, the Airline Coupe transformed the already nimble MG PB into a rolling work of Art Deco luxury. Distinctive touches like the cathedral skylights cut into the sliding sunroof, a wind-out windshield, and an elegant fastback silhouette highlight the coupe's unique blend of function and fantasy. Despite being built on the same compact 87.25-inch wheelbase as its roadster siblings, the Airline Coupe delivers the presence of a much larger car, thanks to its graceful, sweeping lines and upright MG grille.
Under the hood lies the final and most refined iteration of MG's famed overhead-cam crossflow-head inline-four Midget engine. In PB specification, this 939 cc power plant produced 43 horsepower and breathed through twin SU carburetors, paired with a four-speed manual gearbox. Adjustable Andre Hartford shock absorbers allowed drivers to tailor the ride for various road conditions, an advanced feature for the era that demonstrates the engineering sophistication of pre-war British automobiles.
The museum's owner, Ron Sturgeon, emphasizes the vehicle's dual appeal, stating that the MG PB Airline Coupe represents everything enthusiasts love about classic motoring: rarity, beauty, and character. He notes that while it's a showstopper, it also begs to be driven, highlighting the functional artistry that defines this exceptional vehicle.
With just 51 Airline Coupes believed to have been built across all MG chassis and only 14 on the PB platform, this example stands among the rarest survivors. Its display at the DFW Car & Toy Museum provides public access to a vehicle that would otherwise remain hidden in private collections. The museum, located at https://dfwcarandtoymuseum.com, offers free admission and parking, making this piece of automotive history accessible to a broad audience.
The implications of this exhibition extend to automotive preservation and education. By showcasing such rare vehicles, museums play a crucial role in maintaining automotive heritage for future generations. This particular vehicle represents the perfect union of streamlined coachwork and sprightly British engineering, mesmerizing collectors, design aficionados, and pre-war purists alike while serving as an educational tool about 1930s design and technology.
