A 1934 MG PA/B that competed at Le Mans in 1935 is set to cross the block at RM Sotheby’s Battersea Evolution sale in London on 7 September. It is expected to fetch between £95,000 and £120,000.
The car was raced at La Sarthe by the all-female crew of Barbara Simpson and Joan Richmond, which was managed by former Le Mans racer George Eyston and formed part of a three-car works entry. Despite being unfairly dubbed ‘Eyston’s Dancing Daughters’, the women were successful racing drivers in their own right, having proven themselves to be solid performers on the international racing circuit.
All three cars were heavily modified in preparation for the race, including upgrades to the engine, brakes and gearbox, and it paid dividends: the team cars finished in 24th, 25th and 26th positions, with the Richmond/Simpson PA leading the group.
Of the trio, chassis ‘PA/1711’ is the sole survivor. It was reborn as a supercharged works hillclimb car following its outing at Le Mans, and was fully rebuilt in 1995.
“I love this little car,” said RM Sotheby’s Annette Abaci. “Pre-war sports cars are a passion of mine, but this particular car is important for all women involved in the classic car industry and in the broader motorsport world.”
