When the SA model was introduced at the 1935 Motor Show it created a great deal of controversy amongst MG customers and enthusiasts. Prior to this, most MGs had been small sports cars with overhead camshaft engines but the SA was very different. The new car was much bigger and had a simpler engine, with push-rod operated overhead valves similar to the contemporary Wolseley.

The SA was also a luxurious and comfortable saloon, in contrast to the spartan two-seaters for which the MG name had
become famous. The SA and its companion VA and WA models were popular with customers in the period 1936 to 1939. They were handsome cars with good performance and were rated as rather better than the SS Jaguar of the time, although not as quick.

The VA was a smaller version of the SA fitted with a 1½ litre four cylinder engine, whilst the WA was a more powerful,
2.6 litre version, built in limited numbers in 1938 and 1939. All were available with a choice of body styles: saloon, Tickford drophead coupé or tourer. Some 2,738 SA cars had been made by the time the outbreak of the Second World War stopped car production.