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MG Magnette ZA

MG Magnette ZA

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MG Magnette ZAMG Magnette ZAMG Magnette ZAMG Magnette ZAMG Magnette ZA
MG Magnette ZAMG Magnette ZA
Lot number 108
Hammer value £8,600
Description MG Magnette ZA
Registration UKC 25
Year 1956
Colour Maroon
Engine size 1,489 cc
Chassis No. KAC13/12752
Engine No. 12578

The first monocoque car to bear the MG badge, the Magnette was designed by the great Gerald Palmer (of Jowett Javelin and Riley Pathfinder fame) and featured swooping Italian inspired styling. 

Launched in 1953 at the London Motor Show with deliveries starting in March 1954, the ZA was powered by the new four cylinder 1,489 cc B-Series engine with twin SU carburettors delivering 60bhp. Driving the rear wheels through a four-speed manual gearbox with synchromesh on the top three ratios, performance was brisk for its day with a top speed of 82mph and 25mpg economy.

Suspension was independent at the front using coil springs and had a live axle with half elliptic leaf springs at the rear. The steering was by rack and pinion. Hydraulically operated Lockheed 10-inch drum brakes were fitted to front and rear wheels. Lavishly trimmed in the best MG tradition, the car had leather upholstery while the dashboard and door cappings were in polished wood. The heater was standard but the radio still an optional extra. Standard colours were black, maroon, green and grey.

According to the Heritage certificate in the history file, this maroon Magnette left the Abingdon production line on 5th December 1955. The car was then registered in Liverpool on the first day of January 1956 and pleasingly it still retains its original registration number, UKC 25, which is transferable.

Not much is known about the car’s subsequent history until 1990 by which time it was owned by a gentleman from Keighley in Yorkshire. Soon afterwards ownership transferred to a lady in Cornwall who treated the car to a full nut and bolt restoration around 11 years ago.

The underside of the car is said to be as good as the topside, being sprayed in all the correct colours with all the brake/fuel pipes and perishables replaced. The interior is also said to be excellent with the seats and carpets being retimed in the original colour.

Once the restoration was completed the car was put into storage and barely used, having covered only a handful of miles since. It now needs a proud new owner behind the wheel to give it the regular exercise it really deserves.
 

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