MG Magnette ZB

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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 (the very similar Wolseley 4/44 making do with the old 1,250cc MG TF engine). 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.

The ZB came out in 1956, now with bigger 1.5-in carbs, a higher compression ratio and a revised manifold which boosted power to 64bhp and increased the top speed to 86mph

First registered in Liverpool in May 1957, this particular ZB spent its first few years in and around that city (as evidenced by the original buff log book) before being acquired by the owner of the Llangollen Motor Museum in 1994. He kept the car for almost 10 years during which time it was mainly on display in the museum, although it was regularly pressed into use as his car of choice for the annual LMM Rally, a reasonably demanding five-day event around the back roads of Wales.

The vendor acquired the car from the museum in 2005 and has continued to use it lightly but regularly, mainly for local shows and the odd leisurely rally. During his ownership the car has always been carefully maintained by Windle’s Garage of Berrow (well-known in classic circles) and has benefitted from a rebuilt gearbox, new clutch, front and rear suspension overhaul and a stainless steel exhaust among numerous other minor items. It is said to drive and handle remarkably well, being easily capable of keeping up with modern traffic and very comfortable on long journeys.

In highly original condition throughout with a nicely patinated pale grey leather interior, the car even retains the original radiator blind. The only noteworthy deviation from standard are discreetly fitted flashing indicators front and rear, the vendor being of the opinion that the original trafficators were not really safe for modern road conditions. The horn is also operated via a button on the dash rather than the chrome ring on the steering wheel as this was too easy to press by mistake while manoeuvring. The vendor also advises that the heater has been disconnected because the matrix was prone to drip water onto the carpets – as the car is only used in the summer months he has never bothered to get this fixed.

A reassuringly sound, straight and usable example that just oozes period charm, it comes with various old MOTs which show that it has only covered some 9,400 miles in the current 10-year ownership, plus an original owner’s handbook and an original maintenance manual. It is only reluctantly being sold due to the advancing years of the vendor who now wants it to go to a caring new owner who can continue to give it the regular exercise it deserves.

The icing on the cake is the original and transferable registration number which is sure to be of interest to any Porsche 996 owner – although we don’t advocate this number swapping business, naturally…