Description
MG Magnette ZA – Matching Numbers/ Very Original
The ZA Magnette was penned by Gerald Palmer (designer of the Jowett Javelin) and introduced at the 1953 London Motor show. Notably the ZA was fitted with the first incarnation of the ‘B’ series engine married to four speed gearbox, twin carbs, and independent front suspension. The traditional leather & wood interior featured beautiful wood-veneer door caps & dashboard with ‘semi-octagonal’ instrumentation.
The Magnette was the sporting saloon of choice for the upwardly mobile family man but corrosion and Banger Racing took a heavy toll and today well cared for examples are difficult to find.
Registered in Buckinghamshire on the 16rh April 1956 our MG Magnette was exported by the first owner, Mr Norman Culley, to East Africa shortly afterwards. Mr Culley returned to the UK with his faithful Magnette in 1963 aboard the ‘Rhodesian Castle’ travelling via Durban.
In 2003 the car, after a period of time in storage, was purchased by a retired doctor who recommissioned the car. In good original condition work at that time included paint, replating the chrome, new fur-flex trim, rubber window seals, suspension components and a general mechanical overhaul.
The previous owner purchased the car in 2011 and used the Magnette regularly on family trips when not on display at the Bentley Motor Museum. Milestones sold the car last year and she has come back to us in part exchange against a Rover P6 (the owner has confidence in the standard we set and we like having our cars back as we know they are good!)
On the road the Magnette is a pleasure to drive with good acceleration and excellent roadholding. The interior presents well with the addition of front and rear seat belts (for the safety of the crew and grandchildren) and the Steel Blue bodywork (my favourite) has just the slight chip commensurate with light usage over the last twenty years.
The history file indicates just seven owners in 65 years and contains the original buff logbook. old V5s, a selection of invoices. MOT’s, tax discs and pictures of the car while on display at Bentley.
The Magnette is an ideal starter classic equally suited to a long-distance road trip or a run out to the local pub for Sunday lunch and we expect her to find a new custodian very quickly.
