Description
This lot will be auctioned via Silverstone Auctions, Race Retro Classic and Competition Car Sale 2023 on Friday the 24th of February - Saturday the 25th of February, Stoneleigh Park, Stoneleigh Rd, Coventry, CV8 2LG. The F-Type Magna range was only produced between 1931 and 1932 and was created to fill the evident gap that existed between the very affordable M-Type Midget and the more expensive 18/ 80 range of cars. It was effectively a six-cylinder, longer wheelbase version of the four-cylinder D-Type launched at the same time, and featured a newly designed, riveted steel chassis with sliding trunnion suspension, underslung rear axle and centre-lock wire wheels. Though supposedly new, the engine was in fact an extended version of the Wolseley Hornet unit, but equipped with dummy side covers in order to appear to be a fresh design. Its power output was 37. 2bhp fed to the rear wheels through a straight-cut ENV gearbox. With the top down the two-seat F2 was capable of 72mph-plus, rather impressive for the period.
Offered for auction at Race Retro is this beautiful F-Type Magna, Chassis #F1446, first registered in the UK in 1932. Fresh to market for the first time in 35 years, ‘NJ 447’ is only available as part of a deceased estate and once formed part of an eclectic collection of landmark classics from around the world.
The late owner, a gentleman and successful businessman, travelled the world for both work and pleasure and, as a lifelong motoring enthusiast, would often discover an interesting motorcar and add it to the Collection. This F2 was discovered on the South Coast of England and is understood to have been purchased directly from the original lady owner back in the late 1980s. Today, this lovely example appears to retain many original features with stamped parts matching the chassis number on the chassis rails and numbers on the panels including the bonnet hinge and the engine number, which appears to match the number on the chassis plate.
On test, the engine fired into life on-the-button and sounded good, the steering was pin-sharp, selecting a gear was like loading a Winchester rifle and the brakes worked relatively well. The body appears solid and the interior presents nicely. The MG is accompanied by an interesting history file which includes the V5C ready for a change of keeper.
The late owner’s family have fond memories of learning to drive in this fabulous pre-war classic British sports car and, although it has been used sparingly over recent years, it's always been well maintained. Opportunities to own an F2 rarely present themselves as very few remain, this example is understood to be one of only 14 six-cylinder two-seaters from the 41 originally built.
A lovely and refreshingly original example offering access to many VSCC events, a handsome pre-war sports car that would once again make an excellent addition to another collection of landmark classics.
