Description
1955 MG Magnette ZA
A very original-looking three-owner example and subject to a recent engine refresh
Registration - YPH 328
Chassis No - KAA13/ 11850
M. O. T. - Exempt
Odometer - 1, 688
This tidy and remarkably original-looking Magnette has had just three keepers from new. Its black paintwork is paired with red leather interior trim that?s complemented by a wood facia and door cappings that were typical of quality British cars of the day. ?YPH 328? has been the subject of a recent engine refresh, that included: a rebuild of the two SU carburetors, replacement of the charging and fuel systems, and a conversion to electronic ignition. The vendor now classes the four-speed manual transmission and the car?s electrical system as ?excellent?, the B Series engine, paintwork, and nicely patinated upholstery as ?good?, and the four-door bodywork as ?average?. The MG is now being sold complete with its original spare wheel, jack, logbook and handbook, a workshop manual, bill of sale from 1966, and an extensive selection of invoices and receipts, etc.
Reviving a name from the company?s past, MG introduced the Magnette ZA at the London Motor Show of 1954. Though somewhat Italianate in style, the car was in fact penned by Englishman Gerald Palmer, who had previously made his name with the characterful Jowett Javelin. Power came from the then-new 1. 5-litre BMC B-Series engine which, topped by a pair of 1. 25in SU carburettors, delivered 60bhp, and drove through the rear wheels via a four-speed manual gearbox endowed with synchromesh on the top three ratios. The suspension was independent at the front using coil springs, while the rear featured a live axle supported by semi-elliptic leaf springs. Steering was by rack and pinion and the car had 10in drum brakes all around. A heater was included in the price, but a radio is still only an option. The standard car had a top speed of around 80mph, would hit the 60mph mark from rest in some 23 seconds, and could return 25mpg.
In summary:
? A very original-looking three-owner example
? The subject of a recent engine refresh
? Comes with an original logbook and extensive service historyThis is a really original motor vehicle. A true classic survivor car.
