1957 MG Magnette ZB Saloon

The classic Magnette ZB Sports Saloon, has sports car credentials, despite its 4 doors, thanks to the uprated B-series 64HP engine with 1 ½ inch SU carbs.

This matching numbers example has been further upgraded with :-
Type 9, 5-speed gearbox by Hi-Gear at a cost of £3, 000,
Servo-assisted brakes,
Alternator.
Negative earth conversion.
High speed starter motor.
Cylinder head to unleaded.
Auto-reel front seatbelts.
Dashboard sub panel with electric tachometer and GPS socket.
Battery master switch.
Electric indicators.

In 2015, previous owner Reg Jackson, stated that he had formerly undertaken the following restoration work (reputedly at a cost of £12, 000) :-

Engine rebuilt professionally.
All new springs and dampers.
New three part sills to both sides.
Repair sections to doors and front wings.
New interior, carpets, door cards, headlining and biscuit leather seats.
Brightwork and woodwork re-polished.
All 4 floor panels replaced with new.
New Boot floor.
New box panels rear chassis legs.

Recently: New two-tone paintwork, body restoration professionally carried out in Porcelain Green over BRG Metallic base coat and lacquer. Handbrake replacement and new Boot-liner. Cost over £2, 500!

Understandably it looks and drives like a real showstopper, with lots of smiles per mile guaranteed. It is ready for immediate use and thanks to its superb maintenance history, I would have no hesitation in leaping in it and setting off for sunnier climes.

Comes with, Full DVLA & Ownership history, V5 logbook, period radio, free tax and MOT exemption. bulging history folder full of receipts for past works (with DVD’s) all books and tools.

For further info, call John on number above. Car located in Lytham St Annes in Lancs, transport arranged at £1. 70 pr/ mile (one way only charged)

Technical History

The Magnette ZA was announced on 15 October 1953 and debuted at the 1953 London Motor Show. Deliveries started in March 1954. Production continued until 1956, when 18, 076 had been built. It was the first monocoque car to bear the MG badge.

Built alongside the MG Sportscar range, the evocative sweeping lines of the Magnette were designed by Gerald Palmer, designer of the Jowett Javelin. It was the first appearance of the new four cylinder 1. 5 L (1489 cc) B-Series I4 engine with twin 1¼ inch SU carburettors delivering 60 bhp (45 kW) driving the rear wheels through BMC’s new four speed manual gearbox with synchromesh on the top three ratios.

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 in (254 mm) drum brakes were fitted to front and rear wheels.