Description
An exceedingly rare car in stunning condition. Magazine featured by the MGOC in December 2022 after a full back to bare metal restoration and repaint, this gorgeous Magnette has benefitted from further substantial investment since to include a gearbox rebuild and partial retrimming with bills in 2024 for over £5500. Presented in Smoke Grey over Old English White with Pale Blue hide and new Midnight Blue carpets, it is a sight to behold and unsurprisingly, after recent mechanical work, is driving superbly. A sporting saloon with real pedigree and lovely provenance. Come and see for yourself.
Designed by Gerald Palmer (of Jowett Javelin fame), the original Magnette, the ZA, was launched in 1953 as a mid-sized saloon with sporting credentials fitted with a 1489cc engine with twin SU carburettors, an all-new 4-speed gearbox with full synchromesh, hydraulic drum brakes and a combination of coil-spring and live-axle leaf-sprung suspension. The car featured full leather-trimmed seating and polished wood dashboard and door cappings and came in a choice of just four body colours, black, grey, maroon and green. Power was marginally increased in 1956 with the introduction of the ZB but the most significant change occurred in February 1959 with a complete Pininfarina redesign, the car now featuring truncated tail fins akin to styling clearly apparent on the other side of the Atlantic. Mechanically, the Magnette remained the same as its predecessor with leather and walnut trim as standard. The Mk. III was further upgraded in 1961 with the fitting of larger 1622cc “B” Series engine, anti-roll bars and a slightly longer wheelbase. The Mk. IV as it was known was to become the final incarnation of the model and offered options to include a heater and automatic transmission. Production ceased in May 1968 with a recorded 14, 320 Mk. IV`s built. Today, very few have survived with possibly less than a dozen on the road and certainly less than a handful featuring the automatic gearbox.
Our car was supplied new to a gentleman in Bournemouth and apparently stayed in Dorset with it`s second keeper before moving North to Manchester in 1982. Sadly we have little history of this period albeit do know that it remained with the third owner for some 38 years before being sold in 2020 to well-respected classic car dealers, Craner Classics, of Nottingham. In March 2021, the car was sold to a retired Managing Director of an engineering company formerly based in Cleethorpes, now residing in Hull. An MG man through and through, our new owner saw real potential in his purchase albeit the paintwork was rather flat and patchy. Enlisting the services of a local restorer, the body was evidently taken right back to bare metal, repair work undertaken as necessary and the car repainted in it`s original livery. The work is fully documented in a series of A4 laminated photographs. After the body and paintwork, the owner himself undertook full interior refreshment to include refinishing of the wood cappings, the fitting of new Midnight Blue carpets and Navy plush trims, a deep clean and feed of the original leather and considerable detailing. Once completed, the car was subsequently featured in the MGOC Magazine (December 2022) and taken to a number of shows. In 2023, the MG was ultimately sold back to Craner Classics who, after preparation, sold it again in March 2024, to an enthusiast from Hastings. After purchase, our new keeper invested in a complete set of correct profile tyres as well as numerous small items such as bulbs, light lenses, wiper arms and a washer bottle but the first big ticket expense came just 4 weeks later with a complete gearbox rebuild by Auto Gearbox Specialists of Hailsham. At £2124, this was a major repair but done properly with new torque converter, inhibitor switch and kickdown cable. Back on the road, the car was treated to a replacement Motorola radio whilst other work undertaken over the summer included a new regulator, battery and starter solenoid. Feeling that the interior was now in need of some attention, the MG was booked in to a coach-trimmer in St. Leonards on Sea who through August undertook a complete rebuild of the front seats with leather repairs as needed, a refurbishment of the rear seat and replacement of the rear parcel shelf and nearside door card. A further £2359 invested. Most recently, the fuel pump was replaced together with sundry service items. Having owned and enjoyed the car for 12 months, our keeper, hankering for more power, drove almost 170 miles in the Magnette to come and view a Rover P6. A deal was done and we are now the very proud owners of such a rare and splendid car. Other than polish it, we have done little but just enjoy it and the car is immediately ready to go.
The photographs I hope tell the story. Both bodywork and paintwork are superb and as one would hope, virtually blemish-free with a deep lustre evident to the paint finish itself. Chrome is excellent with just light pitting to the bumpers whilst other trim including window frames and glass are close to perfect. The interior tells a similar story with recently refreshed or replaced Pale Blue leather trim looking fabulous alongside the refinished door cappings, smart Walnut dash and recently replaced Midnight Blue carpets. With Art Deco-inspired odometer and almost over-sized steering wheel, it is such an evocative cabin oozing timeless charm whilst retaining that wonderful “old car” aroma. It is a place to sit and savour. The magic continues out on the open road with almost seamless gear changes from the rebuilt automatic transmission, positive steering and excellent brakes. Whilst not a true sports car, the sporting character shines through with peppy performance and balanced handling. On a rather bright March morning, I took the MG out for a decent run across the West Dorset Downs and thoroughly enjoyed every second. I thought the gentleman brave when he informed me that he was going to drive from East Sussex but having sampled the car, I can fully understand both his comfort and confidence.
The MG comes with a large history file and notably many A4 photographs (some laminated) of the bare metal restoration and repaint 2021-2022, a copy of the MGOC Magazine from December 2022 featuring the car on the front cover and full article inside, a full folder of bills and receipts from the past 4 years documenting all recent work, a Workshop Manual, MG Services Parts Catalogue and current V5C. It is naturally both MoT and road tax exempt.
A fabulous example of an exceedingly rare sporting saloon.
Shore Classics is based on the West Dorset coast within easy proximity of both Weymouth and the County town of Dorchester. As classic and vintage dealers, we offer full brokerage facilities. So if you require some help and guidance with selling your classic car or motorcycle, just give us a call today.
Deposit now taken.
