Beskrivning
Pedigree and provenance in a single package. The subject of long-term ownership until just 18 months ago, this fabulous Magnette ZB in Twilight Grey with Red leather interior was the subject of a fully documented and substantially photographed restoration in 2004/ 2005 and a much more recent engine rebuild by marque specialists, Halls Garage of Morton, Lincolnshire in 2021. This former Concours winner has covered less than 2000 miles since and unsurprisingly drives even better than it looks benefitting from sensible upgrades to both ignition and braking systems. A truly stunning example in every way.
Launched at the 1953 London Motor Show, the Magnette was a mid-sized sporting saloon and the first car to be built by MG to be of monocoque construction. Designed by Gerald Palmer of Jowett Javelin fame, the Magnette featured an all-new 1489cc B-Series engine developing 60BHP driving the rear wheels through a 4-speed manual gearbox featuring full synchromesh on all but 1st gear. Early cars carried the designation ZA with the ZB entering production in October 1956 and offering slightly more power, the choice of a semi-automatic transmission and a Varitone model with larger rear window and optional two-tone colour schemes. All cars featured luxury interiors with full leather interiors and polished wood dashboards and door cappings. Around 18, 500 ZB`s were produced before a completely restyled Magnette was unveiled in February 1959 featuring truncated tail fins in keeping with the Pininfarina designs of the day. Mechanically similar to the ZB, the Mk. III was produced for just 2 years with the more powerful 1622cc Mk. IV appearing from 1961.
Our car was registered in Berkshire in January 1958 being supplied new through Loddon Bridge Motors of Earley near Reading. Whilst we know little of its early life, by the late 1990`s it was evidently in need of some refreshment and was purchased by a gentleman in Great Yarmouth as a running project. Having undertaken some minor body repairs and electrical work, he ultimately sold the car in October 2003 to an enthusiast in Harrogate for the princely sum of £3150. Realising that he had a real challenge on his hands, our new keeper contacted a friend with a repair garage and MoT workshop in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire and made plans to transport the car for some serious attention. In January 2004, Whaley Service Station commenced what was to become an 18-month fully documented body rebuild. Over 2 pages of hand-written notes, numerous invoices and over 45 colour photographs document what was a comprehensive body rebuild culminating with some significant detailing to include cabin refreshment (new carpets and headlining as part of this), a full stainless steel exhaust system and the replacement of most of the external bright and chrome-work. Over £10, 000 invested, the MG was ultimately put back on the road in 2007 and evidently used and enjoyed with regular servicing and further routine maintenance including the replacement of the windscreen washer pump and front shock absorbers. In 2012, the car returned to Whaley for a full gearbox rebuild with all-new bushes, bearings, synchros and seals while at the same time, a decision was taken to overhaul the cylinder head and convert to unleaded fuel and replace the rear road springs. Back on the road again, the Magnette was subsequently an attendee at many shows picking up awards in 2015 as Runner Up in the National Concours and taking First Prize just 3 years later in 2018. As before, annual servicing and preventative maintenance were still key to the car`s enjoyment with a complete braking system overhaul in 2016-2017 to include the fitting of a servo and new rear shock absorbers and all new ignition parts in 2018. A compression test around this time confirmed a low compression reading on cylinder 3 and after some deliberation, the MG was taken in May 2021 to MG specialists, Halls Garage in Morton, for further inspection. Initially a decision was taken to undertake a full top-end rebuild of the engine with a new guides, valve seats, a refaced head and new gaskets albeit it was noted by Halls that there was significant bore wear to the cylinders themselves. Rather than go any further, the MG was put back on the road for the summer, but noticeably high oil consumption persuaded our long-term keeper to head back to Halls in the October for further work. Unsurprisingly, this turned into a full bottom-end overhaul with complete rebore, new pistons, a reground crank, new camshaft, bearings, chain and tensioner whilst the head was re-skimmed with replacement valve stem seals and cam followers. At the same time, both oil and water pumps were replaced and the car fitted with electronic ignition. A further £3100 invested. Since this work, the MG has covered just under 2000 miles and other than a replacement starter motor in 2022, has run without fault. In the summer of 2023, after 20 years ownership, a decision was taken to find the Magnette a new home and with huge reluctance the car was put up for sale, being acquired in the December by an enthusiast in Sherborne, Dorset. Since acquisition, our new keeper has continued with regular maintenance and only a recent decision to rationalise his car collection has meant that it is for sale once again.
The MG presents just as can be seen in the photographs. It is an absolute stunner. Both bodywork and paintwork are superb and despite being restored some 20 years ago, still presents beautifully. Just a couple of small bubbles under the paintwork at the base of both offside doors is the only imperfection I can find and I`m genuinely not surprised that this car was the National Concours Winner just 7 years ago. Chrome is virtually perfect as is all glass and trim whilst painted steel wheels and tyres are as-new. Under the bonnet tells the same story with obvious evidence of considerable recent work and a detailed inspection of the underside speaks volumes. Open the driver`s door and a world of glorious red leather, polished wood and wonderful Art Deco styling awaits oozing charm and character like no other interior I can recall recently. It truly is a fabulous place just to sit in and savour. And everything just looks so right. From the condition of the leather which has both great colour and patina to the fabulous dashboard and replaced headlining. It is almost impossible to fault. Turn the key and with a little choke, the B-Series fires immediately into life settling down quickly to a low burble. On a hot July afternoon I decided to take the Magnette on an extended run down to West Bay. I wish I hadn`t. To say I`ve fallen in love would be a massive understatement. It is utterly sublime. Smooth, responsive and refined is the only way I can sum up the driving experience. A lovely gearchange encourages spirited bursts around the hills and valleys of West Dorset whilst superb brakes and balanced handling all add to what is the perfect package. I am so tempted not to place this for sale!
The Magnette comes with a large history file documenting work undertaken from the late 1990`s to the present day including a full breakdown of both bodywork restoration and mechanical rebuild, an album of over 45 colour photographs showing work in progress, a substantial quantity of receipts documenting the same, old MoT Certificates from 2007-2025 and a set of original manuals including Workshop Manual, Mono-Construction Guide, Yearbook, Operation Manual and Driver`s Handbook. Naturally both MoT and road-tax exempt, the MG does benefit from a current MoT to July 2025. It comes with a full set of keys and current V5C.
A truly wonderful and properly rebuilt example of a fabulous sporting saloon. I cannot recommend highly enough.
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.
