Description
MODEL OVERVIEW:
By the early 1930s, MG had joined the fashionable trend of six cylinder sports and racing cars with the K and N Magnette models. MG’s road going overhead camshaft six cylinder cars we’re directly related to the works racing cars used to achieve phenomenal international competition success in period.
The N Magnette series of 1934 was to be the final development of MG’s most powerful version of the jewel like OHC six-cylinder engine. Paired with a new innovative ‘tapered’ lighter yet stiffer chassis, the N-Type was a step change in performance for the period. MG’s works racing department used the N Magnette chassis and engine to achieve diverse competitive accolades. These included winning the 1934 RAC Ards Tourist Trophy by 17 seconds over the nearest Bentley, through to winning the 1934 Alpine Trial’s Glacier Cup with a supercharged version.
In 1935, the MG works racing department was closed. At the same time, the enormously successful line of OHC Triple-M MG models we’re discontinued, bringing an end a never to be repeated era of MG’s road and race car development.
CHASSIS NA0371:
This wonderful NA Magnette was first owned by pioneering aviator Beryl Markham. She was the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic east to west, securing her place in aviation history. Beryl purchased the car from a London dealer on 22 May 1934, as confirmed by the guarantee card. Her famous 1936 flight in the Vega Gull ‘Messenger’ began near MG’s Abingdon home and ended with a forced landing in Nova Scotia.
Following Markham’s ownership, the car passed through several documented owners, including S. G. Russell, J. A. Clark in 1946 and James Melville Norris in 1954. By the early 1970s the car belonged to Margot Elizabeth Buckley, then finished in British Racing Green and described as a complete non-runner with a sound body. Later repainted Ivory, it saw limited use until being sold in 2001.
A painstaking, concours-level restoration then began, spanning more than a decade. Invoices detail extensive work, including a full retrim and conversion to a 2-seater format. By 2014, a vast sum had already been invested in the restoration.
The car passed into the hands of the current vendor in 2018, who after taking part in the Shamrock Rally, wished for a strong engine set up. He instructed Marque expert Oliver Sharp to undertake a significant mechanical overhaul during 2019. This included building up what is essentially a new engine bottom end to full racing specification including:
New Phoenix ‘Billet’ Crankshaft, and rods
New Cosworth ‘Forged’ Pistons
New Tom Dark cylinder block
New white metal bearings
Expertly built up and tested
As such, the car would make an ideal candidate for supercharging should the next custodian wish for more performance.
NA 0371 comes with an unusually rich history file containing many articles, photographs and correspondence. Even a rare letter from MG founder Cecil Kimber is included. Documents relating to Markham’s ownership and all subsequent custodians are also presented with the car.
AYM 604 runs beautifully. After so much set up work, the engine is phenomenally smooth. Along with crisp and direct steering, the car is a joy to drive. Chassis NA 0371 surely represents a rare opportunity to purchase a both historically significant, and truly sporting Triple-M MG at a fraction of the price of undertaking such a comprehensive restoration today.
