• Incredibly low mileage example 

• Excellent condition inside and out 

• Cared for by MG enthusiast 

• Large collection of paperwork and history 

The year was 1958 and the British Motor Corporation wanted a shake up, they hired designer Battista Farina (founder of legendary design house Pininfarina) to redesign its entire car line. One of the most notable cars to come out of the new “Farina” era was the updated MG Magnette. 

These new Magnettes were so revolutionary, they were penned as an entirely new build series for the model. The first being the original ZA and ZB models designed by Gerald Palmer. 

The all new Magnette was largely reminiscent of the Riley 4/68, also designed as  part of the new Farina era of BMC. It boasted radical new lines, an updated interior with walnut and leather trim and safety glass windows. The first MK3 Magnettes were equipped with 1489cc B series engines, however later post 1961 MK4 models such as this example were upgraded to a 1622cc version of the motor. The MK4’s also had a wider track and were fitted with front and rear anti roll bars. 

The MK4 Magnettes were arguably a great success, with manufacutring spanning until 1968 and production numbers reaching over 14,000.

Investigation suggests this has been a very local car, spending most of its life within Essex. Thanks to the comprehensive history folder that accompanies the car, we have a good picture of the car's early life. Originally purchased in 1967 by a Mr Parkyn of Chelmsford, the car was kept under this ownership until Mr Parkyn passed away, at which point it was sold to a classic car enthusiast, collector and active member of the BMC Cambridge-Oxford owners club around 2007. It has been maintained to an excellent standard and in its current ownership has been dry stored to protect the car from the elements. 

Being under the care of genuine enthusiasts for such a great deal of its life, the Magnette boasts a very impressive file of paperwork. We find stacks of prior MOT certificates along with registration documentation, and several invoices and receipts for maintenance work undertaken on the car, much of this being from specialists Steve Allan motor factors and MJ Freeman Auto Services. 

There is also evidence of parts being bought from Earlpart classic parts suppliers. 

As the car has been in the ownership of enthusiasts for a great deal of time, the paperwork file also contains lots of BMC Cambridge-Oxford owners club literature as well as a lot of correspondence with club officials and members to find parts and gain information on the car.

The cabin of the Magnette is a wonderful place to be. A marvellous blend of walnut trim and leather upholstery. The seats front and rear are draped in sumptuous blue leather and are of an excellent condition, the bench seat in the rear looks almost as if it hasn’t been sat on, with the pull down arm rest for the rear seat passengers functioning fully and looking of an equally good standard. Both the driver and front passenger seats present very well, the only notable wear being to the bolstering of the driver's seat. 

The door trims also appear in great condition. A mix of blue and black leather, small adornments of chrome trim and the added bonus of walnut door cappings at the top, it is only the rear left door trim that has some marking to the leather at the bottom. It is clear that this has been a well looked after car both inside and out. 

Above we find the grey fabric headlining in brilliant condition, there is no notable fading and no tears or sagging to be seen. At the bottom, are thick grey/blue carpets that still look fresh and are complemented by excellent blue rubber mats. 

Front and centre is a beautiful walnut veneer dashboard, the walnut is in great condition with just some minor blistering to the veneer on the left hand side of the dash. Sitting in the centre of the dash we find an original factory radio and a wonderfully crafted Jaeger vintage dash clock. Either side of this are dials to control the heating system. 

The steering wheel is in a great condition, with the gauge cluster behind mirroring this quality, it also proudly boasts the incredibly low mileage on the car. At the rear the boot is incredibly clean, there is minimal upholstery but what is there is in great condition. We also find the original jack and manual hand crank. 

From an aesthetics perspective, the Magnette is rather special. A mix of two tone paint, chrome trim and sweeping lines and fins, it is clear to see that BMC took an influence from the vehicle designs across the pond, without compromising on quintessential British style. 

The Magnette presents itself excellently, finished in a great blue and cream two tone paint scheme that suits the car perfectly. It is believed that this is the original paint on the car which would make sense with the car being of such low mileage. The paintwork is of a great condition, still having wonderful shine to it, there are just a few minor chips and blemishes to be seen, however these do not detract from the look of the car at all. 

All the glass and trim looks clean, however there is a small chip on the top of the front windscreen and at the rear, the windscreen appears to be slightly loose from its seat in the corner. 

The front end holds the iconic chrome MG grille and badging, we also find a beautifully crafted chrome front bumper and indicators and headlights wrapped in chrome bezels. The chrome trim continues its way along the sides of the car, dividing the two tone paint, at the rear we find yet more chrome on the boot trim and mechanisms, badging and the rear light cluster. The rear bumper is also a wonderful chrome piece. The chrome itself is all in exquisite condition, with very minimal wear or marking to be seen anywhere. 

The car sits on 4 beautiful chrome centred 14” wheels, they are all in great condition and tie in the look of the car excellently. 

Under the bonnet of the Magnette sits a lovely original 1622cc 4 cylinder “B-Series” engine. Slightly bigger than the engine in the MK3 Magnette, this was advertised as good for 68hp and an 87mph top speed. This example roars into life almost instantly, a great yet subtle tone resonates through the exhaust as the motor settles into a comfortable idle. 

Power is delivered through a 4 speed manual transmission that works excellently, the shifter action is nice and solid. The braking system works well and brings the Magnette to a stop comfortably. The engine bay, along with the engine and ancillaries all present extremely cleanly, with no leaking visible from any of the components.

A very rare opportunity to acquire an incredibly low mileage example of a late MG Magnette. Having no expense spared with specialist mechanics and parts suppliers to keep the car on the road. This is a prime example of a great usable classic that oozes style and class. An exquisitely maintained example that has been well loved by its owners.

Stylish and fun, this is at home on the road or on display at a car show.