1936 MG NB Magnette

For sale by auction on Saturday 29 August 2015 with Historics at Brooklands. Brooklands Motor Racing Circuit. Weybridge. Surrey. Call 01753 639170
The N Type Magnette was launched in 1934 as the replacement for
the Magna. It featured a new chassis s which departed. for the
first time on an MG. from the standard 'ladder type' frame chassis. br/>with the side frame members being wider at the rear than at the
front. There was also the innovation of outrigger members being
mounted on Silentbloc rubber bushes. These were fixed to the side
and rear of the main chassis and carried the body which resulted in
a more comfortable ride. The first N type became designated the NA
and was available either as a two seater or four seater open tourer
with the usual slab type petrol tank being disguised behind a very
elegant swept tail that incorporated a semi recessed spare
wheel.


A modified version of the KD type engine powered the N Type. This
unit had a displacement of 1271cc and a power output of 56bhp at
5. 00rpm. Modifications were fairly extensive involving the
cylinder block. cylinder head. inlet manifold. oil lubrication
system and clutch. These modifications introduced a twenty five
percent power increase over the basic KD unit and gave the N type
quite brisk performance. The gearbox was very similar to that used
in the L type being non-synchromesh and having a reverse gate.
Different ratios however were employed giving lower first and
second gears and higher cruising speeds in third and top.


For 1936 the NB variant was introduced featuring a close ratio
gearbox. a lowered scuttle line and forward hinged doors. A slatted
radiator. similar to the PB Midget. was fitted to distinguish it
from its predecessors. The NB was the last of the overhead cam MGs
to be produced before being finally replaced by the one and a half
litre. four cylinder VA model with pushrod overhead valve engine; a
much less sporting proposition.


This four seater NB Magnette was first registered in Oxford on
13th September 1936 and after a series of owners in the Bristol
area. was purchased in 1967 by Mr. Marston Webb of Gloucester. The
MG has remained in the same family ownership ever since. with Mr.
Webb's half brother Peter Fewster becoming custodian in 1997. who
in turn passed the car onto his daughter. In 1979. while in Mr.
Webb's ownership. the MG was the subject of a considerable amount
of restoration by C. A. R. S. of Cheltenham which included rebuilding
the ash body frame. new wings. wiring loom. crown wheel and pinion. br/>radiator and a complete retrim with new hood and tonneau. There are
a number of non-original items on the car. most notably the
repositioning of the dynamo from the front of the engine. These
pre-date Mr. Webb's ownership of the car and therefore have been a
part of the MG for the greater part of its life.


In recent years the MG has been used very sparingly but maintained
in good condition. The engine starts readily and shows good oil
pressure. A brief test showed the transmission and brakes to be
working well with supple suspension and a good solid feel to the
chassis and body. The car comes with a current V5C registration
certificate. an old buff logbook. some bills and old MoT test
certificates. There is also a tonneau cover and hood bag. Late six
cylinder ohc MGs do not come to the market often as relatively few
were made and this NB Magnette. while offering some scope for
cosmetic improvement. is ready to use and enjoy now.

Also published at eBay.co.uk

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