Full details of each lot are displayed, except the lot number, estimate and price. You must be a subscriber to view lot numbers, estimates and prices.
1932 Mg F-Type Magna Sports. General Manager of Oxford-based…
Sale Title:
Auction House:
Auction Location:
Nelson, New Zealand
Date:
14-Sep-2008
Lot No.
***
Description:
1932 Mg F-Type Magna Sports. General Manager of Oxford-based Morris Garages, Cecil Kimber brought sports car motoring within the financial reach of the man in the street with a succession of affordable MGs. These were, naturally enough, based on existing Morris models, arguably the most famous and certainly the most influential being the Midget, the first version of which appeared in 1928 at the London Motor Show. The first - M-Type - Midget was based on modified Morris Minor running gear and used the latter's 847cc single-overhead-camshaft four-cylinder engine. It was its delightful two-seater body that set the little Mg apart from its humbler progenitor though. Manufactured by Carbodies of Coventry, it was narrow, light in weight and adorned by a most attractive boat tail. The latter feature was missing from the four-seater D-Type Midget that arrived in 1931, replaced by a sloping back with accommodation for a spare wheel. Broadly similar to the D-Type and introduced at the same was the six-cylinder F-Type Magna that, like its equally new four-cylinder stablemate, used a development of the under-slung chassis first seen on the racing C-Type Midget, but of longer wheelbase. Wolseley, also owned by William Morris, had been responsible for the Minor engine, and it was this unit in 12hp, 1,271cc, six-cylinder form that powered the Magna. The latter looked every inch a proper Mg but possessed greater refinement than the fours thanks to its smoother, torquier and relatively vibration-free six-cylinder engine. This example was acquired in the 1980s in chassis form together with all the correct parts necessary to build an F-type Magna. A suitable ash body frame was imported from the Uk and panelled by Auto Restorations, of Christchurch, while any machining work required was out-sourced to local engineers, of which there are plenty in Nelson. The vendor himself has assembled the car to an extremely high standard. Modifications include mild improvements to the cylinder head, which is fitted with larger-than-standard inlet valves, and altered camshaft timing, while an electric water pump is a most sensible addition. Since completion in 1995 the Magna has attended numerous pre-'56 Mg rallies, winning concours prizes regularly. Although not a matching numbers car, this immaculate Mg looks like it was finished yesterday and is presented in mint condition. Offered with sundry invoices.
Estimate:
***
Price:
***
Category:
Unclassified