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MG Magnette
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| MG Magnette | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | BMC |
| Production | 1953-1968 67,596 |
| Predecessor | MG YB |
| Successor | MG Montego |
| Class | midsize car |
| Body style(s) | 4-door saloon |
MG had used the Magnette name on a number of saloons since the 1930s, but the Magnette models of the 1950s and 1960s are best-remembered. Although greatly loved today, the use of the Magnette name on an MG saloon car with a lowered Wolseley body and an Austin engine brought great protest from motor magazine letter writers.
There were two distinct series of these Magnettes: The ZA and ZB of 1953 through to 1958 and the Mark III and Mark IV of 1959 through to 1968.
Contents |
| MG Magnette ZA | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Production | 1953-1956 18,076[1] |
| Engine(s) | 1.5 L B-Series Straight-4 |
| Wheelbase | 102 inches (2591 mm)[2] |
| Length | 168 inches (4267 mm)[1] |
| Width | 63 inches (1600 mm)[2] |
The Magnette ZA was launched in 1953 at the London Motor Show and deliveries started in March 1954. Production continued until 1956. It was the first monocoque car to bear the MG badge.[3]
The Magnette was designed by Gerald Palmer who made his name with the Jowett Javelin, and featured modern Italian inspired styling. Power came from the then new four cylinder 1.5 L (1489 cc) B-Series straight-4 engine with twin 1¼ inch SU carburettors delivering 60 bhp, driving the rear wheels through a four speed manual gearbox with synchromesh on the top three ratios. On test a top speed of just under 80 mph was recorded.
Suspension was independent at the front using coil springs and had a live axle with half elliptic leaf springs at the rear. The steering was by rack and pinion. Hydraulically operated ten inch drum brakes were fitted to front and rear wheels.
The similar Wolseley 4/44, first sold one year earlier, used the 1250 cc engine from the MG TF. Although visually similar, the MG has lower suspension and only the front doors, boot lid and roof panels are shared. [3]The 4/44 was replaced in 1956 by the 15/50.
| MG Magnette ZB | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Production | 1956-1958 18,524[1] |
| Engine(s) | 1.5 L BMC B-Series engine |
The ZA was replaced by the Magnette ZB in 1956. Power was increased to 64 hp (48 kW) by fitting 1½ inch carburettors, increasing the compression ratio from 7.5 to 8.3[2] and modifying the manifolding[3], and a semi-automatic transmission was an option.
The interior was improved by fitting a wood dashboard and there was also a Varitone model with larger rear window and optional two tone paintwork.
The extra power meant the top speed was now 86 and the 0-60 mph time came down to 18.5 seconds.[1]
The similar Wolseley 15/50 now shared the ZB's B-Series engine.
Further information is available at the Z-series Magnette website.
- Further information: BMC Farina models
| MG Magnette Mark III | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Production | 1959-1961 16,676[1] |
| Engine(s) | 1.5 L BMC B-Series engine |
| Wheelbase | 99 inches (2521 mm)[2] |
| Length | 178 inches (4521 mm)[1] |
| Width | 63.5 inches (1613 mm)[2] |
| Related | Morris Oxford V Riley 4/68 Austin A55 Cambridge Wolseley 15/60 |
The Mark III of 1959 drew mixed reviews. US based publications heralded the Magnette's arrival, while the UK publications tended towards "damning with faint praise". It was nearly identical to the Riley version (the 4/68) of the new Pinin Farina-designed midsize BMC saloon line.
All versions (including the Austin A55 Cambridge Mark II, Morris Oxford series V and Wolseley 15/60) were produced by the British Motor Corporation (BMC).
There is more information is at the Magnette Mark III website.
| MG Magnette Mark IV | |
|---|---|
| Production | 1961-1969 14,320[1] |
| Engine(s) | 1.6 L BMC B-Series engine |
| Wheelbase | 100 inches (2546 mm)[2] |
| Related | Morris Oxford VI Riley 4/72 Austin A60 Cambridge Wolseley 16/60 |
The Mark III was updated in 1961 as the Mark IV. A larger 1.6 L (1622 cc) B-Series engine, with capacity increased by increasing the bore to 76.2 mm, was fitted, and the car had a longer wheelbase and wider track. To improve handling anti-roll bars were fitted front and rear. Outside, the Mark IV was almost identical to the Mark III.
Automatic transmission was offered as an option.
Sales continued through to 1968.
- Farina Magnette Register
- Cambridge-Oxford Owners Club including advice for preservation of this vehicle
- MG Car Club Z Magnette Section