1934 MG ND Open Tourer

MG began their small-capacity six-cylinder cars in 1931 with the introduction of the Magna 'F'. The initial output of the F-Type 1271cc Wolseley overhead-camshaft engine produced just under 40 horsepower. Over the next three years, this 'KD' engine was tuned to produce nearly 60 horsepower and was used in the first N-Type MG in 1934, the NA. The N-Type was also given a more advanced chassis than the ladder-type used in the F-Type. It was widened in the rear and lengthened, and given a lower profile gas tank and an upgraded suspension.

The ND featured the N-Type chassis with an MG K3 body.

Soon after MG introduced the N-Type, the company was sold to Morris Motors in 1935. The TA was introduced in 1936 as a replacement to the ND.

This particular example is a special, supercharged ND example and is one of just 24 fitted with a factory alloy body. When new, it was finished in black over polished aluminum. Currently it is finished in red over aluminum with a red leather interior. It has period-correct Rudge wire wheels, racing radiator cap, and cycle fenders.

The ownership of this car has been well documented, starting with Bernard Clifton of Wimbledon, who took delivery of NA0484 in September of 1934 via Jarvis & Sons. He then sold it to Thorold G. Jones in 1935. In 1975, this ND was acquired by a racing enthusiast in Vancouver, Canada who actively raced NA0484. At the 7th Annual Monterey Historics in 1979, the ND finished 6th in its class.

Ownership than passed to another racing enthusiast, Peter Fino, who added an NE-spec camshaft and valvetrain, lightweight pistons, lightened flywheel, and a ported, polished and flowed cylinder head.

In 2006, the next owner used the car in the California Mille.

The engine is a 1271cc supercharged SOHC 6-cylinder unit fitted with a single SU carburetor mounted to a Roots Supercharger. The powerplant produces an estimated 100 horsepower which is sent to the rear wheels via a 4-speed manual transmission. There is a live axle suspension with Hartford Shocks.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2015