1934 MG N-Type Magnette

The N-Type Magnett was the last in a series of small six-cylinder overhead cam light cars produced by the MG Car Company in the mid-1930s. The six cylinder cars were built in relatively small numbers compared to the less expensive four-cylinder Midgets of the era. N-Type production was limited to approximately 700 cars from 1934 to 1936, of which 174 were NA two-seaters. Only a handful have survived, and many have been rebodied with special racing bodies. NA #0353 is the 102nd N-Type produced, being assembled in November 1934. The N-Type six-cylinder engine's single overhead cam is driven by a unique vertical dynamo arrangement with bevel gears. The 1271-cc engine produces 56 bhp, good for a top speed of 80 mph. The four-speed gearbox is designed by Wolsley, and the 12 inch drum brakes are mechanically operated by cables. This car was acquired in 1997 in total disassembly. The factory two-seater body was reskinned and retimbered using the original aluminum panels, and the new interior was made of Connolly leather from the original patterns. The Saratoga Red/Carmine paint colors are duplicates of the original.

The N-Type production was limited to approximately 700 cars produced from 1934 to 1936. Of these, only 174 were two-seaters.

The N-Type Magnette was the last in a series of small six-cylinder overhead cam light cars featuring a 1,271cc engine producing 56 bhp manufactured by the MG azCar Company in the mid 1930's. The Magnettes provided 47% more power than their MG Midget counterparts. Many of the cars were raced by factory teams or by private entrants, such as Doreen Evans and her Belleview Garage team. N-Types were raced successfully at Brooklands, LeMans, Donington, and in the 1934 Ulster Tourist Trophy.

In 1933 MG introduced the K type Magnette with a 1.1-liter six-cylinder engine. The vehicles were equipped with a 12-inch cable-operated mechanical brake. The K3 was a modified racing version that sat atop a short-chassis and outfitted with a supercharged engine. One was able to capture a class victory at the Mille Miglia road race. In 1934 a K3 achieved 4th overall in the grueling Le Mans 24 hour endurance race. The list of victories does not end there, but it does establish the K3 as a competitive force in the racing arena. A Long-wheelbase touring version was available and could be fitted with four doors.

In early 1934 the N type Magnette was introduced. It sat atop a 96-inch wheelbase and powered by a 56 horsepower engine. In 1934, MG produced seven racing N's which were dubbed NE. They replaced the supercharged K3's which had been banned from the Tourist Trophy race. The NE vehicles were entered and carried on the legacy of the K3 by winning the race.

The N-Type Magnett was the last in a series of small six-cylinder overhead cam light cars produced by the MG Car Company in the mid-1930s. The six-cylinder cars were built in relatively small numbers compared to the less expensive four-cylinder Midgets of the era. N-Type production was limited to approximately 700 cars from 1934 to 1936. Only a handful have survived, and many have been re-bodied with special racing bodies. The N-Type six-cylinder engine's single overhead cam is driven by a unique vertical dynamo arrangement with bevel gears. The 1271-cc engine produces 56 bhp, good for a top speed of 80 mph. The four-speed gearbox is designed by Wolsley, and the 12 inch drum brakes are mechanically operated by cables.

The following year control of the company passed from Lord Nuffield to Morris Motors. The first change under the new company was to withdraw from sporting events and the production of racing cars would be stopped. This meant the direction of the company switched to producing road-going vehicles.

By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2007