1958 MG Magnette ZB

MG first used the Magnette name on the K-Type and the N-Type vehicles during the 1930s. The name would re-appear in the early 1950s, remaining in production until 1968, and accounting for 67,596 MG total sales.

At the 1953 London Motor Show, MG introduced their Magnette ZA which would officially enter production in March of the following year. This was a very important vehicle for MG as it was their first car to have monocoque construction. It was designed by Gerald Palmer of Jowett Javelin fame.

Under the bonnet was a new four-cylinder B-Series engine that displaced 1.5-liters and breathed through SU carburetors. Power was modest and adequate at 60 bhp which was sent to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual gearbox with synchromesh on the top three gears. Lockheed drum brakes that measured 10-inches could be found in both the front and rear. The car was suspended by coil springs in the front and a live rear alxe with half-elliptic leaf springs. Top speed was around 75-80mph with zero-to-sixty taking about 23 seconds.

A few years later, in 1956, the Magnette ZB was introduced. It had several important improvements such as a more powerful engine, now rated at 64 horsepower. A semi-automatic transmission was offered as optional equipment. Top speed increased to around 85 mph with zero-to-sixty now only taking 18.5 seconds. The interior received upgrades such as a new wood dashboard.

The Magnette ZB was replaced in 1959 by the Magnette Mark III. Production would continue until 1961 with total production reaching 16,676 units. Power was from a 1.5-liter B-series four-cylinder engine which gave the vehicle a top speed of about 85 mph.

In 1961 the Magnette III was updated resulting in the Mark IV. It had a larger B-Series engine now displacing 1.6-liters. It also had a longer wheelbase and wider track. Handling was improved with the addition of anti-roll bars. Cosmetically, little had changed to the Mark III. Production would continue until 1969 with 14,320 examples produced.

By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2008