MG - MG Magnette
The post war MG Z Type Magnette was available from 1954, designed by Gerald Palmer (who was also responsible for the Jowet Jupiter) with a modern monocoque chassis, with coil sprung front independent suspension. The Magnette ZA was the first car to use BMC's Austin B series engine, with a capacity of 1489cc, and in this case fitted with twin carburettors. The interior was of a high standard and the MG Magnette was priced competitively, as all MG's were. The ZB Magnette was the 1956 replacement, tuned to raise the power to 68 bhp which made it the fastest 1500cc saloon on the market. For the Magnette ZB there was also the option of a body with a larger rear window, this model being referred to as the "Variatone" because of the dual coloured paintwork that could be specified.
For 1959 the new MG Magnette Mk3 had a completely different looking Pinin Farina designed body, as also used elsewhere in the group with the range of Austin, Morris and Wolseley, but the handling of these later cars was known not to be as good as the previous models. The replacement came in 1961 with the MG Magnette Mk4 which had an increase in bore size giving 1622 cc, and with the previous handling issues improved at the same time. Magnette Mk4 production contiued to 1969.
Tyre sizes for the MG Magnette ZA, Magnette ZB, Magnette Mk3 and Magnette Mk4 are as listed below :
- MG Magnette ZA and MG Magnette ZB were originally listed with 5.50x15 tyre size, although we have seen tyre manufacturers lists suggesting 5.90x15 size also. The 5.50x15 equates to a radial 155R15 size, which Blockley produces in standard and whitewall options, whereas the 5.90x15 equates to a 165R15 radial size. Blockley produces both these sizes, although of the two sizes we always being asked for the 165R15 tyre size. In any case, both these tyre sizes by Blockley are a high quality period correct tyres, built with a steel belt carcass which will improve the handling on these MG's over anything else you will have experienced - guaranteed - see full details below:
- The later MG Magnette Mk3 and Mk4, with bodywork designed by Pinin Farina, were fitted with smaller diameter 14 inch wheels, which originally fitted the 5.90 x14 tyre size, which is equivalent to radial tyre size 165R14. Blockley produces a superb quality steel belted 165HR14 tyre with period correct tread pattern, and full details of this highest quality 165HR14 tyre is also shown below:
