Highlights

Beautiful ZB Varitone with older restoration
Superb interior with upgraded luxury leather seats
Huge history file of regular ongoing maintenance
Recent brakes overhaul
In very good mechanical health and doesn’t use oil

The Appeal

When it was new, the post-war Magnette seriously upset MG purists. It’s a mistake modern enthusiasts don’t make. MG’s peppy saloon is pretty, quick and every inch the sports car any Octagon-equipped car should be. After all, it was the fastest 1.5L car of its time, and in 1958, it gained its proper sporting spurs by nabbing the BRSCC Saloon Championship.

A good example is one of the best 50s four-doors you can buy, a car perfect for local pootling with family and friends or ideal for long-distance touring. This lovely grey and red car has been used for exactly that, its recent life including several long European trips.

You can see why. This is the later ZB with more power and Varitone specification - most notably a bigger rear window. It was restored in the late 90s and is in very good condition. The mechanical health is similar, as a thick history file attests. Then there is the comfy interior, equipped with upgraded MGF leather front seats with headrests. The rears look equally very inviting and are also equipped with headrests.

Recent work has included a brake system overhaul. The vendor reports that the car shows good oil pressure, doesn’t use oil and drives very well. This is an exceptionally pretty car that looks very inviting.

The History and Paperwork

Built in 1957 according to seller
First registered in late 1957 according to DVLA and HPI documents
V5C shows first registration as 1991 which may indicate a period overseas
Registered as a Historic Vehicle so MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt
Seven registered keepers
Current keeper since October 2023
Large history file of well organised paperwork as shown
Restored in the late 1990s
Previously painted brown/cream which was re-registered red/grey in September 1997
VIN number KAB11327298
Various spares included as shown in photos
Old photographs of car
Typed summary of history including details of overseas trips as shown in photos
Factory handbook and workshop manual as shown

The Condition

Pretty car with older restoration in red over dark grey and remains in very good order
Paintwork presents very well with bright, polished finish indicating regular cleaning
There are some minor paintwork defects to note such as chips to panel edges as shown
These are not significant, take time to find and do not detract from the overall impression
Bodywork in very good order with good panel fit and well kept panel edges, arches and sills
Underside appears to be in good order with no reports of issues by seller
Sits on body colour grey steel wheels in very good condition with MG hub caps
Chromework presents very well with bright finish and appears to be complete
Glasswork and lights also well kept with no reports of damage or electrical defects
Varitone model with optional two-tone finish and larger rear window
Superb burgundy leather interior with various upgrades neatly blended in
These include what appear to be MGF front seats in burgundy with black piping and headrests
Rear seats similar in colour and trim to fronts with red piping and headrests fitted
Red carpets and over mats match seats and follow through to boot, all well kept
Extensive wood veneer trim to dashboard and doors in very good condition
Other interior trim including headlining, door cards and switchgear all present well
Fitted with MG sprung three-spoke wheel and a classic Motorola radio fitted under dashboard

The Mechanics

1,489cc B Series engine with later ZB 64bhp specification
4spd manual gearbox
Described as having good oil pressure and driving very well
The vendor reports that the car does not lose oil during use
Brakes recently overhauled including front disc conversion
Brake servo fitted and new brake master cylinder and hoses
Fitted with a stainless steel exhaust
Standard Magnette independent front suspension and live rear axle
Thick history file of ongoing maintenance as shown in photos
Well kept car that has been used regularly including long, fuss-free European trips
No reported running or driving issues
Vendor reports that the car had MOT to September 2024

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

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