Description
1955 MG ZA Magnette Sports Saloon £15, 995
This prize-winning Magnette has had only 3 owners from new and the recorded mileage appears genuine at only 71, 650 miles. The 2nd owner purchased this car when it was only 8 years old and kept it for an amazing 61 years, during which time he restored it twice, first time in 1963/ 4, a full 10 month programme of works and the second refresher renovation in 1990/ 91. These have been a major contributor to its longevity. It benefited from a full bare-metal restoration and, in 1999, a complete, new leather interior by Aldridge Trimming. The owner took great pains to preserve the MG’s originality and only used it during the Summer months, as he had a 2nd car, hence the underside is authentic due to its sheltered life.
The bodywork is finished in Island Green over Tyrolite Green, with toning hide upholstery. The walnut dashboard and door cappings are all nicely polished, re-chromed throughout, the engine bay is detailed to show standard. The semaphore indicators have been replaced and modern flashing indicators sympathetically incorporated. It has a spirited performance on the road, with a pleasing note from the 1½ litre, straight 4, OHV engine fed by twin SU carbs. It registers textbook oil pressure with no tendency to overheat on a run.
This has been a lot of car to restore and is an ideal classic for an enthusiast just wanting a car to enjoy and show without all the hassle of mechanical repairs. It is estimated that a mere 800 are left worldwide, but there can be few with this unique history.
The car is supplied with twin Lucas Spotlamps, Workshop & Owner’s Manuals. Heritage Certificate, “Highway Hawk” bonnet Mascot, Spare wheel and original hand tools. 4 bulging History folders with restoration photos, MG magazines, road tests and anecdotal car history. Old logbooks including original buff logbook, previous road tax discs and past MOT’s from early 90‘s. It is registered in the Historic category, Road tax, MOT & ULEZ exempt.
For more information about this high quality British thoroughbred, call John on number above. Car located in Lytham St Annes, in Lancashire. Transport arrange at £1. 70 pr/ mile (one way only charged)
History
Built alongside the MG Sportscar range, the evocative sweeping lines of the ZA Magnette were designed by Gerald Palmer who was responsible for the equally striking Jowett Javelin, both very modern designs for the mid fifties. The ZA was the first to use the B-series engine fitted to the sportscar it was also one of the first British production cars to have a heater as standard.
The first owner of the above ZA was a Mr Taylor, technical service manager at Dunlop. He bought it for his last working year prior to retirement. Unfortunately he had only had it one month before he had a minor stroke and never went back to work. He carried on driving it locally for a further 8 years, so it’s early life was fairly sheltered. The day Mr Taylor took delivery of the new MG, the future 2nd owner was at his pal’s garage when Mr Taylor brought it round for everyone to see, never imagining that in 8 years it was going to be his. Mr Taylor paid just under a £1, 000 for the new MG and the 2nd owner purchased it for £250 in 1963. Those were the days!
