Description
This 1957 MG Magnette ZB Varitone in a beautiful cream and black finish is in immaculate condition. It has honey-coloured leather interior and seating together with matching front seat belts and is complemented with red carpeting. The 11th owner had the dashboard totally refurbished as well as some other small refinements and it has won the concourse trophy on several occasions. It is a delight to ride in and draws much attention wherever it goes. This Magnette is in immaculate condition having been bought by the owner's husband in January 2013. It has a record of the 11 previous owners (original log book, copies of previous registration documents from 1957-2024 together with MOT certificates from 1957-2013 (with a 10 year gap in between when it was off road for work carried out as listed below in first list). An exemption document was then issued in 2014 for an historic vehicle. This was the work carried out by the 10th owner, who it was bought from in 2013, and who is a member of the MG Magnette club, as follows:-
1)Interior light operated by all four doors.
2) Original engine replaced by a fully rebuilt B Series 1622cc unit from a MK IV Farina Magnette with unleaded valve seats and oil sealed inlet valve stems.
3) Rear axle from MK IV Farina Magnette 4. 3:1 replaces 4. 55:1
4) Front drum brakes replaced by MGA discs with servo fitted. Calipers are MGB with stainless steel cups. Brake pads are EBC Greenstuff for MGB (obtained from MGOC).
5) Oil filter replaced with MGB spin-on fitter with non-return valve (MGOC) Fram PH2857A.
6) Brake light switch – Morris 1000.
7) Anti-roll bar fitted – Vauxhall Cavalier/ Volvo estate drop links and rubbers.
8) Wheel spacers fitted front and rear.
9) Lumenition optronic ignition system fitted as for MGA.
10)Alternator fitted 16/ 17 ACR used on Mini/ early MGB etc therefore ammeter disconnected.
11)Engine exhaust manifold is MGA.
12)Rocker cover is polished aluminium MGB.
13)Cooling fan is plastic 6 blade MGB (adapted).
14)Spark plugs NGK BP6ES as per MGB.
15)Side lights (front) fitted into the headlights and sidelight clear lens replaced by amber lens to become flasher light.
16)Rear overiders moved out to ends of rear bumper.
17)SU electric fuel pump in the boot replaced by AC Delco mechanical pump on engine block to eliminate air locks.
18)High core radiator fitted and filled with Red $Life (no water or anti-freeze) for cooler running engine.
19)Five light strip brake light fitted in rear window and 3 flasher pods fitted on rear. Repeaters fitted on door pillars.
It was then bought by the owner's husband in January 2013 and was maintained by him. There is a complete record of invoices of parts bought or work carried out. Below is a list of jobs carried out by my him between February-June 2013:
1) All wood removed – relacquered by City Polishers, Spalding, Lincs.
2) Air vent flap reinstated (was sealed off and inner mechanism removed – also reinstated).
3) Voltmeter removed from parcel shelf panel and ashtray refitted and rev counter removed from steering column.
4) Radio removed (non-working) and much non-functioning wiring. Radio blanking plate (walnut) refitted.
5) All instruments cleaned and overhauled inside and out.
6) Speedo re-calibrated (for 4. 3:1 axle).
7) Clock repaired and illumination reinstated. Clock has brand new original movement fitted plus on/ off switch under dash – stopped working in 2023.
8) Heater cables repaired and adjusted.
9) All instrument knob letters repainted.
10)Heater quadrant words reinstated with a transfer.
11)Trafficator switch and stator tube overhauled and new wiring loom fitted. New 12V 42W flasher unit fitted.
12)Original rubber driver’s mat fitted.
13)Rubber grommets fitted in petrol filler flap.
14)Plastic washer bottle moved to engine bay from parcel shelf (no space in engine bay for original glass bottle because of brake servo).
15)Non-standard washer button replaced by original Trico button but adapted to operate electrically.
16)Beige inertia seat belts fitted in front with anti-tension clips and rear static belts removed and not replaced.
17)New/ old stock original style rubber gear lever gaiter fitted.
18)Brand new/ old stock gear lever knob fitted.
19)Steel boot members resprayed.
20)New softer rubber engine mounts fitted for quieter running.
21)Self-parking wiper mechanism reinstated.
22)Starter cable from battery to solenoid fitted without the GE circuit breaker.
23)New vintage style Lincon battery fitted 75 amp/ hr with exposed cell terminals.
24)New chrome washer (original style) jets fitted.
25)New original style Rainbow wiper blades fitted.
26)Badge bar removed.
27)Wheel brace shot blasted and sprayed black.
It has been garaged for at least the previous 35+year.
