1957 MG Magnette ZB Varitone
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.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand..
Vehicle specification
- Year 1957
- Make MG
- Model Magnette
- Colour Multicolour
- Odometer 47,927 Miles
- Engine size 1498
Listing Details
- Seller type Private
- Town Glasgow
- Location Scotland
- Country United Kingdom
The Gallery
Popular questions about make an offer
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To take the hassle out of the whole process and to prevent any unnecessary squabbling we'll automatically decline anything less than 70% of the asking price so only offers that are worth considering will be accepted.
Make an offer listings include a “Make an offer” button. Simply click on this and enter the amount you’d like to offer and the seller will either accept, decline or counter. Easy peasy.
If you don’t have a Car & Classic account with a registered bank card you’ll be prompted to set one up at this point.
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The service fee is a charge in addition to any accepted offer amount that varies depending on the cost of the vehicle. Starting from as little as £/€300, the exact fee is clearly displayed upfront before any offer is placed so you always know exactly how much you'll be charged. It covers the cost of our various auction and escrow services and allows us to continue to provide a secure and professional platform from which to transact safely.
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