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1955 MG Magnette ZA

Sold Price

£8,586

  • Mileage~57,600
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine1.5L
  • LocationCoventry

SOLD

1955 MG Magnette ZA

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Introduction

Glyn Parry
Professional Consigner

The best of the '50s, sleek Italian inspired styling with British MG heritage - meet the Magnette ZA.

The Magnette ZA was launched in '53, it is a classy yet affordable sports saloon. Featuring independent front suspension, rack-and-pinion steering and a BMC inline-four engine with twin-choke carburettors delivering 60bhp.

The dashing good looks of the exterior poured through into the interior - leather trim throughout with a polished wooden dash and a heater as standard - very well equipped indeed.

We really like this example, not only does it look great, this Magnette runs just like it should too - a real head-turner.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Glyn after meeting Pauline the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

They don't make them like they used too - that's why I stick to my Magnette from the golden days.

Pauline is the proud owner of this MG Magnette ZA. Over the past few years, she's cared and looked after this lovely example.

In 2008, Pauline and this Magnette became a newspaper star, in the Telegraph. A story covering the cancellation of the festival of motoring - take a look at the snippet in the paperwork section.

Pauline's a big fan of this sporty saloon from the '50s and has always dreamed of owning one, a few years ago she had the chance and since has loved having ownership of this beautiful car. Unfortunately, Pauline is moving on and looking for a new driver to enjoy this car as much as she has.

Pauline
Vehicle Owner

Pauline saved £1,440* when they
sold their MG with us.

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Exterior

Born in the '50s - an elegant body shape with curvaceous looks. The Magnette really has stood the test of time, it still looks great on the roads today.

Wheels and Tyres

The wheels are original MG polished chrome capped hubs in great condition all round. Pauline tells us they have been resprayed and we think they look great.

The car also comes with a full-size spare wheel in the boot.

The lovely original MG rims are wrapped in Kumho rubber with a good amount of tread.

Bodywork

A lovely Italian inspired curvaceous body shell found on the Magnette, a blast from the past.

There are some areas of the bodywork which have been attended to in the past. We did notice a little decay on the bottom of the rear doors, that has been caught and sprayed to prevent further corrosion.

This car has had rust presentation applied to the underside of the car.

The shut lines across all the panels look good, and no dents etc observed.

Please take a look at the detailed images to see the body panels up close.

Paint

Really nice deep gloss black finish found on this fine example of a Magnette ZA.

As seen in the images, the bottoms of the rear doors have been resprayed to help prevent decay. They would benefit from a good polish to bring them up to the level of the rest of the car.

We also noticed some minor micro blistering on the roof, other than that the paintwork looks in good condition with a deep shine, even in finish and colour. Please have a look through the photographs to see in more detail.

Glass and Trim

All of the glass looks undamaged and the trim looks really great too. Pauline reports there are no sign of discolouration or degradation and the car is ready for the new owner to enjoy.

Please view the photos and videos for a more detailed view.

Interior

The Magnette's interior is a well-appointed affair, only the finest woods and leather found in this luxurious cabin.

Seats and Carpets

Cream leather couches with deep pile red carpets are found in this lovely example - pure class.

We love the originality of these seats - the worn leather over the past 65 years still looks great today, along with the carpets.

We really like this interior. Please take a look at the in-depth interior videos and photographs for an extensive view.

Dashboard

A dual wood octagonal-shaped dashboard to match its MG badge - a clever and attractive design even by today's standards.

A really clean example, lovely to see on a car that's seen 65 years already.

Pauline has informed us that all the dials etc work as they should do, expect from the small clock on the headlining.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

Both in really good condition, in line with the rest of the interior.

We're really big fans of the steering wheel with a centre boss that remains true while you turn the wheel - also in great condition.

Please see the images and videos to view these original pieces up close.

Mechanics

Cutting edge for its day, with a top speed of 87mph it will comfortably keep up with modern traffic - impressive.

Engine and Gearbox

Fitted with the new BMC four-cylinder 1.5L engine with twin-choke SU carburettors, this '50s sporty saloon delivered a mighty 60bhp to the rear wheels.

The 1.5L engine was mated to the new BMC four-speed gearbox that had synchromesh installed, allowing silky smooth gear changes - this car was ahead of its time.

Pauline assures us the car has been well maintained over her ownership and throughout its life. To get the car running again after being kept in storage, she's fitted a new battery, fuel pump and coolant coils/pipes to assure it's running just as it should.

Suspension and Brakes

Independent front suspension gives this car the handling edge.

Pauline confirms she's always had the brakes and suspension attended too when required. She assures it stops as good as it goes.

Please view the images and videos for a detailed view of the suspension and brakes on this lovely example.

The Drive

As mentioned earlier, the independent front suspension gives this car the handling edge, combined with rack-and-pinion steering and 60bhp at your dispense, this car really does accelerate as well as it handles.

Pauline assures us the car drives beautifully and fault-free.

Electrics and Other

A heater was fitted as standard in the Magnette ZA's to keep you warm on those cold British winters.

We love the simple, yet classy dashboard set up, back to the raw driving experience - free from distractions.

History and Paperwork

An impressive folder with history dated back to 1955 - these records belong in a museum.

As you can see from the records stated, this car has been well and truly cared for over its long life. Stacks of paperwork comes with this lovely example.

Pauline assures us the car has been serviced and maintained very well over her ownership, and it's ready to be passed on and enjoyed by the new owner.

Please take a look through the paperwork scans to see a glimpse of this examples lengthy history.

Checks carried out by us:
- Photo ID of seller.
- V5 checked against seller's photo ID.
- HPi checked and clear.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
11.03.2013 Service 56,941
03.03.2013 Brake Service 59,634
19.07.2012 MOT 56,656
19.07.2011 MOT 56,155
25.05.2011 Service 55,790
29.06.2010 MOT 54,951
29.06.2009 MOT 53,867
18.03.2009 Service 53,236
24.07.2008 MOT 52,786
30.08.2007 MOT 50,485
15.03.2007 Service 50,050
10.08.2006 MOT 49,563
25.11.2005 MOT 49,549
n/a Service 9,119
20.06.1958 Service 7,175
11.03.1958 Service 6,144
26.11.1957 Service n/a
19.01.1957 Service 3,878
09.10.1956 Service 3,147
18.06.1956 Service 2,026
Key Details
  • ModelMagnette
  • TransmissionManual
  • Reg. Date31.10.1955
  • CC1489CC
  • Mileage~57,600
  • HistoryExcellent
  • ColourBlack
  • Interior ColourBiscuit
  • Interior TrimLeather
  • Chassis #KAA1211473
  • Engine #BP15GA11465
  • MOTExempt
  • MOT ExemptYes
  • Road Tax ExemptYes
  • HPi ClearYes
  • Former Keepers12
  • Tyre TreadExcellent
  • Tyre BrandKumho
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned4yrs
  • Key FeatureOwnership







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carcrazykeith
Member
carcrazykeith

Hello Pauline. This evokes so many memories of my three old Magnettes and a Wolseley 15/50 Manumatic. I must ask if the underside is as good as the upper bodywork? (albeit not quite as shiny??). My concern is seeing the car parked on long grass/soil – I have lost two cars and two 4x4s to this problem. I feel certain that yours will be ok but just need to know. Many thanks, Keith (carcrazykeith)

Jonathan Fowle
Guest
Jonathan Fowle

Hello Pauline,
Can you please advise:
Mileage
Valid MOT?
Seat belts?
Last serviced?

Many thanks

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Vehicle Location

Coventry

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