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1955 MG ZA Magnette

This vehicle has now been sold - click ‘Register Similar’ below to get notified when we consign a similar vehicle.

Sold Price

£8,480

  • Mileage69,196
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine1.5-litre
  • LocationTurriff

SOLD

1955 MG ZA Magnette

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Introduction

Darren Rungasamy
Professional Consigner

Known for their zippy handling, the car combines a charming lap of luxury with performance.

The MG brand became synonymous with badge-engineering and parts sharing but this isn't necessarily a negative aspect. The basic monocoque shell was shared with the luxury orientated Wolseley 4/44 and was powered by a 1.5-litre 60bhp twin SU carburettors Austin engine, yet the car retained its MG flavour. With a pleasing wood and leather interior, it also drove like a sports saloon should do, guided by its rack and pinion steering and all-round tube shocks. It was the first in a series of post-war MG 4-door saloons and along with the later ZB series are amongst the most liked of the family orientated sporting MG's.

Grahams carefully restored 1955 saloon, is unusual as it retains its original 1.5-litre engine block. Many cars have had MGB engines retro-fitted, which could still be a consideration for its new potential owner. The ZA also has one of the worlds most supported classic car clubs, so parts, advice and meet-ups will never be an issue.

This auction listing was written by Darren, after gathering information supplied by Graham the owner.

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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

The car needs to go to a good home where someone else can enjoy it.

Graham has owned the Magnette for 5 years, which had gone through an extensive restoration prior to his ownership.

Unfortunately due to ill health the car has covered only 1,000 miles and has been dry stored in a barn, with regular check-ups by his son.

Graham
Vehicle Owner

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

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Exterior

The bodywork is generally very sound having had the major restoration completed in 2000.

Wheels and Tyres

The wheels look to be in good order and the tyre tread looks like new. They are thought to be 10 years old, and have inner tubes in them. You'll notice some surface rust on the wheels, with the chrome hub caps looking in good order.

Bodywork

The car is in very good condition, as one would expect from a restored car. The driver’s door bottom had some corrosion which has been rectified but would benefit from cleaning and repainting.

Paint

The paintwork is very good with the exception of a couple of stone chips that we can see, a few pimples on top of nearside front wing and a small scratch on driver’s door. Originally the paintwork was black. During storage, the brightwork has been covered with a thin coat of protective oil.

Glass and Trim

The front door catches need a bit of attention and there is a spare catch/lock for driver’s door. The glass is in good order but a new rear window seal is needed. The trim is in generally good condition and is complete.

Interior

The essence of the ZA Magnette is that charming interior, the wood and leather take you to another age.

Seats and Carpets

The interior looks good from what we can see, the headlining and carpets having been replaced. The red leather seats are original, wear is evident but still look good having been treated with renovator. Seat belts have been fitted.

Dashboard

The polished wooden dash is in good condition and all the instruments function but the owner has stated that the accuracy of the fuel gauge cannot be trusted!

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

Considering the age of the car, the steering wheel and gear knob hold up rather well.

Mechanics

B-Series engines are amazingly durable, this one is no exception.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine has seen routine servicing. It sounds good from the video provided, does not emit any smoke from exhaust and uses little or no oil between services.

A new Kevlar hose has been purchased to replace the leaking top hose and will be fitted ready for the new owner. The gearbox and clutch have been replaced and operate smoothly.

Suspension and Brakes

The brakes have been refurbished and the car pulls up in a straight line Graham and his son tell us.

The Drive

Driving the Magnette is a pleasure, it holds the road really well and it is a comfortable ride. The ambience of the interior and the ability to keep up with modern traffic makes it a recommended all-rounder during a period where sports saloons were a rarity.

Electrics and Other

The electrics operate as they should except for the windscreen washer. A new pump has been purchased and is ready to be fitted. Flashing indicators have been fitted but the original semaphore indicators are still operational as well.

History and Paperwork

There is a restoration file from the 2000 build which contains all the bills for parts.

Restored prior to Graham's ownership, the car comes with a file full of paperwork from the build, which contains all the bills for parts and there are summary sheets for these. Further repair and maintenance bills will also be presented with the car. The car has only seen 7 owners, which is very reasonable for a 65-year-old car.

In Graham's ownership, the car it has had a new clutch and clutch plate fitted, along with a replacement gearbox, clutch/brake master cylinder, new clutch slave cylinder, new wheel brake cylinders, new oil seals on half shafts and a stainless exhaust with chrome trim. A little further bodywork has been done and a partial re-spray. The window mechanism in the driver’s door has also been replaced. It has been serviced annually, except this year in storage.

There are a number of spares that come with the car and also a new all-weather fitted cover.

We've actioned checks on the following; Seller ID, V5, HPi.

Key Details
  • ModelZA Magnette
  • TransmissionManual
  • Reg. Date1955
  • CC1489
  • Mileage69,196
  • ColourGrey
  • Interior ColourRed
  • Interior TrimLeather
  • Chassis #KAJ138780
  • Engine #BP15GA8637
  • RestoredYes
  • MOTOctober 2021
  • MOT ExemptYes
  • Road Tax ExemptYes
  • HPi ClearYes
  • Former Keepers7
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedNo - Seller Provided Content
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned5 years
  • Key FeatureCondition







Vehicle Sold

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Turriff

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