1962 MG Magnette MkIV Farina

Description

• AT AUCTION – Please click HERE 
• 55,000 km (34k miles) believed to be genuine
• With our vendor since 2015 
• Kept in a heated garage 
• Ventured out just twice a year 
• Heritage Certificate 

As part of the BMC consolidation, the cars of the five major brands, Austin, Morris, Wolseley, MG and Riley were to be based upon the same platform, utilising the now much used concept of badge engineering. 

Replacing the Magnette ZB, one of the finest sports saloons of the ’50s, presented a challenge. The much-improved MG Magnette Mk IV arrived in February 1961. It had sharp styling, a bigger engine, twin SU carbs and the classic octagon badge. It is widely recognised as being the best. 

History 

• Our vendor is Regional Secretary for the MG Owners Club 
• Manufacture date : 25 October 1962 
• LHD North American Export 
• Date of dispatch : 27 October 1962 
• Engine number 16GE-U-H/4109 
• Chassis number G-HS2-L/2083 
• Key number FS933 
• Heritage Certificate 

To complete that rather impressive list, our vendor had the MG waxoyled too. We never get tired of saying how waxoyl is like the elixir of life for classic cars. 

Outside 

• Trafalgar Blue over Smoke Grey 
• Original MG hubcaps 
• Swooping lines by Pininfarina 
• Chrome everywhere 

Just over 60 years ago, the BMC launched its second collaboration with Battista ‘Pinin’ Farina. The stylish, all-new, range that appeared symbolised an era of post-war renewal. 

The front end of the Magnette Farina holds the iconic chrome MG grille and badging. The brilliantly designed front bumper, indicators and headlights wrapped in chrome are an impressive sight. The chrome trim continues along the sides of the car, dividing the dual tone colour scheme. At the rear there is even more chrome; on the boot trim and mechanisms, badging and the rear light cluster. The rear bumper is another wonderful design piece.  

The chrome itself is all in decent condition, probably helped by not enduring British summers all its life. 

As is common with classics of this age, there are various marks, digs and scratches. It is always a balance whether to leave them, touch them in or go the whole hog and get the whole car repainted. Thankfully, our vendor took a conservative approach, choosing preservation over massive restoration. We think it was a good choice for a rare car like this MG Magnette Farina. 

A good indicator of the condition of a classic car is to look inside the petrol flap. There is an image in the gallery. 

Inside 

• Reef Blue Interior 
• Original steering wheel 
• Rear arm rest 
• Walnut dash 
• Walnut door cappings 

Like the outside, the inside too has aged gracefully. There have not been any major, out of place facelifts that some ageing rock stars go for. This MG Magnette is generally tidy, but if the new owners wanted to, there are gentle uplifts that could be carried out without ruining the character of an old classic. Overall, the interior looks to be in good order. The bonus is the many original features that remain; that impressive octagonal speedo and switchgear, the period radio, and of course that smashing steering wheel. Sadly, they don’t make them like this anymore. 

Mechanicals 

• 1622 cc engine 
• Twin SU carbs 
• Four speed gearbox 
• This MG Magnette Farina has had an alternator upgrade 

The MkIV 1961 MG Magnette came with several updates: 

• The engines were increased to 1622cc  
• Front and rear track were increased 
• The front suspension lowered by an inch 
• The rear axle moved back an inch 
• Anti-roll bars were fitted front and rear  

The larger engine was smoother and torquier. The updates to the suspension made the ride more stable and the cornering a lot flatter. 

It is reported the MG Magnettes had a greater tendency to slide; meaning roundabouts taken at very modest speeds generally resulted in generous application of opposite lock, aided by poor cross ply tyres and a driver keen to press on. We all learned a lot about car control in those days. All the fun has been taken out of cars today, hasn’t it! 

*Please note that DVLA have incorrectly registered the MG Magnette as a diesel car on the V5, our vendor has requested a change to be made to correct it to petrol!*

Summary 

The is the very definition of a practical classic. Solid build, rugged mechanicals, good interior space, very comfortable, and with a sporty driving manner. All that still applies today. 

Thanks to the use of common BMC parts, combined with a very active owners’ club scene, they are easy to keep on the road. This rare MG Magnette is the classic you always promised yourself. 

Vehicle Location: Clarkston, Glasgow G76– it’s the responsibility of the winning bidder to make collection / transportation arrangements directly with the vendors.

Would like to arrange a viewing or have a question about this MG Magnette Farina Please contact us at team@evoke-classics.com and we will speak to the vendor on your behalf.

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