Modern performance and a supremely practical way to enjoy MG ownership. Here’s what you need to know before taking the plunge

Words: Chris Hope | Photos: John Colley

Although the sleek and stylish Gerald Palmer-penned Magnette would be the first in a long line of badge-engineered MGs, this is certainly not what it is remembered for. It shared much with the Wolseley 4/44, but there was one important difference: the BMC B-series gave it surprisingly sporty pace, leaving the Magnette’s more sedate 4/44 sibling to focus on luxury.

We can’t heap enough praise on these mid-sized saloons. Lively performance, impressive road holding and excellent ride comfort make the Magnette a car that drives like a machine from a different era. It’s just a shame there aren’t more. BMC decided to pull the plug on the Magnette just five years into production to make way for the new Farina range but we’re convinced it would have continued to sell well. Today, these are still both well-respected and cared-for models that enjoy fantastic club support, as well as being catered for with a wide selection of spares – keeping one on the road isn’t a difficult task.

Values: Prices for Magnettes appear to have risen sharply over recent years, possibly as people have come to appreciate their practicality and sporting charm. According to Grahame from Moto-Build, road legal ZA and ZB saloons are usually priced around £7000. Rough examples (in other words, ones that need extensive bodywork repairs) can be picked up from £2500, while at the other end of the scale paying £10,000 to £12,000 should be enough for a Magnette in excellent overall condition.

The Varitone models are the most desirable, so an example with an MoT will most likely cost between £7000 and £9000. If you’re looking to buy concours, expect to pay £15,000 plus.

factfile

Clubs
● MG Car Club Z Magnette Register, www.magnette.org
● MG Owners Club, www.mgownersclub.co.uk

Specialists
● NTG Motor Services, Suffolk. 01473 406031, www.mgbits.com
● MG Specialists, Norfolk. 01603 872436, www.mgspecs.co.uk
● Moto-Build Ltd, Surrey. 01784 477477, www.moto-build.co.uk

Magazine
MG Enthusiast. Look for our sister title on the shelves of most good newsagents on the third Friday of every month. Priced £4.20.

Insurance Quotes
1958 MG Magnette ZB.
Comprehensive, 25-year-old in Co. Durham, two years’ NCB, clean licence, 10,000 miles p.a, main car, kept on driveway: £1000 (£100 excess).
Comprehensive, 50-year-old in Co. Durham, full NCB, clean licence, 3000 miles p.a, second car (classic policy), garage, club member: £100 (£100 excess).
Quotes from Performance Direct: 0844 5733504, www.performancedirect.co.uk.

RUNNING ON UNLEADED
Standard B-series cylinder heads weren’t designed for unleaded fuel, so you’ll need an additive to protect the valve seats or a modified head.

Specifications

MG Magnette ZA
ENGINE···1489cc/4-cyl
POWER (bhp/rpm)··· 60/4600 
TOP SPEED··· 80 mph
0-60mph··· 15.5 sec
CONSUMPTION··· 28 mpg
GEARBOX··· 4-sp man
LENGTH··· 14ft 1in (4.29m)
WIDTH··· 5ft 3in (1.6m)
WEIGHT··· 2490 lb (1131 kg)

Magnette ZB
ENGINE···1489cc/4-cyl
POWER (bhp/rpm)··· 60/5400 
TOP SPEED··· 87 mph
0-60mph··· 13 sec
CONSUMPTION··· 27 mpg
GEARBOX··· 4-sp man (op Manumatic)
LENGTH··· 14ft 1in (4.29m)
WIDTH··· 5ft 3in (1.6m)
WEIGHT··· 2464 lb (1119 kg)

The full story is available in the May 2011 issue of Classic Car Mart. Back issues available here.