MG Magnette
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MG had used the Magnette name on a number of saloons since the 1930s, but the Magnette models of the 1950s and 1960s are best-remembered. There were two distinct series of these Magnettes: The ZA and ZB of 1953 through to 1958 and the Mark III and Mark IV of 1959 through to 1968.
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[edit] Magnette ZA
The Magnette ZA was launched in 1953 and produced until 1956. Although greatly loved today, the use of the Magnette name on an MG saloon car with a lowered Wolseley body and an Austin engine brought great protest from motor magazine letter writers. The Magnette was designed by Gerald Palmer who made his name with the Jowett Javelin, and featured modern Italian-inspired styling and the then-new 1.5 L (1489 cc) B-Series straight-4 engine.
The similar Wolseley 4/44, first sold one year earlier, used the 1250 cc engine from the MG TF. The 4/44 was replaced by the 15/50.
[edit] Magnette ZB
The ZA was replaced by the Magnette ZB in 1956. Power was up to 64 hp (48 kW), and a semi-automatic transmission was an option.
The similar Wolseley 15/50 now shared the ZB's B-Series engine.
Further information is available at the Z-series Magnette website.
[edit] Magnette Mark III
The Mark III of 1959 drew mixed reviews. US based publications heralded the Magnette's arrival, while the UK publications tended towards "damning with faint praise". It was nearly identical to the Riley version (the 4/68) of the new Pinin Farina-designed midsize BMC saloon line. All four versions (including the Morris Oxford V and Wolseley 15/60) were produced together at BMC's Cowley factory. More information is at the Magnette Mk. III website.
[edit] Magnette Mark IV
The Mark III was updated in 1961 as the Mark IV. A larger 1.6 L (1622 cc) B-Series engine was fitted, and the vehicle was larger in every dimension. Outside, the Mark IV was almost identical to the Mark III. Sales continued through to 1968.
[edit] External links
- Cambridge-Oxford Owners Club including advice for preservation of this vehicle
- Farina Magnette Register
- MG Car Club Z Magnette Section
