1931 MG Magna F-Type Supercharged Sports, Registration no. MG 1535 Chassis no. L0485

* Circa 600 miles since restoration
* Magna L2 type body
* Adamant steering box as used on MG's Le Mans cars
* Participated in the Vernasca Silver Flag hill climb, 2017
* FIVA Passport

General Manager of Oxford-based Morris Garages, Cecil Kimber brought sports car motoring within the financial reach of the man in the street with a succession of affordable MGs. These were, naturally enough, based on existing Morris models, arguably the most famous and certainly the most influential being the Midget, which first appeared at the 1928 London Motor Show. The first - M-Type - Midget was based on modified Morris Minor running gear and used the latter's 847cc single-overhead-camshaft four-cylinder engine, though it was its delightful two-seater body that set the little MG apart from its humbler progenitor. Manufactured by Carbodies of Coventry, it was narrow, light in weight and adorned by a most attractive boat tail. The latter feature was missing from the four-seater D-Type Midget that arrived in 1931, replaced by a sloping back with accommodation for a spare wheel.

Broadly similar to the D-Type and introduced at the same was the six-cylinder F-Type Magna that, like its equally new four-cylinder stablemate, used a development of the under-slung chassis first seen on the racing C-Type Midget, but of longer wheelbase. Wolseley, also owned by William Morris, had been responsible for the Minor engine, and it was this unit in 12hp, 1,271cc, six-cylinder form that powered the Magna. The latter looked every inch a proper MG but possessed greater refinement than the fours thanks to its smoother, torquier, and relatively vibration-free six-cylinder engine. Introduced in 1932, the F2 version boasted 12" brakes (replacing the original 8" drums) and Midget two-seater coachwork, while the mechanically similar F3 was a four-seater tourer. The F-Type Magna was the only six-cylinder MG chassis fitted by the factory with cycle wings.

What would turn out to be the last of the Magna line – the L-Type – arrived in March 1933 boasting an engine downsized to 1,087cc but producing greater power (41bhp) thanks to a 12-port, cross-flow cylinder head. 12" brakes were retained for the L-Type chassis, which was broadly similar to that of the contemporary K-Series Magnette apart from a narrower track, while the new body featured attractive flowing wings. Top speed was in the region of 75mph.
We are advised that chassis number '485' has been completely stripped and rebuilt, with the modification of an ENV pre-selector gearbox (supplied and fitted by Baynton Jones) in place of the original ENV manual 'box. The six-cylinder N-Type Magnette engine displaces 1,272cc and has been fully rebuilt by Baynton Jones to 'fast road' specification with all new internals, including the crankshaft. It is fitted with a single-carburettor Marshall J100 supercharger, which has been totally reconditioned by specialists Derek Chinn Ltd.

The rear axle was rebuilt by Barry Forster/Baynton Jones and then fitted with a new high-ratio final drive. Barry Foster also totally rebuilt the braking system using four new drums, brake plates, shoes, and ribs/shafts, and reconditioned the Adamant steering box and other components. The radiator was rebuilt with a new shell and honeycomb, while the fuel tank, fuel lines, and electric fuel pump are all new. The electrical system has been rewired and the electrical components rebuilt.

New road springs are covered by Pritchard Gaiters, while the shock absorbers were sourced from Mike Dowley. Blockley Tyres supplied two new wheels, three reconditioned wheels, and five new tyres/tubes.

Fully panelled, the L2 sports body is finished in British Racing Green with Apple Green Connolly hide interior by Collingburn (arguably the best upholsterer of pre-war MGs) and has a full set of weather equipment: hood, side screens, and tonneau cover. The dashboard is L2 type containing all its original instruments (reconditioned).

Only some 600 miles have been covered since this most extensive rebuild's completion. Parts were mainly supplied by Sports & Vintage Motors Ltd in Shrewsbury, and accompanying restoration bills totalling approximately £55,000. Additional documentation consists of an old-style logbook and a V5C Registration Certificate. A FIVA Passport has been issued, and in June 2017 this exciting MG sports car participated in the Vernasca Silver Flag hill climb in Italy.