1936 MG NB Magnette Two-Seater

Chassis No.

NA0858

Engine No.

1152164

Body No.

122/1324

Documents

US Title

To be offered on Friday, 19 August 2022

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- One of only 98 MG NB Two-Seaters produced
- Classic pre-war MG styling paired with sophisticated overhead-cam six-cylinder power; sports a desirable engine-mounted supercharger upgrade
- Presented in dazzling two-tone blue over a blue interior with blue top
- Benefited from an exterior refinish in 2020, and substantial mechanical work completed in 2021
- Now offered from the care of a noted MG connoisseur

Built in small numbers from 1934 through 1936, the MG N-type Magnette models offered buyers a car with a bit more power and luxury than the marque’s four-cylinder “Midgets” while still possessing the purist styling and sprightly roadgoing manners for which MG was already widely known. As a niche offering positioned between the Midgets and MG’s larger, soon-to-debut SA, these charming cars were never destined to sell in large numbers; it is believed that only 745 N-type Magnettes were produced in total, of which just 98 were NB Two-Seaters.

One of those very rare NB Two-Seaters is offered here. Power is supplied by a 1,271-cubic-centimeter overhead-cam inline-six engine paired with a four-speed manual gearbox; although this was based on the powerplant in the previous MG K-type, a lengthy list of modifications and refinements brought output to a stated 56 horsepower. The engine in this car no doubt produces a figure in excess of that, as it has been fitted with an engine-mounted supercharger—a period-correct performance upgrade very much in the spirit of the successful forced-induction racing MGs of the era.

The car was acquired by its present owner, a noted connoisseur of classic sports cars (and MGs in particular) in 2018; it was treated to an exterior refinish in dazzling two-tone blue the following year. This striking color combination is paired with a blue leather interior—with many fine details, such as sunburst patterns on the door cars—and a blue convertible top. Just ahead of the richly finished wood dashboard is a pair of Brooklands windscreens, useful when the main windshield is folded. It presently rides on a set of intricate wire wheels with Rudge-Whitworth two-ear knock-offs; stone guards over the headlamps and a rear-mounted spare contribute to its ready-to-tour appearance.

In 2021, Red Car Restorations of Rockwall, Texas, was commissioned to sort the car’s mechanicals. As invoices on file attest, a substantial sum was invested in everything from fuel and ignition system work to pulley repair, a starter rebuild, replacement of the distributor, valve adjustment, and an overall tune-up, all with the intention of ensuring that this car ran and drove with characteristic MG vigor.

It is for good reason that classic MGs have a dedicated following all over the world, with particular respect paid to the celebrated marque’s pre-war offerings. This carefully maintained 1936 NB Magnette Two-Seater offers classic MG style in spades and adds supercharged power—and undeniable rarity—to the mix, making it an irresistible opportunity for a devotee of classic British sports cars.