Lot 265 - 1959 MG Magnette Mk. III
| Lot Number | 265 |
| Registration | 1887 NX |
| Chassis Number | GHS-1/5831 |
| Engine Number | 5390 |
| Odometer reading | 18,130 miles |
| Result | Sold - £10,188 |
The Mk. III was announced in February 1959 and was nearly identical to the Riley version (the 4/68) of the new Pininfarina designed midsize BMC saloon line. They both had truncated tailfins.
The car featured BMC's 1489 cc B type engine but, in the MG Magnette III (and its Riley sibling), performance was enhanced by fitting twin SU HD4 carburettors. The interior featured a walnut veneer facia panel, door cappings and leather upholstery as well as safety glass windows.
This MG Magnette with chassis number GHS-1/5831 was first registered on 8th October 1959 and purchased by its first owner, Thomas Benjamin Brunt, on 21st October 1959. He kept the car for 23 years until 1982 by which time it had covered approximately 13,300 miles. It was purchased by Frank William Harrison who retained the car for the next 36 years. He covered a further 4,300 miles, bringing the total to 17,600 miles. The car was purchased from his estate by Black & White Classics in Rugeley in Staffordshire in 2018. They later entered the MG in the Brightwells Classic & Vintage Auction at Leominster held on 11th July 2018. This information is based on the original documents that came with the car, contact with the families of the previous owners and relevant garages and other historical documents, as noted.
This almost certainly unique MG Magnette Mk. III is generally referred to as the Farina shape. The first owner specified the exterior colour of Cherry Red, only available for the 1959 model year, complemented by Crimson Red interior. The current owner has only added a few hundred miles to the total which must make this the lowest mileage Magnette in existence. The car remains in very good condition with excellent bodywork, paintwork and interior. A well-documented history accompanies the car including owner’s handbook, invoices, sales brochures, its original buff logbook and MoT certificates from 1966. A full six-page typed history of this fabulous British motor car can be found in the history file and is well worth a read. It also featured in the February 2019 edition of Enjoying MG and is bound to attract attention wherever it goes.
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Interested parties should satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each Lot prior to the sale. Accordingly, buyers are on notice that each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ subject to the Terms and Conditions for the auction. All registration numbers, engine and chassis details are sourced from registration documents provided to Historics by the client or representative or HPI checks and buyers are to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of these details. Buyers are advised to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out this service. Historics will not entertain disputes over descriptions.