1933 MG Magnette K2 Sports

Registration no. MG 2955 Chassis no. K2019

Footnotes

Small-capacity six-cylinder cars were much in vogue in the early 1930s and MG had duly climbed aboard the bandwagon in 1931 with the launch of the Magna F. Maximum output of the Magna's 1,271cc Wolseley Hornet-based overhead-camshaft engine would later be raised from a modest 37bhp to a much healthier 47 horsepower. Continuing the 'small six' theme, the K series of Magnette sports cars was announced at the London Motor Show in 1932. The Ks used an overhead-camshaft six-cylinder engine similar to that of the existing Magna series, but downsized to 1,087cc to gain entry into racing's 1,100cc Class G, success in which was considered vital by MG boss Cecil Kimber. For the K series, MG's long-stroke 'six' received a cross-flow cylinder head. An extensively revised and improved version of the 1,271cc KD engine was carried over to the NA Magnette of 1934, having also been fitted to the last of the preceding K2 cars.

The Magnette K2 offered here is 'K2019', so presumably either the last, or second-last of the 20 produced, depending on how the chassis numbering began. The last four of these were fitted with the larger 1,271cc KD engine, which is present and correct in 'K2019', and according to the Triple M Register only numbers '18' and '19' are now surviving.

'MG 2955' was first registered on 4th January 1934. Little is known of the car's pre- and immediately post-WW2 history apart from a photograph of it competing in an unknown event (see below). Sold by Chiltern Cars in 1953, the MG was purchased by Mike Waggot on 30th April 1964 from Geo H Steele & Co of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, partially dismantled following the disappearance of its previous owner (see advertisement, correspondence, purchase receipt, and photograph on file). Mike Waggot then re-commissioned the car and used it, carrying out regular maintenance and occasional major works until 2015, since when it has been kept in dry storage.

While requiring a little care from cold, the engine starts and idles well once warm, but would benefit from a full professional check over before being used. Similar to the K1, this car is fitted with an ENV four-speed pre-selector gearbox, which appears to be sound, selecting well with only minimal creep. We are advised that the selector detents have been filed down, presumably for faster changing. Unfortunately, due to space, weather and insurance constraints, the car has lately been moved only in 1st and reverse so it has not been possible to determine how well the engine and gearbox are performing. The chassis and body appear structurally good but would benefit from cosmetic refreshment, as would the patinated original interior.

Bodywork is correct, although it is believed that swept front wings would have been fitted originally. The current cycle mudguards have been in place for a substantial part of the car's life; there are some photographs of it competing with them fitted prior to Mike Waggot's acquisition, while the cut-down driver's door is another in-period modification made to increase elbowroom. There is a fairly new tonneau cover fitted and also a war-torn full hood with hoops, which is presumed original. Replacement seats and a modern prop shaft (original present) are the only other notified deviations from factory specification.

Offered with sundry bills and a V5 registration document, 'K2019' represents a wonderful opportunity to acquire a rare MG sports car dating from the heroic period when its maker went from being a minor local constructor to a major player on the world stage.