LOT 242

1934 MG Magnette 'K3' Specification Supercharged Roadster Registration no. MG 3179 Chassis no. NA0257

Estimate: £90,000 - £120,000

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Lot 242

1934 MG Magnette 'K3' Specification Supercharged Roadster
Registration no. MG 3179 Chassis no. NA0257

Goodwood Festival of Speed: Collector's Motor Cars and Automobilia|9 July 2021, 14:30 BST|Chichester, Goodwood

1934 MG Magnette 'K3' Specification Supercharged Roadster
Registration no. MG 3179
Chassis no. NA0257

*Built as a K3 evocation in the 1990s
*Last owner for some 19 years
*Meticulously maintained by recognised specialists
*Prominent in MG historic and VSCC racing circles

Footnotes

"The K3 Magnette must rank in the history books as the most famous and successful of all the record breaking MGs. With only 33 examples produced during 1933 and 1934 this car alone gave an incredible boost to the marque and established MG firmly in the forefront of the world motor racing and record breaking league." - Richard Monk, The MG Collection.

The K series of Magnette sports cars was announced at the London Motor Show in 1932, the racing K3 being based on the short-wheelbase chassis of the two-seater K2 roadster. 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 and in the K3's case induction was by means of a Power Plus supercharger driven off the crankshaft nose and fed by a single SU carburettor. Power - up to 120bhp could be obtained depending on the state of tune - was transferred to the road wheels via an ENV Wilson pre-selector gearbox.

During the winter of 1932/33, two K3 prototypes were tested - one on the Monte Carlo Rally and the other in Italy in preparation for the forthcoming Mille Miglia. One of the toughest challenges in motor sport, the latter had been dominated by Italian makes and a home victory in the '33 event was considered a foregone conclusion. Un-fancied MG entered a team of three K3s driven by Early Howe/Hugh Hamilton, George Eyston/Count Lurani and Henry Birkin/Bernard Rubin, confounding the pundits with an astonishing 1, 2 finish in their class as well as the team prize. This magnificent victory vindicated Kimber's decision to build the K3, which remained at the very top of its class in international motor racing for the next few years and today is one of the most sought after of all MGs.

This MG Magnette was purchased from Peter Green for competition use and built to approximately 'K3' specification in the 1990s. It is powered by a 1100cc six-cylinder overhead-camshaft engine featuring a Phoenix steel billet counter-balanced crankshaft; forged con-rods; and Cosworth racing pistons, which is lubricated by the evocatively perfumed Castrol R. The induction system consists of a Volumex supercharger fed by a 1¾" SU carburettor fitted with a very rare T3 float bowl, while sparks are provided by a Scintilla magneto. A dynamo charges the 12-volt battery. Coolant is circulated by a water pump. The engine has a Brooklands-style competition exhaust system with a six-branch manifold feeding an externally mounted silencer leading to a fishtail tailpipe.

The transmission consists of an Armstrong pre-selector gearbox; 4.55:1-ratio differential; and stronger N-Type half-shafts and rear hubs.. Braking is looked after by 13" drums all round: hydraulic at the front, mechanical at the rear, while the handbrake is of the fly-off type. Other chassis details include Bishop Cam worm-and-peg steering; semi-elliptic leaf springs front and rear; Hartford duplex friction dampers; 18'' wire-spoked racing wheels with Rudge Whitworth hubs; and Dunlop Racing tyres.

The aluminium body is in the style of the Evans Brothers' Bellevue Garage N-Type Magnette K3 racers, of which just three team cars were built in the 1930s. Notable features include a slab-type long-range fuel tank with twin quick-release racing filler caps; headlamps with stone guards; torpedo side lamps; tail lamps; radiator stone guard; and a quick-release radiator filler cap. The impressive array of instruments includes a tachometer; oil pressure gauge; oil and water thermometers; ammeter; supercharger boost gauge; and a cylinder head pressure gauge. The body is finished in British Racing Green with brown interior, the latter featuring period bucket seats and a fire extinguisher.

Offered with a history file, 'MG 3179' is registered with the Triple M Register and has VSCC competition papers. The last owner enjoyed the MG for some 19 years and had it meticulously maintained to the highest of standards by recognised specialists such as CRG Engineering, Tom Dark Engineering, and Baynton Jones. Prominent in MG historic and VSCC racing circles, this potent K3 evocation is eminently suitable for both road and track.

Saleroom notices

Please note the chassis number is N0257

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