Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 140
1934 MG NA Magnette Roadster Chassis no. 4311 - State Assigned Engine no. 981/AN
Sold for US$56,000 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 140
1934 MG NA Magnette Roadster
1934 MG NA Magnette Roadster
Chassis no. 4311 - State Assigned
Engine no. 981/AN
Chassis no. 4311 - State Assigned
Engine no. 981/AN
1,271cc SOHC 6-Cylinder Engine
Twin SU HV2 Carburetors, 56bhp at 5,500rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Leaf Spring Suspension, Front and Rear
Drum Brakes
* Rare Two Seater NA Roadster
* Believed period competition history
* Restored in present ownership
THE MG MAGNETTE
'It is not surprising that with the makers' knowledge of racing... it should be capable of giving as high a speed as 80mph. What comes as a revelation is the ease with which on Brooklands that speed is reached and held. The rev needle hovering between the 5,000 and 5,500 marks, the whole mechanism feeling as one, and with no sense of adventure attached to such speeds.' – 'The Autocar' on the N-type Magnette.
In the era of small-capacity six-cylinder cars in the early 1930s, MG was a formidable manufacturer, starting in 1931 with the launch of the Magna 'F'. The initial output of the F-Type's 1,271cc Wolseley overhead-camshaft engine was just 37 horsepower. In the following three years, this 'KD' engine was modified and developed to produce 56 horsepower and was used in the first N-Type MG in 1934, the NA.
Along with the upgraded engine, the N-Type featured a more advanced chassis than the ladder-type used in the F: the chassis was widened in the rear, lengthened modestly, and featured a lower profile gas tank and upgraded suspension. While the body was now supported by rubber-mounted outriggers, an arrangement that gave a more comfortable ride. These advancements gave the N-type improved handling and stability for these race-ready sports cars.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
The sporting MG on offer today is the epitome of the mid-1930s six cylinder product from stem to stern, and is of the rarer two seater form for these cars. On file is a period image which is believed to be the car and shows it back in the day sporting a racing number and the front cycle fenders that it wears to this day. Originally it was black with red trim.
Long after such racing had occurred the car was bought by the current owner in the late 1980s, in somewhat tired order and needing restoration. That work was carried out personally and was clearly completed to a high standard at the time. Its use since has been limited, and the interior of biscuit leather trim with 'sunburst' panels shows only modest age to it. Generally, the paintwork also remains in very presentable order, albeit the passenger door shows some crazing in places.
With its balance of six-cylinder power and lightweight two seat body, this very handsome MG offers its next owner a purposeful prewar motorcar.
Twin SU HV2 Carburetors, 56bhp at 5,500rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Leaf Spring Suspension, Front and Rear
Drum Brakes
* Rare Two Seater NA Roadster
* Believed period competition history
* Restored in present ownership
THE MG MAGNETTE
'It is not surprising that with the makers' knowledge of racing... it should be capable of giving as high a speed as 80mph. What comes as a revelation is the ease with which on Brooklands that speed is reached and held. The rev needle hovering between the 5,000 and 5,500 marks, the whole mechanism feeling as one, and with no sense of adventure attached to such speeds.' – 'The Autocar' on the N-type Magnette.
In the era of small-capacity six-cylinder cars in the early 1930s, MG was a formidable manufacturer, starting in 1931 with the launch of the Magna 'F'. The initial output of the F-Type's 1,271cc Wolseley overhead-camshaft engine was just 37 horsepower. In the following three years, this 'KD' engine was modified and developed to produce 56 horsepower and was used in the first N-Type MG in 1934, the NA.
Along with the upgraded engine, the N-Type featured a more advanced chassis than the ladder-type used in the F: the chassis was widened in the rear, lengthened modestly, and featured a lower profile gas tank and upgraded suspension. While the body was now supported by rubber-mounted outriggers, an arrangement that gave a more comfortable ride. These advancements gave the N-type improved handling and stability for these race-ready sports cars.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
The sporting MG on offer today is the epitome of the mid-1930s six cylinder product from stem to stern, and is of the rarer two seater form for these cars. On file is a period image which is believed to be the car and shows it back in the day sporting a racing number and the front cycle fenders that it wears to this day. Originally it was black with red trim.
Long after such racing had occurred the car was bought by the current owner in the late 1980s, in somewhat tired order and needing restoration. That work was carried out personally and was clearly completed to a high standard at the time. Its use since has been limited, and the interior of biscuit leather trim with 'sunburst' panels shows only modest age to it. Generally, the paintwork also remains in very presentable order, albeit the passenger door shows some crazing in places.
With its balance of six-cylinder power and lightweight two seat body, this very handsome MG offers its next owner a purposeful prewar motorcar.
Saleroom notices
Please note that the chassis number on the frame of the car has been found as N 871.
Additional information
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