1934 MG Magnette NA "Allingham" Tourer

• The oldest of only four surviving Allinghams on the NA chassis
• Matching engine and chassis numbers
• Present ownership since 1974
• An older restoration
• Huge history file

The MG Magnette NA was launched as an evolution of the earlier K-type Magnettes. It retained the advanced overhead camshaft six-cylinder engine, now displacing 1271cc, and produced a respectable 56 bhp. This gave the NA a top speed of around 78 mph—impressive for a 1.3-litre car of its day.

The oldest of only four surviving NA Magnettes with Allingham coachwork by Whittingham & Mitchel, 'MG 3538' was owned by the late Keith Portsmore from 1974 until his recent passing. Keith was very well known in MG circles and was responsible for saving the car, which was scheduled to be scrapped. Keith's wife Anne says: "Restoration was begun at once but in the autumn of 1976 the car was placed in my grandmother's garage while Keith restored a 16th century farmhouse. It was almost 10 years later before the Allingham emerged from the garage and restoration continued. I believe the work took him at least a couple of years."

N-series Magnettes were built between 1934 and 1936, with 738 chassis sold, of which it is estimated that 16 were 'Allinghams'. The very first (chassis 'NA0251') was sold to H W Allingham, who had designed the stylish body, which was built by Whittingham & Mitchell. Registered on 25th August 1934 and the second Allingham produced, 'NA0305' was almost certainly used as a press car.

Because the bodywork was handmade there are subtle differences between individual Allinghams. This early car has a highly complex bonnet with 'Y 'straps and 11 different louvre lengths per side. Few of the later cars had this feature, so one can only assume that it was the time and cost of production that forced the change. Another interesting feature is the body's two additional rear seats, which are revealed when the covering panel is rotated backwards (this arrangement is not a dickey). The rotating panel allows the cockpit to be opened up to a four-seater, with the hood covering all the seats (unlike a dickey seat).

The car is said to be in beautiful condition – not concours, as Keith and Anne used it regularly for everything from overseas holidays to trips to the local shops – but it is all the better for it. Keith was a skilled restorer and the bodywork's fit and finish reflects this. Straight after restoration Keith won many 'Pride of Ownership' prizes with the Allingham. There is a huge history file with the car, including photographs of the restoration work. Prior to Keith's ownership the car was owned by various well known MMM (Midget, Magna and Magnette) people. There are history records from 1934 onwards, but 1936 to 1952 are missing.