1958 MG Magnette ZB

Highlights

• Attractive Varitone livery
• Believed to be genuine 48,000 miles from new
• Original buff logbook included
• Previously owned by the wife of renowned author J.B. Priestley
• Upgraded to a 1.8-litre engine from an MGB and a 5-speed transmission

The Appeal

The Magnette was MG's finest spot of upmarket offering when it hit the market in 1953. It brought back a heritage name, boasted an exceptional middle class milieu and, of course, gained a reputation for its handsome two-tone colour schemes, too. Of all the Magnettes, the ZB Varitine stands out as one of the most desirable, thanks to its two-tone paintwork and wrap-around rear window.
Originally registered to The Thor Hammer Company in Birmingham and later owned by the wife of celebrated author J.B. Priestley, this handsome '58 Magnette is ready and waiting for its lucky new owner. With what's believed to be a genuine 48,000 miles and just four former registered keepers, it's quite the prospect, and we expect it'll garner plenty of interest at auction.

History and Paperwork

• First registered in 1958 to The Thor Hammer Company in Birmingham
• Subsequently owned by the wife of renowned author J.B. Priestley
• Just 4 former registered keepers from new
• Original buff logbook included with the vehicle
• Believed to have covered just 48,000 miles
  The Condition
• Vendor reports that this is a good, original car
• We'd advise a thorough inspection of the photographs, but it's certainly a fine example
• Handsome Varitone paintwork with gentle age-commensurate wear
• Some gentle patina to the brightwork, but not overly intrusive
• Soft patina to the underside, but we can't spot anything perforating
• Appears to have maintained its original character interior
• Some gentle wear to the red leather upholstery
• Some lacquer bubbling to the wooden veneers
• All instruments appear clean and legible
• Some light wear to the door cards

The Mechanics

• Upgraded to a 1.8-litre B-Series 4-cylinder from an MGB
• Upgraded to a 5-speed manual transmission
• Fitted with an unleaded cylinder head
• Brake system recently reconditioned throughout
• Front suspension has been rebuilt

BEFORE YOU BUY
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