MG Magnette

MG Magnette
ZA
Overview
Manufacturer	MG (BMC)
Production	1953-1968
Body and chassis
Class	Large family car
Body style	4-door saloon
Layout	FR layout
Chronology
Predecessor	MG YB
Successor	MG Montego

MG Magnette ZA
ZA first registered June 1955
Overview
Production	1953-1956
Designer	Gerald Palmer
Powertrain
Engine	1.5 L B-Series I4
Transmission	4-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,591 mm (102.0 in)
Length	4,267 mm (168.0 in)
Width	1,600 mm (63.0 in)
Height	58 in (1,473 mm)

MG Magnette ZB
ZB Varitone first registered March 1957
Overview
Production	1956-1958
Powertrain
Engine	1.5 L BMC B-Series I4

MG Magnette Mark III
Overview
Production	1959-1961
Body and chassis
Related	Morris Oxford V Riley 4/68 Austin A55 Cambridge Wolseley 15/60
Powertrain
Engine	1.5 L B-Series I4
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,521 mm (99.3 in)
Length	4,521 mm (178.0 in)
Width	1,613 mm (63.5 in)

MG Magnette Mark IV
Overview
Production	1961-1969
Body and chassis
Related	Morris Oxford VI Riley 4/72 Austin A60 Cambridge Wolseley 16/60 Siam Magnette 1622
Powertrain
Engine	1.6 L B-Series I4
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,546 mm (100.2 in)

The MG Magnette is an automobile that was produced by MG in from 1953 to 1958. The Magnette was manufactured in two build series, the ZA and ZB of 1953 through to 1958 and the Mark III and Mark IV of 1959 through to 1968, both using a modified Wolseley body and an Austin engine.

MG Cars had previously used the Magnette name on their K-type and N-type models of the 1930s.

The Magnette ZA was announced on 15 October 1953 and debuted at the 1953 London Motor Show. Deliveries started in March 1954. Production continued until 1956, when 18,076 had been built. It was the first monocoque car to bear the MG badge.

The Magnette was designed by Gerald Palmer, designer of the Jowett Javelin. It was the first appearance of the new four cylinder 1.5 L (1489 cc) B-Series I4 engine with twin 1¼ inch SU carburettors delivering 60 bhp (45 kW), driving the rear wheels through BMC's new four speed manual gearbox with synchromesh on the top three ratios.

Suspension was independent at the front using coil springs and had a live axle with half elliptic leaf springs at the rear. The steering was by rack and pinion. Hydraulically operated Lockheed 10 in (254 mm) drum brakes were fitted to front and rear wheels. When leaving the factory the Magnette ZA optionally fitted the recently developed belted textile-braced, radial-ply Pirelli Cinturato 145HR15 tyres (CA67) but had 5.5-15 Dunlop tyres as standard.

The car had leather trimmed individual front seats and rear bench seat. The dashboard and door cappings were in polished wood. Although the heater was standard, the radio was still an optional extra. Standard body colours were black, maroon, green, and grey.

The similar Wolseley 4/44, first sold one year earlier, used the 1250 cc engine from the MG TF. Although visually similar, the MG has lower suspension and only the front doors, boot lid and roof panels are shared. The 4/44 was replaced in 1956 by the 15/50.