MG ZA Magnette 1955 for sale. Starts, runs and drives.
Bodywork is in good condition overall. The main chassis members and interior floors/boot floor I believe are all original and solid. The exterior sills have been replaced at some time in the past but the interior sills are original - both interior and exterior sills are very solid. There is some minor bubbling at the bottom of some of the door panels and the boot lid which you might be able to see in the photos, but this is limited to the door skins only - the door frames are fine.
Chromework is good original with the front bumper and some overriders having been rechromed recently, The exception is the rear light housing on the bootlid which is pitted, but I do have a brand new replacement which is included. Also included are two better chrome door "spikes".
The interior is good for its age with original unripped headlining and leather seats showing some wear (they are nearly 70 years old after all). The walnut and sapele dash and door cappings are in good condition. I have installed new carpets and door cards during my ownership.
Mechanically, the gearbox is fine, with second gear having been rebuilt when I bought the car so all synchromesh is good, and I believe a new clutch was put in at the same time. Steering is very good and direct and reasonably light once on the move. Brakes are fine, and I did have vacuum assistance added. Engine is OK but I feel that someone with better mechanical and tuning skills than me could get more out of it. It does have electronic ignition fitted in the distributor. For safety reasons I have fitted auxiliary flashing indicators back and front, but these are removable without damage. The original semaphore indicator arms do work but nobody these days has any idea what they mean!
Things I know don't work are:
- heater: its OK when switched off but tends to leak from the distribution switch if switched on.
- interior clock
- odometer: the speedo works fine but not the mileage counter, so I have no idea what the actual mileage is - has been very low in my ownership
- fuel gauge: it was working, then stopped working - could be the sender or the gauge - I do have a complete second-hand set of dash instruments which will be included which may help with the odometer and fuel gauge issues, but no guarantee.
The MG has been in my ownership for 6/7 years and is located in Farnborough Hampshire GU14 area. I am selling because advancing age means I am not using the car enough and it needs to be used and shown. As a classic, it does not require an MOT. It does require Road Tax, but this is free. Specialist classic car insurance is cheap. Bonus - it's exempt from ULEZ charges!
Viewings very welcome, and test drives with proof of insurance/driving other cars. Photos taken 20 March 2024 so do show current condition.