Tag Archives: Gerald

International Favorite – MG Magnette ZB

There are six MG’s models in three model groups which have had been marketed with Magnette name :- the K and N types built from 1932 to 1936, the Wolseley based ZA and ZB types built from 1953 to 1958 and the BMC Farina bodied Mark III and Mark IV built from 1959 to 1968.

MG Magnette, Bristol Classic Car Show, Shepton Mallet

Today’s 1957 Magnette ZB, seen earlier this year at the 33rd Bristol Classic Car Show, is the fourth iteration based on the Wolseley 15/50 built from 1956 to 1958.

MG Magnette, Bristol Classic Car Show, Shepton Mallet

The Magnette ZA was launched in 1953 with a cut down body similar to the Wolseley 14/40 launched earlier the same year. The only interchangeable panels between the two models, and those of the later ZB, launched in 1956 and Wolseley 15/50 are the front doors, roof and boot lid.

MG Magnette, Bristol Classic Car Show, Shepton Mallet

Gerald Palmer was responsible for the detail differences between the ZA and Wolseley 14/40. The ZA would became the first unitary monocoque constructed MG without a separate chassis.

MG Magnette, Bristol Classic Car Show, Shepton Mallet

The ZB, seen here, features a 64 hp motor, up from 60 hp on the ZA, with a bigger carburetor and higher compression ratio than the original British Motor Corporation (BMC) B- Series motor used for the ZA, was capable of 86 mph with a rest to 60 mph time of 18.5 seconds.

MG Magnette, Bristol Classic Car Show, Shepton Mallet

With advertising advertising benefits like “Spots-car Performance, Family-car Comfort, Small-car Economy” and a strap line that ran “Style and luxury combined with the nimble roadability that has made the MG and international favorite” the low slung ZB outsold the Wolseley 15/50 BMC stable mate by 3 to 2 with 18,524 being built from 1956 to 1958.

Thanks for joining me on this “International Favorite” edition of “Gettin’ a li’l psycho on tyres” I hope you will join me again tomorrow for a look at a Brooklands legend. Don’t forget to come back now !

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One and a Quarter Litre – MG YB

After MG had been taken over by Morris plans were made for the new acquisition to offer four ranges of vehicles , which would be become known as the “W”, “V” “S” and “Y” model lines that were to be built for sale with either 4 seat closed saloon or 4 seat open touring bodies.

MG YB, Summer Classics, Easter Compton

The smallest MG Y series was the last in the range to be developed in 1939 powered by a 1.25 litre / 76.27 cui 4 cylinder motor with a single SU carburetor.

MG YB, Summer Classics, Easter Compton

Gerald Palmer was responsible for the design of the new car whose, body draw’s heavily on the Morris Eight Series E four-door bodyshell in pressed steel but with an MG radiator grill, swept tail and wings / fenders added. The body of the MG Y was mounted on a separate chassis, one of the first to be designed with cutting edge independent front suspension.

MG YB, Summer Classics, Easter Compton

When “Y”Type was launched at the 1939 Earls Court motor show the sales literature boasted “A brilliant new Member of the famous MG breed. This new One and a Quarter Litre car perpetuates the outstanding characteristics of its successful predecessors – virile acceleration, remarkable ‘road manner,’ instant response to controls, and superb braking. A ‘lively’ car, the new One and a Quarter Litre provides higher standards of performance.”

MG YB, Summer Classics, Easter Compton

However almost soon as the model was announced plans to manufacture the MG “Y” Type had to be indefinitely postponed thanks to the commencement of the 1939 – ’45 war. Eight years after it’s first public appearance the “Y” Type went into production in 1947.

MG YB, Summer Classics, Easter Compton

In 1952 the YA saloon / sedan, was upgraded with smaller 15″ inch wheels replacing the original 16″ spec, a new Lockheed brake system, front anti roll bar and stiffer shock absorbers all round.

1031 YB saloon’s, like the 1953 model featured today, were manufactured between it’s introduction in 1952 and the end of production in 1953 when the aging “Y” Type was replaced by the MG ZA Magnatte for 1954.

Thanks for joining me on this “One and a Quarter Litre” edition of Gettin’ a li’l psycho on tyres”. MG blogs will be returning to their usual Tuesday spot next week. I hope you will join me for Ferrari Friday tomorrow. Don’t forget to come back now !

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