Description

1957 MG Magnette ZB Varitone

Nice old car subject to extensive works in 2016 inc. unleaded head and engine/glass out respray; family owned for three generations until 2014 when our vendor purchased the car after being in storage for 30 years; driven 37 miles to the sale

Dating from August 1957 this appealing MG Magnette Varitone was purchased by the last owner’s grandfather in April 1961 having done 38,450 miles. It was kept in the family for three generations until purchased by the current owner in June 2014.

The car is understood to have been used daily until 1983 when it was taken off the road and dry stored for nearly 30 years, having completed a total of 87,267 miles.

During the current ownership, and since being pulled out of long-term storage, our vendor has had the car restored to the (believed) original specification which was completed in late 2016.

This included the 1,500cc B series engine being rebuilt with an unleaded head, fitment of a new clutch and hydraulics with rebuilt gearbox, re-cored radiator with new thermostat and hoses plus new brake cylinders and shoes to the front wheels.

In addition, the car was treated to an engine and glass out, bare metal re-spray with new sills and valance in the original Varitone colours of Twilight Grey and Birch Grey.  The body panels were repaired with new steel and lead as required.

New stainless-steel bumpers were sourced and a complete exhaust system installed. The wheels were stripped and refurbished, and a new battery was fitted along with new indicator switch.

The interior was refreshed with new wool carpets and new West of England cloth headlining. The leather seats and door panels were rebuilt and re-dyed by a professional trimmer and new door seals fitted.  The woodwork and door cappings were stripping and sat finished as per factory spec.  A new number plate light and MG badge were also fitted.

The vendor has enjoyed the car since, although there are signs of wear coming through with some localised corrosion as pictured perhaps needing some attention moving forward.  The car was driven to us from North Shropshire, the vendor firm in the belief that the mileage accumulated is genuine given the background, low ownership and story with only c.7,000 being covered since all the works were completed.

The history file includes the V5C, operation manual, many invoices for works undertaken and parts purchased along with photos of the works through the two-year restoration period, seven old MOTs (the last expired in August 2020 and recorded six advisories).

A charming example with good patina ready to be enjoyed, used and improved or treated to some mild cosmetic improvement over the winter months.

For more information contact - will.daniels@brightwells.com