1933 MG L-Type Magna Tourer
Registration no. OC 2640
Chassis no. L0489
Engine no. 521AW

General Manager of Oxford-based Morris Garages, Cecil Kimber brought sports car motoring within the financial reach of the man in the street with a succession of affordable MGs. These were, naturally enough, based on existing Morris models, arguably the most famous and certainly the most influential being the Midget, which first appeared at the 1928 London Motor Show. The first - M-Type - Midget was based on modified Morris Minor running gear and used the latter's 847cc single-overhead-camshaft four-cylinder engine, though it was its delightful two-seater body that set the little MG apart from its humbler progenitor.

Broadly similar to the D-Type Midget of 1931 and introduced at the same was the six-cylinder F-Type Magna which, like its equally new four-cylinder stablemate, used a development of the under-slung chassis first seen on the racing C-Type Midget but of longer wheelbase. Wolseley, also owned by William Morris, had been responsible for the Minor engine, and it was this unit in 12hp, 1,271cc, six-cylinder form that powered the Magna. The latter looked every inch a proper MG but possessed greater refinement than the fours thanks to its smoother, torquier and relatively vibration-free six-cylinder engine. Introduced in 1932, the F2 version boasted 12" brakes (replacing the original 8" drums) and Midget two-seater coachwork, while the mechanically similar F3 was a four-seater tourer.

What would turn out to be the last of the Magna line – the L-Type – arrived in March 1933 boasting an engine downsized to 1,087cc but producing greater power (41bhp) thanks to a 12-port, cross-flow cylinder head. 12" brakes were retained for the L-Type chassis, which was broadly similar to that of the contemporary K-Series Magnette apart from a narrower track, while the new body featured attractive flowing wings. Top speed was in the region of 75mph. A total of 576 L1/L2 Magnas had been produced by the time production ceased in 1934.

This L-Type Magna had been restored to a very high standard by the previous owner prior to its acquisition by the current vendor in 2011. We are advised that every aspect of the car was rebuilt to 'as new' condition but the gearbox is a little noisy, though this would appear to be a not uncommon characteristic of these MG 'boxes. Finished in red with matching interior, the car is offered with a V5C registration document.