MG MG Magnette Mk3 and Mk4 (1959 – 1968) Review

Item: MG MG Magnette Mk3 and Mk4 (1959 – 1968) Review 2024
Author: Administrator

MGA COUPE,1957, UNIQUE BUILD [Reserved]

£28,500

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MG MG Magnette Mk3 and Mk4 (1959 – 1968) At A Glance

Cheap and simple to fix, good parts availability, nice interior

Stolid to drive

The BMC Farina saloon range had become well established by the time the MG version was launched in 1959. The Magnette MkIII/IV was a member of the badge-engineered family that also included cars produced by Austin, Morris, Wolseley, Riley, and Vanden Plas and MG – and it was supposed to be the sporting option of the humble but worthy range of cars. In order to live up to its name, that meant the MG Magnette Farina received an extra carburettor to give a minimal performance boost, a rudimentary anti-roll-bar set-up on the front suspension and a well equipped leather and wood interior.

Magnette IIIs had a 1489cc engine, while later IVs had a 1622cc unit, plus optional automatic gearbox and two-tone paint. Visual differences included a trademark, if somewhat incongruous, MG grille, plus different indicator lamp lenses. This offering did not impress marque enthusiasts used to the more flamboyant pre-War cars, but it sold reasonably well anyway. A good, honest, and still well-loved classic car capable of being run on tight budgets.

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Ask Honest John

Where is the best place to find an MG Magnette for sale?

"Where is the best place for me to search for a Mk4 MG Magnette and what is the current price for a condition 1 or 2 car?"

These are getting rare now - a lot of the Farinas were banger raced and haven't really found favour with a younger audience. If you're not already a member, join one of the MG clubs (MG Car Club and MG Owner's Club). That way you'll get to know a few owners and you can let them know you're on the lookout for one if they're decide to sell up.

Answered by Keith Moody

What is the best way to sell classic car parts?

"My dad is moving and has dug out my old hubcaps from the MG Magnette I had in the 1980s. Do you have any idea how much we could sell them for and where? I think he has approached MG Owners Club but no idea what to ask."

You've got a few options open to you when it comes to selling. You could try placing a traditional 'for sale' advert in classic car newspapers and magazines. Or you could place an advert online in the classifieds of classic car website. There's always internet auction site eBay or you could take them to an autojumble. And, as you've already mentioned, you could contact the clubs to see if they want them for their spares operation (or know of a club member who needs them). Some of these options are free, others will charge, while sites like eBay will take a cut of the sales price. As for the value of the items - it depends entirely on their condition, but I think you'd be looking at about £10 - £15 each.

Answered by Keith Moody