1955 MG Magnette ZA

Description

Introduced in 1953, the MG Magnette served as a conduit that brought mid-century sensibilities to Morris Garage. While but a humble sedan, the Magnette is historically notable for several reasons, both as the first unibody-built vehicle from MG, as well as being the debut venue of the legendary 1.5L B-series inline-four engine. This powerplant would go onto fuel everything from sports cars to delivery vans, and was still being produced for use in the Indian-market Hindustan Ambassador until 2014. Ditching the rolled fenders and cubic designs of the brand's pre-war cars, the Magnette provided a modern, stylish way for families to conquer the roads of Britain.

This 1955 MG Magnette ZA is a right-hand-drive model built for the U.K market that was reportedly imported into the U.S. by the seller in 2024. Power is routed from the 1.5L B-series inline four-cylinder engine, fueled by a single carburetor and harnessed by a four-speed manual transmission. Underpinnings include hydraulic-assisted drum brakes on all four corners, mounted behind 15-inch steel wheels.

The car was repainted maroon under previous ownership, accented by red leather seats, which were reupholstered in 2025 by the seller. A wood-trimmed dashboard surrounds the right-hand-drive steering column, as well as an aftermarket Philips cassette stereo.

This 1955 MG Magnette ZA is now offered with a British Motor Industry Heritage Certificate, service records, and a clean Oregon title in the seller's name.

Highlights

• U.K.-market RHD example

• British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate

• Imported to the U.S. in 2024

• Unmodified 1.5L B-Series engine

• Regularly serviced under current ownership

Factory Equipment

• 1.5L inline-four engine with single carburetor

• Four-speed manual transmission

• Right-hand-drive configuration

• Four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes

• Leather interior

• Woodgrain trim

Services

Highlights from the service receipts provided in the gallery include:

• February 2025: Heater core rebuilt

• March 2025: Seats reupholstered

• February 2026: Turn signal relay replaced

• March 2026: New alternator bearings installed

• May 2026: Carburetor tuned, spark plugs replaced, valve cover gaskets and bushings replaced

Known Imperfections

• The left rear fender is said to show signs of bubbling under the paint

• The radio and dash-mounted clock are inoperable

• The driver's side door needs to be re-aligned

• The heater fan is failing

• Wear and creasing in interior surfaces

• Various other cosmetic blemishes consistent with age and mileage

Ownership History

This 1955 MG Magnette was sold new in the UK, with a production date of late October 1955, and currently wears a registration plate that originated in Blackpool. It was finished from the factory in Steel Blue over a red leather interior. The seller purchased it in 2024 and imported the vehicle into the United States.

Included Items

• British Motor Industry Heritage Trust factory record certificate

Additional Information

• From the seller:

"This vehicle is very unique. It’s right-hand drive and all of the equipment has not been modified at all. It’s the original equipment that came out of the factory. Every time I drive down the street with this vehicle, people are waving at me and honking their horns."