The MG K-type Magnette was a series of sports cars produced by the British marque between October 1932 and 1934, in approximately 250 units, distributed across three series.
The K-type succeeded the F-type Magna, and due to its smaller engine displacement, it earned the nickname "Magnette." It used the Magna’s chassis as a base, though reinforced and extended, offering two different wheelbase lengths. The steering system was completely redesigned, incorporating split tie rods to reduce kickback through the steering wheel. Braking was handled by 330 mm drums on all four wheels, made from Elektron magnesium alloy. Suspension consisted of rigid axles at both the front and rear, with semi-elliptic springs and Hartford friction dampers.
Mechanically, the overhead camshaft engines were developed by Wolseley. These were inline six-cylinder units, with a displacement of 1.1L, a crossflow cylinder head, and three SU carburetors, producing 39 horsepower at 5,500 rpm in the configuration known as the KA. In 1933, a revised engine with improved valve timing and two carburetors produced 41 hp and was designated KB. A competition-specific version, the KC, included a supercharger and output increased dramatically to 120 hp at 6,500 rpm. There was also a KD engine version, with 1.3L displacement and 49 hp output. Power was delivered to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual gearbox, either non-synchromesh or with ENV pre-selector transmission.
The MG K3 was the competition version of the model, built on the short chassis and powered by the KC engine. Initially equipped with a Powerplus supercharger, it was later replaced by a Marshall unit, both mounted at the front beneath the radiator. In total, only 33 MG K3 Magnettes were produced.
The example featured in this article is one of the three cars that competed in the 1934 Mille Miglia as part of the official works team. It is considered the most original survivor, retaining all of its original components, including the Marshall supercharger. With chassis number K3016, this K3 was driven by E.R. “Eddie” Hall, accompanied by his wife Joan, who acted as his mechanic.
These three cars had specific differences, such as a lower exhaust system, reinforced fuel lines, and a fog light. Remarkably, the chassis presented here preserves all these features in their original state. All three MG K3s were registered with sequential license plates beginning with JB3180, “JB” being the prefix used for MG cars entered by the official team.
In 1935, the car was sold to Australia, where it remained for six decades, competing in the Australian Grand Prix in 1937 and 1938.
It was recently auctioned by RM Sotheby’s on 1–2 November 2024 in London, selling for just over €600,000.
Source: https://www.jornaldosclassicos.com/2025/05/19/o-mg-k3-magnette-que-comp…
