1933 MG L-Type Magna
Sports Tourer, Chassis No. L0317
Ex-David Rider
(Triple M Club Register number 2471)
Ex-David Rider
(Triple M Club Register number 2471)
Vehicle Specifications
| Stock No.: | 461 |
| Year: | 1933 |
| Make: | MG |
| Model: | L-Type Manga |
| Type: | Sports Tourer |
| Steering: | Right-Hand-Drive |
| Chassis No.: | L0317 |
| Engine No.: | 576AL |
| Gear Box No.: | 1437/135 |
| Exterior Color: | “British Racing Green” |
| Interior Color: | Green |
| Registration: | AKL287 (Luton, UK) |
| Mileage: | 11,734 Miles |
Background
The MG L-type was produced by the MG Car company in both 1933 and 1934. This 2-door sports car used a smaller version of the 6-cylinder overhead camshaft, crossflow engine which now had a capacity of 1,086cc produced 41bhp at 5500rpm. The same engine had previously been fitted in both the 1930 Wolseley Hornet and the 1931 MG F-type Magna.
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.
Drive was to the rear wheels through a four-speed gearbox with a standard 5.375:1 final drive ratio. The chassis was a narrower version of that used in the K-type with suspension by half-elliptic springs all round with rigid front and rear axles.
The brakes, which were the same as in the J2, were cable-operated, with 12-inch (300 mm) drums all round. The body kept the sloping radiator seen on the F-Type, but the car now had sweeping wings, and the four-seater had cut-away doors.
The L1 version had a small rear seating area and the L2 was strictly a 2-seater. The coupé, or Continental Coupé as it was called, was available in some very striking two-tone colours but was a slow seller, and the 100 that were made were available for a long time after the rest of the range had sold out. As a rarity, it is now a highly desirable car. The bodies for the small saloon or salonette version was not made by MG, but bought in from Abbey.
The L-Type was a successful competition car, with victories in the 1933 Alpine Trial and Brooklands relay race amongst several other well know period events. When new, a L1 tourer cost £299 and a Continental Coupé £350.
Chassis L0317
This particular L-Type Magna was originally completed as a standard L1 Sports Tourer but soon modified by Carbodies of Holyhead Road Coventry to L2 Specifications. It was also fitted with a taller 5.28:1 final drive ratio instead of the standard 5.375:1 unit. It was then apparently raced extensively in trials, hill climbs and other UK events before and just after the war. The car seems to have a long and tightly-held history amongst those in the know… I made many inquires with the “experts” but few would provide anything but an overview stating that it was a well known racer with interesting continuos history dating from its first registry in Lutton UK in mid-1933 up to the present when the former UK owner David Rider sold it in 2005. The car then joined a prominent private museum collection in Japan where it participated regularly in a variety of tours and rallies prior to our purchase earlier this year.
One of the most interesting aspects of this machine is the overwhelming originality evident everywhere you look. The original numbered and coded key and corresponding ignition switch with matching number along with the original “hidden” tool set being just a few of the details that stand out. Even the original sales brochure still remains with the car some 83 years after it was built! The gauges, switches, lighting, panels etc… all are original and they all have all been very carefully preserved and conserved over the years.
I have had quite a few pre-war MGs over the years… I found most to be underwhelming… This was not the case with this Magna. It reminded me more of a pre-war Aston or Alfa 6c or 8c. This is a very solid machine with far more performance and torque than I was expecting and a gearbox, clutch and brake that seemed more like something from the 1960s than the 1930s. I spent about four hours with the car in and around our village and the surrounding sea-side areas of La Jolla… the car was a real head turner and I can see why they have such following… I can imagine it would be a ton of fun in a race or an organized tour or rally quite easily. Were it mine to keep, I would most certainly enter it in the Monterey Historic Races, Monaco, Pau, Angouleme and other such venues that would favor such an automotive treasure.
