Built 1958

Magnettes from chassis 27637 to 37101 built

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  Chassis no. Description
37667
37667

KA A 43 37667

Restored 1980 by Carroll Davis for daughter Peggy; won NAMGAR Premier 1983; purchased 2014 Roger and Lib Riggles; purchased Dan and John Suter Apr 2016.

37100a
37100

KA CC 13 37100
This is proboably the youngest excisting Magnette, built during the week 18th-24th December 1958. It left the factory on 1st January 1959.
Last chassis no. build was 37101.

policea.32
37099

KA A 13 37099
Lancashire Police car black/maroon prop. scrapped
picture taken from M.G.'s on patrol by Andrea Green, photo: Laurence McNally

policea.31
37098

KA A 13 37098
Lancashire Police car black/maroon prop. scrapped
picture taken from M.G.'s on patrol by Andrea Green, photo: Laurence McNally

37093a
37093

KA FC 33 37093
Picture found somewhere on the web. If you recognize your car, please contact the webmaster.

37085a
37085

KA FC 13 37085
A nice ZB Varitone

37061a
37061

  KA BJ 13 37061
Owned by David Watson

37055
37055

 KA BJ 13 37055

One of the last Z Magnettes produced, acquired in 2019 by John Tudgay in Monmouth

37044a
37044

KA LD 13 37044
A late Varitone imported from England to Germany in 2000, where she had several owners. She's now staying in Northern Germany with Jens and Helga Evers in the outskirts of Hamburg. Jens is going to bring her back to her former glory.

37037a
37037

 

KA LD 13 37037
Blue Varitone first registered 2 Jan 1959, and still with original interior and period-accessory 'Ace Mercury' wheel trims. It was repainted in 2006, but has never required full restoration due to the care lavished by its second owner, Tony Sanger. He kept the car for 32 years until I bought it in 2003, after it appeared as the main photo subject in a Practical Classics article.  Stephen Tickell, Surrey UK

 

37017a
37017

 

KA TU 13 37017
Geof Hartland's ZBV YEL 411  fitted with brake servo and disc brakes. Has overcome heater problems by fitting a Rover 216 heater

 

37004
37004

KA AA 33 37004

Tomas Jaksch from Sweden owns this one.

37002a
37002

 

KA A 33 37002
This car was delievers to Sweden originally in black, repainted brown/beige by Björn-Eric Lindh in the early 7o's. It was his everyday car for many years, named "MariGold". This picture was taken in 1976!
Now owned by a man in Skane who will restore it and repaint it black.

 

36997a
36997

 

KA AA 43 36997
The previous owner inherited the car from his father-in-law  who was a professor of American Studies at the University of California in Santa Cruz and bought the car in 1962.
Now in the hands of Mark Hoyer, CA, USA

 

36970a
36970

KA JJ 13 36970
90% complete and running, but the restoration will presumably take some time.
Trevor Panter from Gloucestershire

36939a
36939

KA LL 43 36939
This much loved 1958 Red on Maroon Varitone is cared for and driven by Sue and Pockets Knipe of Camano Island, WA, USA.  Our Magnette was originally a monotone Varitone painted a pale blue-grey.  The previous owners include Mickey Harnett (SD) who restored her engine and electronics and G. W. Hardy (TX).  Sue & Pockets bought her in June 2009 and now enjoy taking her on the back roads of the Pacific Northwest.
Sue & Pockets Knipe

36918a
36918

KA TT 43 36918
This restoration project belongs to John Swyers from USA. He wrotes:
The current (original?) motor is rusting in the trunk.  I will put a different motor in it until I make some headway on the restoration.

36830
36830

KA AA 43 36830

Now owned by Frank Kennedy in Maryland (was previously in California for many years)

36820a
36820

KA AA 43 36820
Purchased in 6/02 after 21 years of non use, it now runs and drives. Hope to have total restoration complete by sometime in 2007.
Jim Barcley, Oregon, USA

36791
36791

KA BB 43 36791

Recently bought this car in Pennsylvania, originally registered in Washington State. Last on the road in 2002, suffered from poor storage since. Will bring it back to its original monotone grey. Fifth Magnette I have owned, including #23463 in this Gallery.
JIm Basque

36773
36773

KA L 33 36773

Original car found in Sweden. First registered in '58

36756a
36756

KA LL 43 36756
California Veritone last registered 1993. Lee Brannen was looking for an engine for his ZB when heI came accross this car.He restored it and it's now in the hands of Ray Andruk of Hanson MA U.S.A.
The car was shipped accross the US on an open 18 wheel truck and the driver said she got more attention than any other car he has ever shipped. Ray and his father are old MGB guys and this will be Ray's first 'family' MG.

36735a
36735

 

KA TT 43 36735
Ebay 1/2012: This one still has its original singular 'Island green' cellulose paint ..This is a 'project'..unused for many decades ..and will consequentlky need fiull restoration..The car is very sound and solid with the exception of the floors ..all of which are thin (and have some holes) due to beinmg left outside for decades with the carpets and jute underlay in place ..the trunk floor also needs some metal work ..The lower front fenders and doors like rest for car have original paint and are free of corrosion ..the chromework is bright and solid..the interior is original and in very poor condition..all the leather cracked and dry..no attempt has been made to start the car, but the engine turns freely  ..recorded mileage (under 100,000) believed original

 

36658a
36658

KA T 11 36658
I believe it was first registered Jan 59.  Original colour island green, original owner had it for 26 years, lived in Charlton, London. I'm using it as my daily driver at present and loving every mile. 
Mark Gray, Kent, UK

36622
36622

KA CC 33 36622

This car was first regitered in Sweden on 11.03.1959. Photo taken during Skandinaviskt MG Meeting in Lundsbrunn 1998. Ingrid and Anders Bäcklund with family.

36601a
36601

KA PC 13 36601
John Murphy's '58 Varitone 

36588a
36588

KA JJ 13 36588
For sale on ebay in June 2010

mg
36587

 KABB13 36587

Restored by Richard Willis in 2013, and now owned by David Wass in Yorkshire

 

36553
36553

 KABJ13/36553

Bought in 2018 by David in Suffolk, having been restored by the previous owner about 20 years earlier but used very little since then. Interestingly it appears to be a factory Varitone model, but with the small rear window 

36534a
36534

KA LL 43 36534
ebay 01/2008: all original, garage kept, not running, Motor disassembled

36517a
36517

KA TU 13 36517
Dutch  ZBV of John Kusters. A lovely example in green/green.

36447
36447

KA L 41 36447

Purchased thru Gateway Classic Cars, Ft. Lauderdale, FL in June, 2017
John Botts

36444
36444

KAA21 36444

Now owned by Brian Braithwaite in Australia

36439a
36439

KA T 11 36439
Paul Gray's future project.

36420
36420

KA A 11 36420

Now owned by Michael Pender-Cudlip, who had it fully restored at MG Mecca 2018-19 (it had been stored outside by a previous owner). The colour was changed from black to green, engine bored out to 1640cc and a, 5 speed gearbox installed
 
36374a
36374

KA __ 43 36374
Belonged to Jim Arps, Texas, now to John Shoemaker ,Pennsylvania, USA

36364
36364

KA BJ 33 36364
Your webmaster with his Varitone. I bought this car when we started as a family and the MGA was too small. Since then it's in daily use and we all enjoy driving in the airsmoothed style!

36349a
36349

KA BJ 13 36349
This picture is from 1964 when I acquired the car. 100,000 miles and 40 years storage later I still own her and start to restore now.
John Clark

36278a
36278

KA J 21 36278
The last ZB to be imported to Sri Lanka.  Dr.Vickum Senanayake is going to restore her to her former glory. 
Here are more pictures

36225a
36225

KA T 11 36225
Finished in rare and very attractive 'Island Green' this example retains its carefully refurbished original bottle green leather interior and dark green wheels. The interior wooden dash and headlining are also in good condition. According to the vendor, the car has been the subject of a sympathetic restoration by the last two owners, using new parts from world-renowned ZB specialists John and Lou Shorten. It is understood (but not warranted that) over £10,000 has been spent returning this car to it's prime - money well spent judging by it's crisp handling. The vendor also states that “a complete doors off, windows out re-spray, new screen rubbers and Waxoyling making this the ideal car for classic rallying - Nancy Mitchell was very successful in a ZB back in the 1950s – or continental touring.

36224
36224

KA T 11 36224

Imported from USA in 1997 Keeper Then a John Richardson then aMr. Derek Shaw. Supercharged Original colour was Island green. Build Date Nov./ Dec 1958 Unable to find any other history from USA

36219a
36219

KA T 11 36219
Seen on ebay in 11/2007

36145a
36145

KA __ 15 36145
First reg. 02.12.1958. Identification number says it was delievred "primed".

36082a
36082

Australia KA C 21 36082
Rod Smith's ZB

36079a
36079

 

KA C 11 36079
I have owned it since Sept 2000, and have completed a few cosmetic jobs - recarpeted, rechromed, resealed underneath, added correct headlamps, renewed boot lining, added brake servo, added flashing indicators with hazard warning, had leather repaired and recoloured. Now in very nice condition to original spec (it had been structurally and mechanically rebuilt and resprayed damask red in late 1990s by previous owner). It won 2nd prize Pride of Ownership at Norwich 2001.
Bob Hough, Dorset, England

 

36078a
36078

KA _ 11 36078
This is when I got it after spending the last 6years in a garage now under restoration
Christopher Sharpe, UK

35983a
35983

KA AA 33 35983
First registrated in Sweden March 10, 1959. Since then 8 Swedish owners. Imported to Denmark 2008.
Now in the hands of Rikke Nissen, Denmark

35976a
35976

KA PA 13 35976

35963a
35963

KA FC 13 35963
A Mystery! An ordinary ZB with Varitone chassis no. This is an old picture. Meanwhile the car needs a restoration which she will get in Cornwall.

35947a
35947

KA BJ 13 35947
John Weston-Smith sent me this picture from 1987 some time ago. He found the car in London, parked on the street. The owner had not used it for some time and the clutch was seized. They managed to free it though and it was a really nice driving car as he said. It's was fitted with wire wheels, MGB engine and Jaguar Mk2 rear lights. It was sold around 1989 to someone living on the south coast of England. Is it still around?

35934a
35934

KA BJ 13 35934
This Maggie was offered to Gobby of Cornwall to buy, but the car is too badly corroded to save and will ,he's sure, be broken for spares. Supplied by Mumfords garage in Plymouth ,Devon. Owned by Mr John Ashton who lives in Landrake, Cornwall. Spookey that it is supplied by the same dealer as my Wolseley 4/44 and is only a few cars from my 'unusual varitone' ! being either 35963 or 35863 ! Purchased in July 2005 by Mike Hearn. Now the  car is a real jem. What happened?

35929a
35929

KA BJ 13 35929
Imported from England to Portugal in March 2005 by Alberto Cruz, who restored her to a high standard and converted her to LHD.

35923a
35923

KA J 13 35923
Tony Brinsden

35906
35906

 

KA LL 43 35906
A picture of Phil White's 59 ZBV from Arizona that he acquired in California. The PO had an accident and had been unable to care for her (like many, I call her Maggie). I do all my own work (half the fun of being an owner) and there has been a lot of it. She's back on the road now and running nicely. Originally blue, then racing green -- her PO painted her the varitone grey. I also have a '62 MGA MKll that she shares time with. Magnettes are wonderful personable autos!

 

35895a
35895

KA UU 13 35895
Seen on ebay in 5/2009

35891a
35891

KA TA 13 35891
Island/Cedar Green Varitone owned and extensively restored by Lawrence & Val Miller from Plymouth.

35796a
35796

KA A 11 35796
A former black Magnette freshly restored in winter 2010. Herre visiting the youngest known Magnette and second last that left the factory.

35770a
35770

KA CC 33 35770
Single-coloured Varitone owend by Ingela and Ulf Edström from Gotenburg.

35644a
35644

  KA J 41 35644
Ebay 02/2008: Some history and clarification after talking with my sister-in-law. She bought it when she lived in Southern California from her boss in 1967. The engine is original and has been rebuilt when she had it (she remembered it was a 'valve job' but couldn't remember what else was done). Was reupholstered, restored and repainted close to 17 years ago and has been sitting in their garage til I bought it because the idiot painter "lost" alot of the chrome he took off. All receipts come with it including all the stuff she bought on her two trips to England to replace what had gone missing and receipts for stuff ordered from England. All the stuff was there and never put together. That's what I thought I would do but didn't get it finished. Now my house is on the market as of two weeks ago so that's why I decided to let it go…

35594a
35594

 

Australia KA T 21 35594
Davis Halidays'  ZB in Australia

 

img_6395
35576

 KAA21/35576

Now owned by Andrew Williams in Australia

35539a
35539

 

KA BB 43 35539
Yesterday  a nephew (Alex), my brother in law and I travelled to Chaparal, New Mexico (from Arizona - 500 mile round trip) and purchased one rough '59 (late 58) ZB and the last remaining parts from 2 other '57 and '58 ZB's. I haven't decided yet, but I may attempt to restore the complete car and I will make available parts that I don't need to other enthusiasts at affordable prices to keep everyone rolling. Paid $1,800 US for the whole mess from one Louis Wolf.  Phil White, Arizona

 

35535a
35535

 

KA BB 43 35535
Dispatch date: 10/21/58. Now painted OEW over Light Grey
Mike Jacobsen, USA

 

35522
35522

KA BJ 13 35522

 

35486a
35486

KA LA 13 35486
After years of admiring Magnettes I finally found the right one. A deal was struck and she was shipped from England to Oklahoma where she shares a garage with a ‘63 MGB. The Magnette is in excellent shape for its age and runs great. There is a restoration plan in the future, but for now my wife and I just enjoy traveling in style.
Lann Mauck, Oklahoma, USA

35479a
35479

  KA LD 13 35479
For sale in June 2004

35478a
35478

KA LD 13 35478
Illes Anthony's Varitone built in September 1958 now with 5-speed-gearbox

35476
35476
35474
35474

KA L D 13 35474

A University Motors Car. Shown when competing in the 1990 Monte Carlo Rally. Currently under restoration

35458a
35458

 

KA C 41 35458
This car was rescued from a barn (chicken coop) that was soon to be torn down in northeastern Georgia (USA). My previously registered KAL41/31929 may become a donor car for this one, since it appears it may be too far gone.
John Kreimer, Georgia, USA

 

35361a
35361

 

KA A 41 35361
I am the 5th owner of this car. This car was sold new in Seattle Washington by Rowland Motors. The Original Owner was Mr. D. Dyar of Seattle. I purchased this car on 23 Jan 2004 for $6500 U.S. from Mark Jones, Mark is partners with a Mr. Tom Mohle, who purchased the car from the original owner. All original tools, manuals and literature were supplied to me. I have all documentation going back to 1960, and can trace all owners including having met the Gentleman who sold the car new at Rowland Motors in Seattle in January of 1959. I had the car repainted at the restoration shop owned by the same gentleman who sold me the car – His partner, who does the mechanical side of the restorations, was the second owner and provided mechanical care for the car for the original owner, and her husband after she passed away. At one point during the painting process, four of the five owners of this car were together in the same room drinking wine and discussing her current state! She is now as she was then; 68 hp 1489cc, 4 speed (3 synchro) trans, trusty reliable drum brakes all ‘round and an absolute blast to motor in!
KAA4135361 is as original as our combined minds can achieve. Many thanks go to Lou Shorten and to Paul Barrow for bits, advice, encouragement and help. Along the journey, Gobby, the folks at NTG, Cecilia at Scarborough Faire, the folks who contribute to the bulletin boards and my dear friends at Autosport Seattle have all stepped in to play their part and contribute to the refurbishment – my gratitude to all! Steve Hanegan, Washington

 

35345a
35345

 

KA FC 13 35345
The car was registered to Air Vice Marshall Arthur Percy Ledger, who kept it until his death in 1969. I bought it in May 1969 from a family member who inherited the car but didn’t use it.  It was our only family transport for 5 years then failed its MoT in 1974 at which time we decided to buy another car and eventually restore the Magnette. Three houses and many cars later we took it to John Shorten in Norwich in April 2006 and brought it home almost exactly one year later. It has the original engine and the work done was very comprehensive, including the fitting of 2 ‘new’ right hand doors and front wing I had owned since 1970, still in factory primer with the tags attached. It was taken down to bare metal and re-sprayed in the original cellulose colours. I have new carpets and headlining, as well as new inner door panels still to fit – that will be part of this year’s work but my wife Sheila and I are looking forward to going to Silverstone and other events throughout the year even in its slightly unfinished state. I advise people that it has been a financial disaster, but only in simple money terms. In respect of an investment in my retirement, which starts in 5 weeks’ time, it will be worth every penny. I attach a photograph for you to see when we got it home last year, then at Sledmere in Yorkshire: Barrie Hope.

 

35298
35298

KA BJ 13 35298

Last used in the Notts area for many years before being passed to a gentleman in Northamptonshire and stored for a few years. I purchased the car in 2015 for a "project" with one floor/sill removed, but otherwise complete.
I am currently rebuilding PFY 433  hoping to return it  to a roadworthy condition.

 

katu13_35260
35260

  KA TU 13 35260
Colin Jones' Magnette

35237a
35237

KA J 11 35237
A blue ZB that was for sale in August 2002

35216
35216

KAB11 35216

Now owned by John Wren in Weybridge, Surrey

 

35140a
35140

KA FC 13 35140
This car belonged to Ray Cain after whom the Trophy for the best car at the continental Z-Day was named after his sudden death. After a dismantling and restoratian this car now belongs to a Porsche-enthusiast in southern Germany.

36069a
35069

KA PB 13 35069
Seen on ebay in 11/2005. Seems to be a very original car with only two previous owners.

35035a
35035

  KA L 41 35035

kat41_34972
34972

KA T 41 34972
For sale in 1/2014

34970a
34970

KA E 11 34970
Island Green ZB Green Leather interior. 45K miles (genuine) Bought new by my late grandfather (allegedly one of the last made ..?)and inherited by me. Fully operational- MOT every year. Rebuilt engine. Bodywork entirely rust free(inner & outer sills replaced/waxoyled).Front wings had some dinks removed and resprayed otherwise as original.Still had  yellow factory inspection mark (presumably)inside bonnet until recently. Very good chrome. Always attracts attention. Not used enough! Tim Grover

34892a
34892

KA BA 13 34892
Originally brown and cream varitone, now green varitone.
Peter Chowney

34865a
34865

KA BJ 13 34865
Bev Croft's Concours winner.

34839a
34839

 

KA TT 43 34839
Built in Oct. of '58 now belonging to John Park from Canada."The car was owned by s.o. in the US Air Force in the state of Washington. It was then sold to an air man in the RCAF in British Columbia. From there it made its way east to Nova Scotia where it was sold to a fellow in the Canadian Army. When he retired he brought it west to Ontario. He ran a restaurant and needed money for startup and I became the owner. I've finally finished all the mechanical restoration (in between putting 15000 miles over 13 years-did a bit at a time-although I had to redo the engine twice).I've put a 3.9 rear end in.  The car was originally all Island Green  and someone painted it its present colors of fine metallic maroon and metallic silver.

 

34784a
34784

  KA B 41 34784
1959 ZB Magnette acquired August, 2004. 74,000 miles, body is pristine perfect as the car apparently lived most of her life in Colorado
Steve Giannoni, Northport, NY,USA

34782a
34782

Germany KA L 11 34782
This RHD ZB was imported to the Netherlands where it was used for rallying. Now in the hands of Dietrich Krahn in Germany.

34739a
34739

KA A 41 34739
On December 2002, I bought a second car in San Diego California, this car was working on the roads of California, I brought her to La Paz for to take the parts for the 1956 (#12441), because this it's only have the legal imported to México. Now I want repair the two cars, and get the imported the 1959. It's a big project for my life.
Luis Benito, La Paz, Baja California Sur state, México

34686
34686

KA BJ 13 34686

Previously a UK car showing only 16000 miles, now owned by Hank & Cindy Mauel in the USA

 

34652a
34652

 

KA LL 43 34652
We found this wonderful little car upstate and brought it back to Mt. Pleasant, SC on the coast. The car sat for nine years before we rescued it. We had it running before we got it off the trailer. It has a new floor and is undergoing restoration but still has a long way to go. The rust damage was extensive.  All the original electrics work, even the clock. Wray and Susanne Lemke,Mt. Pleasant, SC

 

34591a
34591

 

KA J 11 34591
A very nice Dutch ZB owned by Jos Meyers.

 

34572
34572

KA B 41 34572

The car was painted over 12 years ago and less than one year the the paint fell off. It sat for over 10 years, so last year my wife said, " Strip the car and paint it again and get it back on the road." So last year I stripped it, primed it and had it painted again. I have been putting it back together this past summer and the engine is in the machine shop getting a redo. I have installed a Datsun 5 speed and painted it light green and dark green. James Jans

Prev.owner:
Installed a Nissan 5 speed, painted the bottom with a bed liner, new wire harness, new seat covers, carpet, headliner, two tone paint job- light green top, dark green bottom. Machined the '55 MG (ZA) on the intake manifold onto the "58 (ZB)intake then polished it.Hope to have it on the road late fall '04. Jim & Sharon Jans, Hood River, OR, USA

34535a
34535

 

KA A 13 34535
First registered 6th October 1958. Now fitted with a 1622 engine and belonging to Derek Pickering, Secretary, The Durham MG Club

 

34483
34483

 KA BA 13 34483
Original restored in 2004 by Geoffrey Elliott, this car is now owned by Robin Spalding in Surrey. It has an Oselli 1950cc engine, 5-speed gearbox, front disc brakes and many other modifications including MGB wire wheels (with wider tyres)

34482a
34482

 

KA BA 13 34482
Bought by Nigel and Bev Bartram Oct 2008 - bodywork in good order, restored electrics and dash but engine needs work.

 

34437a
34437

KA LL 43 34437
Seen on ebay in 4/2006

34426a
34426

KA LD 13 34426
I bought this car in mid 2005 at which time it had just had an MGB 1800 engine/rear axle/brake servo fitted. In 2006 I had a 5 speed Sierra gearbox fitted and in early 2007 had both rear wings and section beneath the boot completely replaced and resprayed including work to the rear spring hangers and inner offside wing.
Next on the list, when I get some money, is a disc brake conversion on the front and new springs all round. We use the car regularly and normally take it to France, with other MG's, on holiday each year.
Reg Boulton

34407a
34407

KA TU 13 34407
One Careful Owner from New. Joan Evans is one of our special members who is over eighty years old and therefore now qualifies for a free subscription to Enjoying MG. Joan has owned her MG Magnette ZB Varitone since it was bought new in 1958 by her father for her personal use and she has driven the car on an almost a daily basis ever since. The MG sports saloon is still in superb running order and always fires up at the first press of the starter button. The only modifications that have been made to the Magnette are the fitting of an electric windscreen washer and separate rear flashers, as the original rear indicator system was inadequate and hazardous. The Magnette is only on its fourth heavy duty battery from new and has covered 96,960 miles in total. The Magnette is very special to Joan and her husband Roy who says that the wherever they go the MG is much admired by young and old alike. 
From Enjoying MG, the magazine ofthe MGOC, Okt.2004

34330a
34330

 

KA A 11 34330
Picture found somewhere on the web. The car is now at Gaydon museum.

 

34254a
34254

KA BJ 13 34254
Owned by a bachelor

34208a
34208

KA TT 43 34208
Seen on ebay in September 2007 in Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts