Magnette70

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Written by Stephen Tickell

Magnette 70th Birthday celebration 19-21 May 2023

The Z Magnette was unveiled to the press by designer Gerald Palmer at Nuffield House London on 16 October 1953, just before the Motor Show. After working on the MG Y-Type, designer Gerald Palmer had moved to Jowett where he was responsible for the innovative Javelin, but was persuaded to return to Nuffield in 1949 with a brief to develop completely new post-war saloons for MG, Wolseley and Riley. Read more about this on our history pages

You are invited to a Register celebration to mark the 70th birthday of the Magnette. The weekend will be based at historic Milton Manor, an 18th century house near Abingdon in private ownership, with links to Captain George Eyston. We’ve chosen the weekend before the MG100 launch which will hopefully suit overseas Magnette enthusiasts wishing to take in both events.

Programme

Friday - registration and informal gathering for early arrivals at Milton Manor, with dinner at the Plum Pudding in Milton

Saturday - 10:00 - 16:00 in the grounds of Milton Manor:

• displays
• concours/pride of ownership
• gymhkana
• picnic lunch
• guided tours of the house

There will also be an opportunity to drive the 1950s factory test route which was used to check Magnettes coming off the production line

18:30 3-course dinner at the Plum Pudding, with guest speaker John Day (MGCC President) and guest of honour Celia Palmer

Sunday - 10:00 scenic run with a stop for coffee/snacks at Kimber House, then lunch at the Barley Mow, Clifton Hampden (used for MG advert photoshoots) and finally a visit to Nuffield Place, former home of Morris founder Lord Nuffield

Booking

Although we're not organizing accommodation for this event, the area has a wide range of hotels and B&B to offer - see list below. It would be advisable to book as soon as possible. We also hope to have a camping area at Milton Manor.

Please complete the Application Form and return it by post or email as soon as possible, together with payment. You're welcome to come for whichever parts of the programme you wish, with costs as below. Participants will also receive a complimentary souvenir programme, rally plate, T-shirt and windscreen sticker, with other regalia also available to buy 

• Saturday Milton Manor events including lunch, £35 for MGCC UK or affiliate members (£40 non-members)
• Saturday dinner £30
• Sunday scenic drive and coffee/snacks at Kimber House £10 (£15 non-members)

Suggested accomodation