The MG N-type, also known as the MG Magnette, was a six-cylinder sports car produced from October 1934 to 1936. It was developed from the K-type and L-type but used a new chassis that broke away from the simple ladder frames of earlier 1930s MGs.
MG N-type at a glance
| Maker | MG, Abingdon |
|---|---|
| Production | October 1934–1936 |
| Engine | 1,271 cc six-cylinder overhead camshaft, twin SU carburettors |
| Power | 56 bhp at 5,500 rpm |
| Gearbox | four-speed non-synchromesh |
| Chassis | new frame, wider at the rear, with outriggers |
| Wheelbase | 96 in (2,439 mm) |
| Track | 45 in (1,143 mm) |
| Suspension | semi-elliptic springs, rubber-mounted body |
| Bodies | open cars, Airline Coupé, coachbuilt specials |
History of the MG N-type
A new chassis
The N-type was developed from the K-type and L-type, but its chassis was new: wider at the rear than at the front, with the body mounted on outriggers off the main frame instead of the simple ladder layout of earlier 1930s MGs. Semi-elliptic springs, wider and longer than those used before, were fitted all round, and the body was mounted on rubber pads.
The engine was a further development of the 1,271 cc six-cylinder KD overhead-camshaft unit used in the K-type and originally in the 1930 Wolseley Hornet. Changes to the cylinder block and head, with twin SU carburettors, raised output to 56 bhp at 5,500 rpm, a near 25 per cent improvement. Drive went to the rear wheels through a four-speed non-synchromesh gearbox.
NA
The factory body was new and taller than on earlier cars, with rear-hinged doors and cut-away tops. The slab fuel tank at the rear of earlier models disappeared, hidden in the tail. Alongside solid colours, two-tone combinations were offered with the darker colour on the bonnet, scuttle, rear deck and wings. As well as the open cars, an Airline Coupé was listed, though few were sold, and some chassis went to outside coachbuilders including Allingham, which made a 2/4-seater whose rear seats could be closed off by a removable deck, and Abbey.
NB, ND and NE
The NB, announced in 1935, had an updated body with lower lines and vertical slats on the radiator grille. The doors were now front-hinged, better seats were fitted and the instruments were rearranged with separate dials for the speedometer and tachometer; the two-tone schemes were reversed, with the lighter colour on the upper surfaces. The Airline Coupé remained available. The ND was a special model using unsold MG K2 bodies on the N-type chassis, probably offered only in 1934 and never officially listed, so its production number is uncertain.
The NE was the competition variant, built for the 1934 Tourist Trophy race. It had lightweight two-seat bodies and a further-tuned engine giving 68 bhp at 6,500 rpm. In 1935 three of the cars were fitted with P-type style bodies and formed the Musketeer racing team, which with factory support gained considerable success in trials.
Design and features
- New frame: wider at the rear and built with outriggers for the body.
- KD six-cylinder engine: 1,271 cc and 56 bhp with twin SU carburettors.
- Rubber-mounted body: a rarity among 1930s sports cars.
- Two-tone paint: factory schemes with the darker colour on the upper surfaces.
MG N-type versions
- NA (1934–1935): the original open car with rear-hinged doors.
- NB (1935–1936): lower body, vertical grille slats and front-hinged doors.
- ND (1934): unsold K2 bodies on the N-type chassis, never officially listed.
- NE (1934): lightweight Tourist Trophy racer with 68 bhp.
- Musketeer team cars (1935): three NEs with P-type style bodies.
The N-type followed the K3 Magnette and shared its engine line with the P-type; more cars are in the MG collection.
Video: On the road with Michael & 1935 MG NA Supercharged
Video by hvraustralia on YouTube.
Sources
- MG N-type, English Wikipedia: chassis, engine, NA, NB, ND and NE versions
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