MG Magnette ZB
| Produced: |
1956-1958, 18524 produced. |
|---|---|
| Types: |
Saloon,4 doors,4 seats |
The Magnette ZA had been well received at its launch in 1953 and had sold well in its short three year run, the improved ZB version of the Magnette had a hard act to follow when it first appeared in 1956. The new ZB had a slightly more powerful (64bhp) engine which raised the top-speed to nearly 90mph, a semi-automatic gearbox was also now available.
Main cosmetic differences were confined to improved interior trim (which was already good in the ZA), different bodyside chrome mouldings were also added. One important addition was the introduction of a derivative known as the Varitone, its main features being two-tone paint finish and a larger rear window.
The MG Magnette ZB was an instant success and sold well up until its replacement by the Mk III Farina version in 1959.
Buyers Guide MG Magnette ZA/ZB 1953-1958 featured in Practical Classics Spring 2003 – available from our sister site Bookbase. Click here to view.
| Capacity | Config | Model | Bore/Stroke | CR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1489cc | S4 OHV | BMC B-Series | 73.025mm x 89mm | 8.3 |
| Drivetrain | Steering | Front Suspension | Rear Suspension |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top Speed | 0-60 | SQM | MPG | Engine Pwr | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 87 mph | 18.5 s |
| ISBN | Title | Publisher | Buy this book |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1855203472 | MG Y-Type & Magnette ZA/ZB Limited Edition | Brooklands Books |
| Title | Pages | Options | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Article |
Buying Guide - 1953-58 Magnette ZA/ZB |
90 |
 |
|
| Publication | Classic Cars March 2010 | |||
| Buying Guide - 1953-58 Magnette ZA/ZB - MG's sporting Magnette ZA and ZB are two of the most usable and affordable Fifties British classic saloons - if you find the right example. | ||||
| Article |
MG Super test - an MG for all reasons |
40 |
|
|
| Publication | Classic Cars March 2009 | |||
| MG Super test - an MG for all reasons- Whatever your taste or budget there's an MG for you - so will you be driving a YA, TF, Magnette, Midget, MGB or MGA in 2009? | ||||
| Article |
Buyers Guide - MG Magnette ZA/ZB 1953-1958 |
132 |
|
|
| Publication | Practical Classics Spring 2003 | |||
|
Buyers Guide - MG Magnette ZA/ZB 1953-1958 - Fast, luxurious and a great handler, the Magnette has loads to offer. The trick, as ever, is finding a good one. |
||||
| Article |
Classic Cars August 2001 pg 122 |
122 |
|
|
| Publication | Classic Cars August 2001 | |||
| MG Magnette ZB. The last MG saloon to wear its badge with honour until the Rover 75-based ZT. | ||||
| Article |
Happy birthday faithful friend |
90 |
|
|
| Publication | Classic & Sports Car January 2012 | |||
| Happy birthday faithful friend - It's the car that introduced millions to sports car motoring, and in 2012 the MGB marks its half-century. Former owner Alastair Clements pays tribute. | ||||
| Article |
Buyer's Guide - Magnetic Attraction |
88 |
|
|
| Publication | Classic Car Mart May 2011 | |||
| Buyer's Guide - Magnetic Attraction - It may be a badge-engineered Wolseley under the skin but the Magnette offers surprisingly modern performance and a supremely practical way to enjoy MG ownership. Here's what you need to know before taking the plunge. | ||||
| Article |
Buying power - MG Magnette ZA/ZB |
28 |
|
|
| Publication | Classic Car Weekly 14 December 2006 | |||
| Buying power - MG Magnette ZA/ZB - They may have been the first badge-engineered BMC MGs, but in their day, the ZA/ZB Magnette sports saloon were highly regarded cars, offering those MG aficionados who preferred a little more sophistication and civilisation a lot for their money. RICHARD GUNN is your guide to buying one. | ||||
| Article |
Serenely Sporting - MG Magnette ZB v Singer Gazelle |
76 |
|
|
| Publication | Classics February 2005 | |||
| Serenely Sporting - MG Magnette ZB v Singer Gazelle - There were more to the great British sporting marques than roadsters. Mark Robinson takes two saloons for a spin. | ||||
| Article |
Classics January 2002 pg 100 |
100 |
|
|
| Publication | Classics January 2002 | |||
| MG Magnette ZA/ZB. Highly praised sporting saloons from the 1950s, but what are the ZA/ZB Magnettes like to maintain? Kim Henson takes a close look. | ||||
| Article |
Classic Car Weekly 26 September 2001 pg 8 |
8 |
|
|
| Publication | Classic Car Weekly 26 September 2001 | |||
| Buying Power. MG Magnette ZA/ZB. MG traditionalists may have disliked them, but ZA/ZB Magnette range has much to offer, says Richard Gunn. | ||||
