Background
In 1930's Britain, the popularity of small six-cylinder cars was on the increase with the likes of the Wolseley Hornet Six. MG wanted to be part of this six-cylinder trend and in the early 1930's developed a highly advanced Overhead Camshaft 1086cc engine that went on to be used most famously in the K-type Magnette model. The jewel like engine benefitted from a 4 bearing crankshaft allowing for unprecedented Rpm's and the ability to withstand the pressures of Supercharging. In 1933, MG with its 1.1 six-cylinder now supercharged to deliver 120bhp at 6500rpm placed the unit into the short chassis 2 seater K3 racing variant. The cars went on to win many international races. This included, the 1933 RAC Tourist Trophy road race in the hands of no less than the iconic Grand Prix driver Tazio Nuvolari at an average speed of 78.65mph (These were not slow cars). And, most famously beating the Maserati team to victory over 1000miles in the 1100cc class of the 1933 Mille Miglia.
In 1934, the N-type Magnette was introduced with what would be the final development on the Triple-M solid axle chassis, introducing a lighter tapered design to improve rigidity and handling. The Six Cylinder Overhead Camshaft engine was enlarged in capacity to 1271cc, and the cylinder head developed to improve gasflow. The N-Magnette was first available in 'NA' form as both a 4 or 2-Seater Sports format.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, a racing model was developed. After the success of the K3 in 1933 RAC Tourist Trophy, supercharging was banned late in the day. The MG racing department, keen to emulate the 1933 success deemed the lighter and more powerful N-Magnette a better foundation for a naturally aspirated racing car than the K3 with the supercharger removed. So, essentially by very hastily replacing the Ash Framed road car body with a lightweight 'Pointed Tail' setup, simply increasing the compression ratio, larger Carbs and a Camshaft change the 'NE' racing model was born. The 'NE' Magnette cars didn't disappoint, and in place of the K3 won the RAC Tourist Trophy in 1934 with Bentley and Aston Martin completing the podium. Alongside many successes at Brooklands, N-Magnettes we're also developed into highly successful trials and rally cars in period.
During this fascinating time in MG's history, the Marque continued to develop its road cars with a view to going racing, and in turn developed the road examples from the extreme stress racing placed on the cars. It's worth noting we are talking here about a manufacture that, in order to go racing, squeezed 146bhp from the 750cc 4 cylinder P-type road engine in highly Supercharged racing models. Not far off an Eye Watering 200 Bhp per litre.
In 1935, after a Morris Company restructure, Lord Nuffield instructed the then Boss of MG Cecil Kimber to close the racing department Mid Season. Suffice to say. This heralded the end of the expensive, yet highly advanced OHC Triple-M 'Midget/Magna/Magnette' Models.
The lovely example we have here is a 2-seater 1934 MG NA, with a period specification Marshall 85 supercharger which makes it that extra bit special. It its current tune, we understand the power is pushing around the 100bhp mark.
