MG never wasted a chassis: unsold K1 saloon bodies were later fitted with newer N-type engines and resold under yet another name, the MG KN Magnette.
Median 56 hp across 15 similar cars
Lead trim: K-Type KA 1087 six, triple SU (39 bhp at 5,500 rpm) · up to 48.5 hp
MG K-Type Magnette K1/K2K-TYPE · 1932–1934
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Nobody in Burbles has spotted a MG K-Type Magnette K1/K2 yet. See one on the street, point the app at it, and the first card is yours — with your @handle permanently credited on this page.
FactMG never wasted a chassis: unsold K1 saloon bodies were later fitted with newer N-type engines and resold under yet another name, the MG KN Magnette.
The MG K-type Magnette was built from October 1932 to 1934 (about 250 units) after its launch at the 1932 London Motor Show, replacing the F-type Magna but with a slightly smaller-capacity engine, hence the name Magnette. The chassis was similar to the Magna's but strengthened, with a track 6 inches wider at 48 inches, a patented divided track rod, and a wheelbase of either 94 or 108 inches. The engines were based on the Wolseley overhead-camshaft design of the 1930 Hornet, reworked with the stroke cut from 83 to 71 mm (1272 to 1087 cc) and a crossflow head: at first with triple SU carburettors giving 39 bhp at 5500 rpm (the KA), then, from early 1933, a version with improved valve timing and two carburettors at 41 bhp (the KB), and in late 1933 the KD of 1271 cc (returning to the 83 mm stroke) at 48.5 bhp; the racing KC engine, with a supercharger, is catalogued with the K3. Drive was to the rear wheels through a four-speed non-synchromesh gearbox or an ENV preselector, and all road cars could reach 75 mph. The K1 (1932–1934, 181 units, the long chassis) was first shown as a pillarless four-door saloon with the KA engine and preselector gearbox at £445 and joined by a tourer with the KB engine and manual gearbox (54 K1s had KA engines, 74 KB and 53 KD); surplus saloon bodies and chassis were later fitted with N-type engines as the KN Magnette. The K2 (1933–1934, 20 units) was the open two-seater on the short chassis, 16 with KB and 4 with KD engines.
Collectors Spotted in the MG K-Type Magnette Lineage
No member has published a public street spot of the MG K-Type Magnette yet — the First · Worldwide stamp is wide open.
Trims & Figures
3 published trims in the catalogue. A blank is a figure not recorded, not zero.
| Trim | Years | Engine | Power | Torque | 0–60 | Drive | Gearbox | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| K-Type KA 1087 six, triple SU (39 bhp at 5,500 rpm) | 1932–1934 | 1.1 L Inline-6 | 39 hp | — | — | RWD | — | — |
| K-Type KB 1087 six, two carburettors (41 bhp) | 1933–1934 | 1.1 L Inline-6 | 41 hp | — | — | RWD | — | — |
| K-Type KD 1271 six (48.5 bhp) | 1933–1934 | 1.3 L Inline-6 | 48.5 hp | — | — | RWD | — | — |
Owning one
We don’t estimate running costs for a car like this. What it costs depends on its condition, its specialist and how it is driven, and an average would mislead.
Owners’ builds
Nobody has claimed one yet.
Photographs
This K3 finished 4th overall at the 1934 24 Hours of Le Mans — and walked away with the Index of Performance award for its efficiency.
MG never wasted a chassis: unsold K1 saloon bodies were later fitted with newer N-type engines and resold under yet another name, the MG KN Magnette.
Rivals
Same body, same money, other badges — tap any card to flip.
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