MG Magnette Mk III specification
Produced: Cowley, 1959-61. 16,676 cars built.
General layout: Unit-construction, pressed-steel body-chassis structure in 4-seater, 4-door saloon car style. Front-mounted engine driving rear wheels.
Engine and transmission: BMC B-Series engine, 4-cylinder, ohv, in-line. 1,489cc, 73.02 x 88.9mm, 64bhp at 4,800rpm; 85lb ft at 3,300rpm; 4-speed gearbox, no synchromesh on 1st gear; centre-floor gear-change; live (beam) rear axle with hypoid-bevel final drive.
Chassis: Independent front suspension, coil springs and wishbones. Cam-and-lever steering. Rear suspension by half-elliptic leaf springs. Front and rear drum brakes; 5.90-14in tyres.
Dimensions: Wheelbase 8ft 3.25in; front track 4ft 0.87in; rear track 4ft 1.87in; length 14ft 10in; width 5ft 3.5in; height 4ft 11.75in. Unladen weight (approx) 2,507lb.
Distinguishing features from previous model: Entirely different car from earlier Magnette ZA/ZB model, bearing family resemblance to other related Farina models.
Typical performance: Maximum speed 84mph; 0-60mph 20.6sec; standing 1/4-mile 21.9sec; overall fuel consumption 27mpg.
Launch Price: £1,013
Derivatives: The Magnette Mk IV of 1961 was a further developed version of the Mk III. All other B-Series 'Farinas' were closely related, the Riley 4/Sixty Eight being mechanically identical.
Fate: Discontinued in 1961 in favour of the updated Magnette Mk IV model.
Trivia fact: MG Magnette MK3: Anthony Newley, actor and former husband of Joan Collins, had a two-tone green 1961 Mk3 Magnette registered 1961 MG.
Source: "The Cars of BMC" - Graham Robson (Motor Racing Publications, 1987)