Description
The MG NA Magnette Tourer was introduced in 1934 as part of MG’s larger and more refined Magnette series. Positioned above the small Midget range, the NA Magnette combined six-cylinder smoothness with traditional British open tourer styling, offering increased comfort and performance while retaining the marque’s sporting character.
The NA Magnette was powered by a 1271 cc inline six-cylinder engine with overhead camshaft design. Derived from Wolseley engineering but modified by MG for sporting use, the engine delivered smooth and flexible performance compared with the smaller four-cylinder units found in the Midget models. A four-speed manual gearbox transmitted power to the rear wheels, allowing for relaxed cruising as well as spirited driving.
The chassis was longer and wider than that of the earlier Midget series, providing improved stability and passenger space. It featured a ladder-frame construction with solid axles and semi-elliptic leaf springs. While conventional in layout, the chassis offered balanced handling and a more comfortable ride, reflecting the NA’s dual role as both a sporting and touring car.
The Tourer body style was a traditional open four-seat configuration. It featured flowing wings, an upright MG radiator grille and a neatly proportioned rear section. A folding fabric hood and detachable side screens provided weather protection when required. The longer wheelbase allowed for greater cabin space, making the NA Magnette Tourer more suitable for extended journeys than its smaller counterparts.
Inside, the cabin offered a more spacious and refined environment. Instrumentation was centrally mounted on the dashboard in typical MG fashion, and the driving position was upright yet engaging. The rear seating provided additional practicality, broadening the car’s appeal to buyers who wanted both sporting performance and touring capability.
The MG NA Magnette Tourer represented an important step in MG’s development during the mid-1930s. It demonstrated the company’s ability to produce larger and more sophisticated sports cars while maintaining its lightweight, performance-oriented philosophy.
Today, the MG NA Magnette Tourer is regarded as a classic example of pre-war British six-cylinder sports car design. Its combination of smooth engine performance, elegant open styling and practical four-seat layout makes it highly desirable among vintage car enthusiasts. As a historical model, it reflects MG’s successful expansion beyond small-capacity sports cars into the more refined touring segment of the interwar period.