Built 1958

Magnettes from chassis 27637 to 37101 built

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  Chassis no. Description
27638

Chassis # 27638: First car in 1958 (approximate)

27652a
27652

KA BJ 13 27652
First registered on 17 Jan 1958. Still in regular use by Greg Thornton, UK

27740a
27740

 

KA H 5 27740
Here is a picture of a 1958 ZB currently for sale on "Trademe" (Kiwi equivalent of e-bay). The car is located in Helensville, about one hour north of Auckland. It also carries a plate "MGM 511 Motor Assemblies Ltd., Durban South Africa" . The chassis no. declares this Magnette as a CKD (Completely Knocked Down) car. It looks as it was assembled in SA, then between 1958 and 1965 reimported to UK and then in 1965 imported to NZ from the UK. The car looks OK from a distance, but closer inspection reveals patches on the chassis and heaps of body filler in all the usual places.

 

27743
27743

KA H 5 27743

Another CKD car assambled in Durban South Africa. The Motor Assemblies No. is MGM 514.
Owner is Keith Burton

 

 

27770a
27770

KA L 13 27770
Very standard ZB car, still with trafficators and engine just round the clock for the first time. Major components still original, ususal body restorations over the years. In our ownership since 1989, used for the school run when bringing up the kids and now earning its keep on 12 car historic regularity rallys.
Graham Mayes, Kent

27790a
27790

KA LL 23 27790
In mid December 2012 a collection of five un-restored Magnettes, in the township of Bargo [about 100km South of Sydney], were in jeopardy of going to the metal recyclers. Not wishing so see these cars lost efforts were made to change the out come. Luckily,with quick foot work, things were averted and reference should be made to Brian Woolmer's 'Bargo' story as submitted to the MGCC Magnette Register WEB site.
Due to the generosity of those involved KALL 23/27790 came into my ownership. I had inspected this car, jammed in with others, under torchlight some time earlier and felt a serious attempt should be made to salvage this car and if possible restore it - although early negotiations, boldly initiated by Paul Vermont, had failed due to different expectations of the then owner [deceased estate] of the five Z types.
The attached picture shows KALL 23/27790 [at a rest stop not far from Gundagai] in transit back to Geelong. Basically its currently being assessed by: Cleaning up all the threads associated with mounting the panels correctly, Using the maintenance manuals reference and a plumb bob check for straightness; and Placing on a hoist to check extent of rust and any damage accrued over its life. At this stage: the plumb bob test indicated the body is straight; rust is significant [I dont believe terminal]; Damage to the body showed up with - tie bar {lower link to body - driver side} is bent with some localised under panel regression, plus the area under the passengers side A pillar has had an argument with something high profile [stump?] For Australia this car is a little unusual. It is a monotone ZBV and must have been originally destined for mainland Europe as the speed - o is calibrated in Kph. More assessment and checks need to be carried out as KALL should be saved.
from Loz Scott [13 Jan 2013]

27793a
27793

KA LL __ 27793
The first car on our website from Italy: a 1958 Varitone with upper and lower colour in black from new.
Mauro Annoni , Como, Italy

27847
27847

KA BA 13 27847
One of Trevor Jones' cars

27911
27911

KA B 43 27911
One of six Magnettes on a scrapyard in Arizona that were to be crushed at the end of July 2004

27929a.1
27929

KA B 23 27929
Jo Reed of Victoria, Australia owns this car.

27915
27915

KA H 5 27915

One of the CKD cars assambled in Durban, SA

27948
27948

KA L 43 27948

Michael Mitchell in California owns this car.

27958
27958

KA L  13 27958

A nice restored car witk sliding roof!

27973a
27973

KA LA 33 27973
I bougt the car in Sweden 12/04/05. Second owner have had it for 20 years. The MG was total restored from 1982-1984 and is in a very good condition.
Johann Emil Björnsson, Iceland

28028a
28028

KA BJ 43 28028
1800 engine with overdrive on 3rd and 4th gear and SLOTMAG wheels, painted in metallic blue.
Car is on Isle of Wight

28033
28033

KA BJ 13 28033

1st registered to Mrs P V Deakin, Eye,69 Suffolk

28067a
28067

KA T 13 28067
The ZB of Willy Roomz, Belgium, now in the Netherlands belonging to Marc van Beuningen

28106a
28106

KA T 43 28106
Seen on ebay in 12/2006

28126a
28126

KA L 43 28126
ebay 05/2005

28134
28134

KA J 13 28134
Seen on ebay in 04/2005: said to be complete but in need of restoration

Now in Koblenz and undergoing restoration.

28228a
28228

KA LA 13 28228

Condition seemed really quite good. Stored for many years.

28171a
28170

KA A 13 28171
5-brg MGB, 4-synch with o/drive, 3.9 diff, Front discs with servo

28177a
28177

New Zealand KA A 43 28177
I bought the car off an elderly gentleman of 82 yrs who had owned the car for 28 years. As far I understand the car had never been out of Auckland NZ all it's life and been used every day for 52 years. I bought it and drove home a distance of 552kms without a hitch, only ran out of fuel as fuel gage is not accurate. It's a very tired old car needing some TLC which I intend giving it.
Rachel Dean

28241
28241

KA BJ 13 28241

A nice shiny car in the then common colour of Birch grey/Twilight grey.

28249
28249

  KA BB 33 28249

Tomas Jaksch from Sweden owns this one.

28296
28296

KA T 13 28296

This car was probably the worst of the bunch with more bubbling rust apparent all round. Only suitable for spares in my view but again, some enthusiast might need to get away from his family and responsibilities and spend a lot of time in the garage. The underside and floor panels were in poor state where it would be easy to punch through, but I didn't want to inflict any other damage by doing so. Upholstery was poor and carpets were so wet they'd need to dry out before you could burn them! Two of the doors didn't close properly because the mechanisms were siezed up so everything will just get wetter with time.

28394a
28394

KA TE 13 28394
I am at last able to send you a picture of my car for the website gallery. I had chosen a bright sunny day in the summer, and drove off to a quiet country lane with an impressive country house as a background and took several pictures.  Unfortunately the digital camera had a fault (lines across the pictures) and the images from a mobile phone camera did not show enough detail.  So much for modern technology!  The camera is still not repaired, so I borrowed another to take today's picture...
I have been running the car since 1982 (long before computerised databases and websites).  After some work on the wings and doors, the car was repainted in the original two-tone green scheme in 1983 and is now about due for a repeat.  Over the years I have used the car for a variety of motoring events, family trips and driving to work some days (easy to spot in the car-park).  Apart from fitting seat belts, the car is original specification.
Jon Hall, Northants, UK

28400a
28400

KA EE 13 28400
Previously owned by Mark Beckley ( who back in the 80s ran the register ) who sadly passed away earlier this year. Car is rally prepared and completed in the Pirrelli Classic throughout the 90s. Has not run for about 3 years and is a bit tatty but should MOT with a bit of recommisioning. I have owned 3 Magnettes in the past the last one sold in 91.( Varitone APA 37A, I wonder if it still exists ) Good to be back in the fold! PS I used to own founder register member Eddy Edwards magnette FPC 563!

28428
28428

KA BJ 23 28428

Needs some work...

7919556
28508

 KAJ13 28508

Purchased in 2016 by Tony Alden

 

28463a
28463

 

KA C 23 28463
The car was purchased by the J&T Gunn family (which later became Gunns of pulp mill fame) all the family cars were painted in the company corporate colour as this car is. The car is still owned by this family.

 

28597a
28597

KA LL 13 28597
My newly restored 58 Varitone - at last. In wedding service, summer of 2008. All totally original - no modifications. All parts from The Shortens apart from steel wings from NTG in 1994.
Dan Docwra, Edinburgh

28600a
28600

KA BJ 13 28600
Was for sale on the internet in Dezmeber 2007: Much money invested but probably not concours condition.

28601
28601

KA BU 33 28601
Was for sale on the Inter-Classica in Maastricht, NL.

Now in Belgium in the hands of Pascal Deviane

Orig. reg. date was 05.06.1958 

28607a
28607

KA BJ 13 28607
I purchased my ZB Magnette in Falkirk, Scotland in 1998. It had been stored in a garage for many years and was rusting away. I completely stripped the car and bebuilt it over a period of 5 years. It has had 7 owners, one of whom sold the original Reg. No. RAM 855 If anyone has any knowledge of the history of this car I would be most interested.
Richard Sherman

28661a
28661

 

KA TA 23 28661
Loz Scott has commenced restoration using the best of two ZB bodies. Body has obvious rust, while rear had copious amounts of body filler that hid worse corrosion.

 

28668a
28668

KA LD 23 28668
Bought from a fellow member of the MG Owners Club WA. He had owned it for 10 years and traveled 15000 miles. It was restored in 1992 with all body, interior and mechanical work done. A 1622 MGA motor was put in then.
Andrew Leonhardt, Western Australia

28787a
28787

KA __ __28787
For auction at: Important Collectors' Motor Cars, Collectors' Motorcycles and Fine Automobilia, 3 Dec 2007 Olympia, London
The vendor advises us that this left-hand drive ZB Magnette has enjoyed single family ownership from new, being re-registered in the names of various family members at different times. Described as unrestored, the car is offered with Belgian registration papers.Sold for £3,200 plus Premium and tax

28690
28690

KA T 43 28690

Laid in a chicken coup for 40 years, 1800 3 main bearing, 3:9:1 differential
Phil Rossi

 

28878a
28878

KA LD 13 28878
Under restoration by Roland van den Eijnden, The Netherlands

28469a
28469

KA B 23 28469
Standard except for seat belts ,flashing ind. Restored early '80s present owner 15 years. Ken Dutch, Austalia

28909a
28909

KA BJ 13 28909
Built in March 1958 and now under restioration by Daniel Pope

policea.22
28992

KA A !3 28992
Police car black/maroon prop. scrapped
picture taken from M.G.'s on patrol by Andrea Green, photo: Laurence McNally

29150a
29150

29163
29163

KA L 13 29163

29266a
29266

KA C 43 29266
Original, but in poor condition. Near ready for paint. Mechanics are still a question mark.
Jeff Schlemmer, USA

29272a
29272

Ireland KA C 13 29272
Original 1500cc engine now fitted with overdrive gearbox from early MGB
Martin O'Brien.

29300a
29300

KA TA 23 29300
Bought in perth in 1996. Originally from Adelaide, South Australia. Bit by bit as finances allowed, bought allparts required. Stripped off paint but unfortunalety allowed surface rust to build up as I became busy with work.Will sell this car soon to other owner in our Magnette group.
Chris Gray, Perth, Western Australia

screenshot_20210326-144435_facebook_610f78cc8df4d
29308

KA B 23 29308
Now owned by Helen Farquhar. The car was first registered  25.03.58 and toured over Europe before being shipped to Australia. Previous owner Rod Barrett restored her with a sporting feel, lowered suspension, minilite copy wheels, custom inlet and exhaust and a balanced and blueprinted engine.

29310a
29310

KA B 23 29310 
Bought second hand from the original owner May 1970 with 95,000 miles on the clock for $450 car (200 pounds). This ZB was my first car at age 18. I still have it and its now got 197,000 miles on it. Resprayed in BRG in 1984.Some bodywork redone -chrome, new leather seats, rust removed and engine overhauled. Won Concors 1985. Since then used for going to work, weddings and fun with the MG club in South Australia.
Original owner was Mr Crawford of Glenelg SA who bought it to travel from Adelaide to his sheep ranch near Broken Hill 400 miles north east of the city. When I bought it, it had about 2 bucket fulls of red dust through the head lining and seats etc. Thirty years ago I taught my wife, sister in law and my sister, my son and others how to drive in it and its still going. Kevin Dixon, South Australia

29321
29321

KA LD 13 29321
Previously owned by Ken Wood, who installed an 1800 engine, Ford type9 gearbox and front disc brakes. Bought in 2018 by Peter Thompson from Norfolk.  

29372a
29372

KA BJ 13 29372
This Varitone, known as "Yasmin", has been owned by Malcolm Eades since December 1972, so it's not so much car ownership as a deep personal relationship! Originally grey over grey, she was rebuilt in 1994 and resprayed beige over maroon. Originally used daily in the seventies, she now only comes out for pleasure trips. She gets around a bit so she has a 1622cc engine with a gearbox upgrade planned: she's been as far south as Umbria in Italy and as far north west as the Harz mountains in (East) Germany. She is also featured in Anders Clausager's MG Saloons as well as some magazine articles, one of them a very early Classic Cars feature, before she was restored, when she was used to show where all the rust comes through. Webmaster Günter's car was already restored then (by the late Bob Bonthrone) and was used in the same article to show how good the finished job looks.

29394a
29394

KA BJ 13 29394
My Uncle was the previous owner.
The car has been extensively renovated and is still on the road.George Hewson, Stafford, UK

29417
29417

KA J 13 29417

 Now owned by John Roker in Victoria, Australia

29424a
29424

KA J 43 29424
This is an early '58 ZB from Canada. The car has been restored very nicely but not to the original colour, plus a newly rebiult 1600cc engine. Wire wheels and white wall tyres give the special touch

29545a
29545

KA LA 43 29545
Purchased in Kelowna, BC by Alistair Bairos; uncertain re prior owners but believe carspent its entire life in
central British Columbia. Now on Hawaii

29618
29618

KA A 13

This car belonged to my grandfather for many years he was in the Motor trade all his life and when he gave up driving it was sold.
This picture is displayed in our Service Reception At Browne And Sons (Loddon) Ltd and i get asked by many of our customers if i know where it is now.

29659a
29659

KA H 5 29659
Car built in Durban South Africa in 1957 -imported to UK in 1962. Was laid up in early 1990`s and I have just recommissioned it having just got it an MOT
Terence Clark, East Sussex

29727a
29727

KA BB 13 29727
SOONISH............... to have a MGB 1800cm3 + Sierra 5 speed with discs brakes & 3.9 diff`. Just also bought some TR6 steel wheels!
Chris Hobden

29734a
29734

KA A 43 29734
David F. Darby's ZB at a recent family camping trip. Missouri,USA,

29778
29778

KA H 5 29778

 

29787a
29787

KA TU 13 29787
The photo shows the only RHD ZBV in North America that we can find in front of the Carnegie Music Hall in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvannia. The bride and groom wanted to arrive in her instead of the limo which followed with the bridal party.
The car is now in the hands of Randell Kegg, Maryland, USA

29790
29790

KA BJ __ 29790

 

29800a
29800

KA LL 33 29800
An old photograph from the Swedish register archiv.

image3
29847

KA BB 23 29847

You may think this is the wrong car in this gallery, but this car started as a Magnette and is "rebodied". Read the full story...

29848a
29848

KA BB 33 29848
A Swedish single-coloured Varitone owned by Gilbert Falkenstrom since the 1970s. After acquiring the car he painted it maroon but has now repainted in Birch grey. Fitted with 1622 engine, 3.9 diff and towbar

29850a
29850

Germany KA BB 43 29850
This was the first Magnette I have seen and now I own two. I am the third owner. The car has undergone 100 plus hours of rust repair and metal fabrication. The car is now at the paint shop. The engine was rebuilt by Rich Medcraft as well as the carbs. Tobias Robinson, Oregon, USA. The car was sold in 2011 to Carsten Bange in Germany.

29886a
29886

KA C 13 29886
This is my 1958 M.G. MAGNETTE with 42,000 miles from new. Original and unrestored. 
Henry Marcus Gort, County Galway, Ireland

policea.23
29931

KA A 13 29931
Hertfordshire Police car twilight grey/maroon prop. scrapped
picture taken from M.G.'s on patrol by Andrea Green, photo: Laurence McNally

30065
30065

KA AH 5 30065

South African ckd car assembled in Durban nowbelonging to Richard Smailes

30080a
30080

KA B 13 30080
Sold new by Bryants Garage, Stephenson St. Birmingham.Complete history file.Six previous owners,four from the same family.Engine rebuilt by Oselli . Owned since 1997 by  Brian Saunderson,UK, since 2010 Sheron Bewick. The car is still in superb condition with only 51,000 miles on the 'clock' from new.

30084a
30084

KA B 13 30084

30217a
30217

KA B 43 30217
This is a one owner car with just 79,000 original miles. Max Engel and his new bride picked the car up in Abingdon on their honeymoon in 1958. They toured the "continent" for 6 weeks then had the car shipped home to the U.S.A. I purchased the car from the original owner and her son in May 2013. I have been doing a restoration since then, trying to stay as original as possible. The car was re-painted in the original Birch grey before my purchase. I hope to be finished by early next year.
Rodger Shaver

30223a
30223

KA B 43 30223
The 1958 ZB is old english white. Former owner Klaron Grigsby, Ft. Lauderdale.  I also own a 1958 origional (unrestored) 55,000 mile MGA Roadster and have restored a 1964 pull handle MGB.  I am a member of the MG Classics of Jacksonville.
Drew DeCandis, Jacksonville, Florida 32259

30267
30267

KA J 13 30267

This vehicle was extensively rebuilt in 1991/2 cannabalising a ZA to do so. It has MGA front disc brakes, electronic ignition, negative earth conversion and vacuum brake booster. It is in excellent body and structural condition although engine, gearbox and rear axle are beginning to sound their age! It now belongs to Richard Jordan in West Sussex. The engine serial number is interesting: BP15N/1213; where in the Magnette scheme of things does the 'N' come in unless it is from a Manumatic equipped car?

30271
30271

KA J 13 30271

 First reg. 15/04/1958

30297a
30297

KA C 13 30297
This car belongs to Mr. Van Hecke, from Menen,South West-Flanders, on the border to France. The car has been converted to left hand drive, 

30409a
30409

KA J 43 30409
Ken Kittleson's ZB

30439
30439

KA A 1330439

30520a
30520

KA BB 13 30520
First registered 22.04.1958. 
MGB 1800 engine now fitted along with servo. 4 previous owners, last in Walsall, before that the car was in Bournmouth.
Now belonging to Paul Dorrington, Cornwall, UK

30574a
30574

KA T 23 30574
Seen on ebay in 06/2006: The car was first registered in Jersey on 16th January 1959. It came from England where its registration number was UGY 376

30622a
30622

KA J 23 30622
A rhd ZB in France.

30737
30737

KA BJ 13 30737

First registered 19/05/1958.Now in Scotland

30739a
30739

KA BJ 13 30739
Currently under restoration in Kent by Robert Hudd.

30791
30791

KA PA 13 30791

Previous Owners in Cambridge, Colchester, Cleveleys, Stafford, Newry,Wicklow and Dublin
Patrick Kiely

30821
30821

KA L 23 30821

30823a
30823

 

Unites States of America KA L 43 30823
I found this Maggi in a Minneapolis Auto Museum for sale. fortunately I have a niece lthat lives 15 minutes from the location She checked it out & gave it a Big +. I purchased it & it was delivered last Tuesday. I Love it.

 

30833a
30833

KA L 43 30833
Sadly looking Magnette. It  was" rescued" on a scrapyard several years ago just to denie as parts car for another Magnette of Keith Holdsworth in the USA

30862a
30862

KA A 13 30862
From 1966 to 1980 I owned KAA13 30862 but metal-rot overtook this car at a time when I could not afford to maintain it and I am ashamed to say I sold it as a stock car where I presume it met its demise.
Andy Dear,UK (he now owns 25173)

30879a
30879

KA A 11 30879

2 Previous owners, all original

30926a
30926

KA LL 33 30926
An old photograph from the Swedish register archiv.

30954a
30954

KA BJ 13 30954
John Harris' Varitone with 5 speed Sierra Gearbox

30968a
30968

KA B 13 30968
Seen on ebay in 06/2007

30977a
30977

KA BJ 13 30977
Cynthia Vivian's Varitone from Surrey.

30983a
30983

KA BA 13 30983
Picture found somewhere on the web. If you recognize your car, please contact the webmaster.

31005a
31005

KA FC 13 31005
ebay 01/2008: UNFINISHED RESTORATION DUE TO BEREAVEMENT. The restoration of this car was being completed to a 'usable' concourse standard and regardless of cost. The financial out lay to date is approimately £25,000, with 100’s of man-hours and four years work to get the car to this stage. Every part of it is either brand new or restored. The re-trimmed interior is of high quality soft leather with contrasting piping. New carpets. All wood has been re-veneered. Disc Brake converted. New wire wheels and tyres. The new engine has never been running. All suspension parts and bushes are new. The axle, 'A' arms castings have been painted - flatted - painted etc to remove manufature imperfections.  The body shell has been professionally restored. There is absolutely no body filler. All panel finishing has been done using lead. Just needs paining and re-assembly of the trims. Only a few weeks work left to do. All parts are complete to finish the restoration.

31016a
31016

Austria KA PA 33 31016
Was originally imported to the Swiss now in Austria
Jörg Wiefler

31017a
31017

KA PA 13 31017
Belongs David Hallyday from UK

31027

South Africa KA B 13 31027
I have just read your article on CKD Magnettes. Just wanted to let you know that I have one that was manufactured in 1958 and first registered on 30 August 1958 in South Africa. It was assembled at Motor Assemblies in Durban and bears the nameplate with number 741 on it.

31040a
31040

KA T 41 31040
Hank's ZB in Pennsylvania