1963 MG MAGNETTE MKIV

WHY DID YOU WANT ONE?

Having already become obsessed with BMC Farinas I was left in deep regret after parting with my old Austin A60 Cambridge, registration 375 CCH, in a deal to get hold of a 1947 Rover 12. I had lusted after this MG Magnette, which was often parked outside its owner’s home and had in fact stalked the car on several occasions. Imagine my joy, then, when I was advised that BRE 272A was for sale at a local British Leyland dealer. Chequebook fluttering in the breeze I dashed over to the garage and found the car semihidden, rather than, as you might expect, being given pride of place under flashing lights in the showroom.

WHY DO YOU HAVE FOND SUMMER MEMORIES OF IT?

This car defined summer 1983 for me. Balmy evenings with the windows down and BMC Farina engine notes wafting in. The 1983 Cambridge-oxford Owners’ Club event at the Tramway Museum in Crich, Derbyshire, was my firstever rally, too. I returned to Sussex where the Magnette had to put up with on-street parking. I initially kept it as a pet alongside my Sussex Express and County Herald company Austin Metro, VWV 935Y though the ‘I love my MG’ sticker mysteriously disappeared from the MG during a marque rally at Newhaven Fort. The car never missed a beat, but with its body in need of work, it was about time to pass BRE 272A on. I sold it via a local classified (remember those?) and never heard of it again.

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP TIPS FOR BUYING ONE?

BMC Farinas are sturdy and reliable cars, tending to show most of their rust, of which there can be plenty. Look at the front wings around the headlamps, the inner and outer sills and the area where these meet the rear wheel arches. Also check the outriggers under the front footwells and the crossmember behind the front valance. Watch out also for worn steering boxes, a lack of synchromesh on second gear (first never had it) along with tired front dampers and rear springs. A pronounced rattle on start-up can mean engine wear, though you should expect some tappet noise even from a healthy engine.

WHAT I PAID £250 IN 1982 PRICE NOW £25004000