In 1931 MG was producing the M-Type also known as the Midget and the F-Type known as the Magna. Cecil Kimber was keen to fill the gap between the little Midget and the larger Magna with something having an engine of about 1 litre. This displacement would also make it perfect for international class G motor racing, a popular sport at the time. MG engineers took the Magna’s straight six and shortened its stroke from 83mm to 71mm yielding a capacity of 1087cc. To this was added a crossflow cylinder head and magneto ignition. The new model was dubbed Magnette (Little Magna) or K-Type.

1931 MG Magnette

Initially the road going K-Type was offered in two choices, the K1 with 9ft wheelbase and the K2 with 7ft 10in wheelbase. It wasn’t long however before race driver Earl Howe persuaded MG’s management to build a competition version, the K3. Built on the shorter chassis the K3 was equipped with a PowerPlus supercharger giving it more than 120hp. In 1933 the K3 won its class in the Mille Miglia and scored an outright victory in the RAC Tourist Trophy. The K3 was the first car to feature a pre-selector gearbox in competition. In addition, some of the later cars were constructed with only single-seat bodywork. Its greatest international success came in 1934 when it was positioned to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans before an accident put it back to fourth place.

MG Magnette K3

By the time MG officially pulled out of motor sports in 1935, thirty-three examples of the car had been built. The MG K3 Magnette continued to race well into the post war era establishing a reputation as one of the finest sports/racing machines of its time. Due to the small number of cars produced and its competition history, very few of the cars survive intact. One notable exception is Chassis #K3027, the car which almost won Le Mans in 1934. Perhaps the most famous example of its type, this car is on display at the Simeone Foundation Auto Museum in Philadelphia PA, U.S.A.

1934 MG K3 Magnette

1932 MG K3 Magnette Gallery II