1935 MG Magnette K3 Replica
Registration no. To be advised
Chassis no. KN0328
Engine no. 567A150KN

"The K3 Magnette must rank in the history books as the most famous and successful of all the record breaking MGs. With only 33 examples produced during 1933 and 1934 this car alone gave an incredible boost to the marque and established MG firmly in the forefront of the world motor racing and record breaking league." - Richard Monk, The MG Collection.

The K series of Magnette sports cars was announced at the London Motor Show in 1932, the racing K3 being based on the short-wheelbase chassis of the two-seater K2 roadster. The Ks used an overhead-camshaft six-cylinder engine similar to that of the existing Magna series, but downsized to 1,087cc to gain entry into racing's 1,100cc Class G, success in which was considered vital by MG boss Cecil Kimber. For the K series, MG's long-stroke 'six' received a cross-flow cylinder head, and in the K3's case induction was by means of a Power Plus supercharger driven off the crankshaft nose and fed by a single SU carburettor. Power - up to 120bhp could be obtained depending on the state of tune - was transferred to the road wheels via an ENV Wilson pre-selector gearbox.

During the winter of 1932/33, two K3 prototypes were tested - one on the Monte Carlo Rally and the other in Italy in preparation for the forthcoming Mille Miglia. One of the toughest challenges in motor sport, the latter had been dominated by Italian makes and a home victory in the '33 event was considered a foregone conclusion. Un-fancied MG entered a team of three K3s driven by Early Howe/Hugh Hamilton, George Eyston/Count Lurani and Henry Birkin/Bernard Rubin, confounding the pundits with an astonishing 1, 2 finish in their class as well as the team prize. This magnificent victory vindicated Kimber's decision to build the K3, which remained at the very top of its class in international motor racing for the next few years and today is one of the most sought after of all MGs.
There have been many replicas of the K3 constructed over the years, the one offered here being by the respected expert in this highly specialised field, the late Peter Gregory, from whom it was purchased in April 1999 (sale receipt on file). Since completion the MG has not seen much use. The car is supercharged, of course, while other notable features include an ENV pre-selector gearbox, twin aero screens, dashboard-mounted Kigas, André shock absorbers, leather bonnet strap, and spare wheel to the driver's side. The interior is trimmed in black leather, while a Jaeger tachometer dominates the dashboard alongside the usual full complement of instruments. The car sits on four chromed wire wheels retained by knock off spinners. Twin fuel fillers are located on the rear deck.

Accompanying photocopy documentation includes an old buff logbook, some expired MoTs, and various receipts from Paul Kitcher Vintage & Historic Vehicle Restorations. The car is offered with a UK V5C Registration Certificate.

Like all the cars in the Bishop Collection, this stunning K3 replica has been maintained in an exemplary manner by an experienced historic vehicle engineer. Excellently presented in dark blue with black trim, it runs very well and could be a concours contender anywhere. The attention to detail is remarkable and has to be seen to be believed.