Product Description
- Paperback: 152 pages
- Publisher: Magna Press; Revised edition edition (15 Nov. 2004)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0954312112
- ISBN-13: 978-0954312114
- Product Dimensions: 15.6 x 0.8 x 23.4 cm
£15.00
This second edition of Gerald Palmer’s autobiography is published five years after his death in 1999 and Christopher Balfour, who collaborated with Gerald on the first edition, has taken the opportunity to review the impact this talented car designer had on the motor industry and to include some photographs that were not used in the first book
A biography for Mr. MG himself – John Thornley.
The ZB version of the MG Magnette superseded the MG ZA and was launched in 1956. It was more powerful than its predecessor and some bodywork modifications on some of the new models included a wider rear windscreen with a wrap-around curved effect round the edges. The ZB was only produced for two years and latterly, the two-tone variant became available with the bonnet, roof lid painted in a lighter shade than the darker bottom half of the body.
The MG ZA Magnette was designed by ex-Jowett Javelin designer Gerald Palmer. It made its debut in 1953 to an eager band of MG saloon enthusiasts. The new Magnette shared its Palmer designed bodyshell with the Wolseley 4/44 which appeared at the same time. The Magnette made good use of the BMC 1489cc, B-Series engine which gave this mid-sized family car good performance for its day. It had a graceful four door body style that looked almost Italian from some angles, it featured the traditional MG front grille which was raked to give it an aerodynamic shape to match the rest of the cars design. Inside the Magnette was well equipped and came complete with a semi-octaginal speedo as normally found in MG saloons.
A comprehensive following of 50 years of the history and character of the model from pre-production concepts and prototypes through modern day activities. This includes many stories of special cars and special people and the way the cars have been used (and abused) over the decades. At times the cars were near orphans with low value, so it is a wonder how so many MGAs have survived, and are still with us today. The book pays tribute to the unique character of this particular model and the reasons why people find them so endearing. It covers variants and modified cars, the motorsport efforts of works cars and privateers, a myriad of speed records and competition titles, and distribution of the cars around the world.