Vehicle Description
In 1934, MG introduced the N-Type, a new six-cylinder model that
would ultimately prove to be the final evolution of the storied
Midget, Magna, and Magnette series. Between 1929 and 1936, the
"Triple-M" cars established the tiny English marque as a
significant force in international motorsport. With backing from
Morris Cars founder Lord Nuffield, MG boss Cecil Kimber developed
his sports cars into world-class competitors in trials, rallying
and road racing. While the tiny four-cylinder engines proved robust
and reliable, it was the exotic and powerful overhead cam
inline-six that made the largest impact on MG's image. The new
N-Type would receive a refined version of the 1,271 c.c.
six-cylinder engine that also powered the legendary K3 Magnette
race cars to victory in the Mille Miglia, RAC Tourist Trophy, and
the Le Mans Index of Performance. In standard form with twin S.U.
Carburetors, the new N-Type engine saw a 25% increase in power over
previous models, thanks to the revised block and head. The most
significant change for the N-Type came in the form of a redesigned
chassis. The traditional ladder-type frame was ditched for a more
sophisticated outrigger-type chassis, with rubber body mountings to
improve passenger comfort. Handling was also refined via a wider
track and revised friction dampers. Performance was true to form
for MG, with 80 mile-per-hour capability in standard form and
lively, enjoyable handling. As with previous models, the N-Type was
offered with a choice of factory-built bodies. The most popular
choice was the handsome roadster, which MG offered in two-seat or
four-seat configuration. For 1935, the NA evolved into the NB. The
NB roadster was redesigned with a lower scuttle, forward-hinged
doors and refined, flowing lines with beautiful Art Deco-inspired
details. Also, the engine was updated with the new
"double-breather" block, and the four-speed gearbox was revised
with closer-spaced ratios and a friendlier clutch. Regular
production NBs were all normally-aspirated. However, customers
often chose to upgrade their cars with a Marshall Under-Bonnet
supercharger kit to create what many consider to be the ultimate
Pre-War MG road car. Unfortunately, just as the NB was hitting its
stride, Lord Nuffield's sale of MG to the parent company Morris
marked the end of Abingdon's OHC six-cylinder era, cutting
production of all N-Types to just 737 examples as the marque
changed focus to less expensive, production-based pushrod engines.
Chassis number NA0810 is one of just 98 two-seat NB Roadsters
produced. This beautiful NB comes to us from a collection of some
of the finest Triple-M MGs in the world, and this example is no
different from its stablemates. The current owner purchased this
car out of England from the late Peter Gregory, a highly respected
pre-war MG restorer, collector, and enthusiast. Mr. Gregory had
restored this particular car for the first time in the 1970s, at
the time verifying it as an original and genuine 2-seat NB
roadster. The car's current caretaker brought the car to the US in
early 2005 and promptly turned it over to Tom Metcalf of Safety
Fast Restoration in Mansfield, Ohio. In Tom's hands, this rare and
very special NB was meticulously restored from the ground up to
concours standards. Numerous photos and a stack of invoices
totaling nearly $200,000 document the extensive three-year project.
The result of those efforts is a genuinely spectacular motorcar
that has proven its mettle with class wins at the Amelia Island
Concours d'Elegance, Hilton Head Motoring Festival, Ault Park
Concours, and Meadowbrook between 2008 and 2010. The Brooklands
Gray over Abingdon Gray livery was a rare factory-offered color
scheme that looks particularly attractive against the dark red
leather cockpit. This handsome NB roadster presents in beautiful
condition, showing only light and careful use since the restoration
was completed. Paint quality and finishing are befitting of a
concours-winning car, while the body features correct fittings such
as King of the Road headlamps and spot lamp, correct Lucas
trafficators, and a folding windscreen backed by twin Brooklands
Aeroscreens. The cockpit is trimmed in period-correct dark red
leather, supplied by Triple-M specialist Mike Collingburn of
England. The leather is beautifully finished and shows only very
light signs of use on the seat bases. Carpet is correct red wool,
and the burled walnut dash is exquisite, fitted with a full array
of original instruments restored by British Jaeger specialist John
Marks of Vintage Restorations. Additionally, a full set of factory
correct weather equipment stows neatly in a pouch behind the seat.
Beneath the bonnet, MG's legendary "double breather" 1,271 c.c. OHC
inline-six has been thoroughly updated with an EN40 billet
crankshaft and billet connecting rods for durability. This car
wears a highly desirable, and period-correct Marshall IZ87
Under-Bonnet supercharger to provide a welcome boost in
performance. As expected, the engine is meticulously detailed with
factory correct finishes and fittings, down to the spare set of
period Lodge spark plugs. This fabulous and endearing MG NB is
undoubtedly one of the finest of its kind available. The additional
power from the Marshall blower combined with the chassis
refinements of the NB creates one of the most enjoyable and
tractable of all the Triple-M MGs. Its rarity and exquisite
presentation ensures its entry into a wide range of concours and
driving events worldwide. For additional details please view this
listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6176-1935-mg-nb-roadster/
