More Than Magna

Mike Taylor samples an extremely rare, high-performance MG L2 Magna and talks to its owner and restorer, Dave Naylor.

- Mike Taylor

In 1922 the UK could boast an astonishing 183 motor manufacturers supported by a raft of coachbuilders and other specialists all vying for opportunities in a buoyant and widespread market. Within a few short years the UK’s automotive business was to be decimated, the disaster occasioned by a devastating financial slump. By 1929 ‘only’ 58 manufacturers survived, dominated by Morris and Austin who could claim some 60% of the country’s total car production.

Of the remaining specialist car makers MG was the most prolific. Within just a few short years of introducing their first Morris Garages Raworth-bodied two-seater, in 1923/4, and its larger brother, the 14/28, a year later, thanks largely to MG’s CEO, Cecil Kimber’s commitment, the model range was to mushroom, aided by the allure of their style and speed. Competition from the likes of Austin Healey, Jaguar, Lotus, Triumph and others was still many years hence.

A hugely successful race programme attracted considerable media attention and approval; in February 1931 MG EX120 was the first 750cc car to achieve 100mph at the Montlhéry race track some 30km (18.7miles) south of Paris. In 1932 UK overtook France to become Europe’s premier car producer, a position which it retained until 1955.

The first MG Magna 12hp was introduced in September 1931 and was known as the Light Six, so named because of its 1271cc six-cylinder engine, and was to be MG’s first foray into the six-cylinder sports car market. Based on the improved Wolseley Hornet engine, and fitted with twin carburettors, this single overhead camshaft unit produced a modest 37bhp giving an equally modest performance. Sadly, the gearbox design was no match for the engine.