In 1953, MG introduced the MG Magnette ZA, being the first monocoque model to bear the MG badge. It also was the first MG to use the Austin-developed B-series engine which went on into the MGA and MGB in various displacements, as well as other British Motor Corporation cars. The body of the Magnette borrowed heavily from the design of the Wolesley 4/44, which debuted the year earlier, but shared the drivetrain with the earlier MG TD. Built as a relatively high performance family car, the original ZA could reach speeds of just shy of 80 miles per hour. In 1956, the design was upgraded both mechanically and cosmetically and renamed the Magnette ZB, with a higher compression engine, larger carburettors, and exhaust manifold changes, allowing the car to produce 64 horsepower and reach a top speed of 86 miles per hour. Along with the mechanical upgrades, a ZB Varitone model was introduced, featuring different trim, a larger rear window, and the option of two tone paint. The Magnette ZB ceased production in 1958 after 18,524 were built, to be replaced by a much more modern looking Pininfarina designed MG Magnette Mark III in 1959 This MG Magnette was purchased through an online auction having spent most or all its life in California. The car had quite a bit of patina yet was usable and did run and drive reliably, however it was quickly apparent that the gearbox synchros were worn out as was the engine which was suffering from valve recession due to running on unleaded fuel for years. The original final drive gearing was 4.55:1 which gave it good, relatively sporty acceleration for a 4 door car from the 1950s, but required quite high RPMs to drive even at 55 miles per hour. Since the drivetrain was all coming out we decided to repaint and restore the car. This involved some rust repair in the floors, as well as a repaint in a two tone scheme replacing the original black over black, along with rechroming all the brightwork. The interior was returned to its original maroon from black, along with restoring the original wood and the entire engine bay was refinished and restored, Brakes were upgraded to front discs and the engine was replaced with a freshly rebuilt 5 main 1.8 liter MGB engine. This required modifications to fit the original oil pan to clear the front crossmember. The gearbox was replaced with a Ford T9 5 speed and the final drive ratio was changed to 4.10:1 greatly improving top speed drivability. The car now runs and drives much better on modern roads with modern traffic and happily achieves highway speeds, while appearing essentially unmodified.