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The MG National Meeting was hosted by the
MG CAR CLUB OF VICTORIA (click left for club website) in the Yarra Valley approximately 40 kms from the Melbourne CBD. For full results and additional photos click the above link.
The event was professionally run, went like clockwork and was a great chance to catch up with fellow enthusiasts from all over Australia and international visitors from the United Kingdom and the United States.
MG NA MAGNETTE (NA0303) (click on left for Model Details) - supercharged six cylinder 1271cc, single overhead cam.
This car would be one of the best if not the best prewar MG I have ever travelled in, smooth, powerful and fast. A delight to ride in and a stiff competitor at the hill climb and motorkhana.
MG NA Magnette (NA0281)
NA0281 was imported from Abingdon in chassis form and bodied for its original owner Fred Gluth by Chas Aspinall. It was raced and rallied in the 30’s by Dr Manser and finished 10th in the AGP at Lobethal in 1939. (From Australian Prewar MG Website)
NA Four Seater (NA0279)
MG NB Special (NA0860) - supercharged six cylinder 1271cc, single overhead cam, preselector gearbox.
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| Two Magnettes |
MG K3 (K3030) (click on left for K3 Details) - supercharged six cylinder 1087cc, single overhead cam, preselector gearbox. One of 33 K3 racing cars made.
Before being brought to Australia by John Snow, this car had been raced extensively in Europe by Thai (then known as Siam) Prince Bira. Its first Australian outing was at Victor Harbor in 1936, when Lord Walerin retired early. The car changed hands several times before the Second World War but competed in the 1939 and 1940 Australian Grand Prix’s. In the hands of John Barraclough it took the 1949 Australian Hill Climb Championship and broke the 1500cc record. (From Australian Prewar MG Website)
MG L1 MAGNA (L0532) (click on left for L Type Details) - six cylinder 1086cc, single overhead cam. Four seat tourers and Coupes.
MG PA (PA1294) (click on left for P Type Details) - Supercharged four cylinder 847cc, single overhead cam with ENV 75 preselector Gearbox. An absolutely delightful MG.
MG PA (PA1427) - Supercharged four cylinder 847cc, single overhead cam with ENV 75 preselector Gearbox. In 1936 PA1427 won the AGP at Victor Harbour in South Australia. (From Australian Prewar MG Website)
1934 MG PA (PA1244) (click left to see history of car on Prewar Register of Australia Website)
MG PB (PB0749) - Supercharged four cylinder 939cc, single overhead cam. A quick MG.
MG J3 (J3756) (click on left for J3 Type Details) - Supercharged four cylinder 746cc, single overhead cam. One of 22 built as "Saturday Racers".
This is an historic J3 which set three world records in December 1932 at Montlhery in France driven by G. Eyston, T. Wisdom and A. Denly. It completed in the Le Mans 24 hour race in June 1933 driven by Hendy and Parker and survived until the 20th hour. After coming to Australia in 1934 it was damaged during an Alpine Trial when former owner Derry George managed to finish upside down in the Tambo River. (From Australian Prewar MG Website)
MG J3 (J3762)
There are no known records of the cars early years in the UK. It was exported to Australia in 1934 and first registered in Victoria on 14 February 1935, almost exactly two years after it left the factory. The car was blue originally and seems to have stayed that colour until the late 30’s / early 40’s.
The original Australian owner is not known, but could have been Hope Bartlett (from NSW) or Bert Oliver (Vic). During these first few years it was probable that the car raced and entered numerous sporting events often as part of the Britannia Motors Team.
Based on some contemporary records and the recollections of some of the subsequent owners, the following are some of the cars early sporting activities.
4 Jun 1934 M Wreford (for Britannia Motors) LCCA Winter 100 (Philip Island)
Early Jun 34 Hope Bartlet purchases the J3 from Britannia Motors and takes it to NSW
14 Oct 34 NSW LCC Reliability Trial, Hope Bartlet
Nov/Dec 34 NSW LCC Championship meeting, Hope Bartlet. (From Australian Prewar MG Website)
MG J2 (J4283) (click on left for J2 Type Details) - Four cylinder 847cc, single overhead cam.
General Photos from the Meeting of Prewar MGs.
At Rob Roy Hillclimb
At The Motorkhana
General Photos
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| Prewar Winners of the Concours |
I may be a little confused over the magnettes or is it the Tassie Whiskey
