1934 MG N-Type Special (built to K3 specification)
Racing history took notice when three small British sports cars lined up against Italy’s best at the 1933 Mille Miglia. Two MG K3 Magnettes, driven by Tazio Nuvolari and Hugh Hamilton, went on to secure a remarkable 1-2 finish in the 1,100 cc class (the third entry retired from the race). The result confounded experts who had expected Italian domination on home soil.
MG built only 33 K3 Magnettes during 1933 and 1934, using a short-wheelbase chassis derived from the K2. The lightweight aluminum bodywork featured flowing lines typical of 1930s British racing cars, with exposed headlamps, wire wheels, and the distinctive slab-sided external fuel tank that became a hallmark of serious competition machinery.
The supercharged 1,087 cc overhead-cam inline-six produced up to about 120 horsepower, fed by a Powerplus supercharger and a single SU carburetor. Power was delivered through an ENV Wilson pre-selector gearbox (a clever but often misunderstood device).
The driver selected the next gear in advance using a small lever (mounted either centrally, on the steering column, or to the side of the cockpit depending on the installation). The actual change happened when the clutch pedal was half-depressed, eliminating the need for double-declutching on both upshifts and downshifts.
The system worked beautifully when used correctly, but it demanded finesse. A firm and precise left foot was important as a sloppy or hesitant pedal movement could cause a “phantom” change, sending the pedal snapping back with force and risking damage to the gearbox. These units also disliked being run cold and required careful assembly and maintenance, with repairs being notoriously expensive.
Despite these quirks, the gearbox gave the K3 a real edge in competition, allowing faster and more reliable shifts than the crash gearboxes of its rivals. Combined with its lightweight chassis and supercharged engine, the K3’s international successes (from the Mille Miglia to the Tourist Trophy) established MG in the top tier of prewar motorsport. Today, its extreme rarity and pedigree make surviving examples among the most valuable British racing cars of the era.
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