1933 MG K3 (Recreation) Roadster

Description

Launched at the 1932 London Motor Show, the MG K-type was produced from late 1932 to 1934. It replaced the F-Type Magna but with, at first, a slightly smaller capacity engine, and it took the name Magnette. Based on a Wolseley overhead camshaft design first used in the 1930 Hornet and subsequently in the MG F-Type, the K-type engine (known as the KA) was reduced from 1272cc to 1087cc, and a crossflow cylinder head fitted. Together with triple SU carburetors it produced 29kW at 5500 rpm. In early 1933 a modified version of the engine (KB) was announced that had improved valve timing and only two carburettors, but increased output to 31 kW, joined later the same year by the KD engine with larger 1271cc capacity with power up to 36 kW. Drive was to the rear wheels through either a four-speed non-synchromesh gearbox or ENV-made pre-selector type. The K-type’s chassis was like the Magna’s but strengthened, with increased track, and available in two lengths. Steering was via a divided track rod, it wore cable operated 13-inch drums made of Elektron (a light magnesium alloy), its suspension was by half-elliptic springs and Hartford friction shock absorbers all round, and it had rigid front and rear axles. The MG K3 was the racing variant and used the short chassis. Famously, it was powered by a supercharged version of the 1087cc KC engine (89kW at 6500rpm) which, at first, utilised a Powerplus supercharger, later replaced by a Marshall unit. These were prominently mounted in front of the radiator. Preselector gearboxes were used. The K3 attracted the great names of the racing world in period however its greatest success came in the 1934 Le Mans 24 Hours, when chassis # K3027 finished fourth overall and won the Index of Performance, driven by Roy Eccles and C.E.C. "Charlie" Martin. Only 33 MG K3s were produced by the factory though subsequently numerous replicas have been made, often from K1 and K2 models. The K3 raced well into the post-war period, and many of the original cars did not survive intact.