DFW Car & Toy Museum Acquires Historic 1933 MG K1/K3 Magnette Conversion

The DFW Car & Toy Museum has unveiled a significant addition to The Ron Sturgeon Collection: a 1933 MG K1/K3 Magnette Expanded Conversion that represents a crucial piece of British motorsport history. This acquisition matters because it preserves and makes accessible a vehicle that embodies the engineering excellence and racing success that established MG as a serious competitor in international motorsports during the pre-war era.

Originally launched in 1932, the MG K-series Magnette marked an important evolution for the British marque, featuring a 1,086cc inline-six engine with an advanced crossflow cylinder head that delivered unprecedented power and refinement for MG vehicles. However, it was the supercharged K3 racing variant that secured MG's place in racing history with a remarkable 1-2 class finish at the 1933 Mille Miglia, demonstrating British engineering capability on the world stage against established European competitors.

The specific vehicle acquired by the museum, chassis K0359, began its life as a K1 pillarless saloon when it left MG's Abingdon factory on December 7, 1933. Decades later, the car underwent a comprehensive conversion to K3 specification by renowned UK MG specialist Blanton Jones, transforming it into what owner Ron Sturgeon describes as "an extraordinary fusion of racing heritage, engineering craftsmanship, and pure driving exhilaration."

The conversion process involved meticulous attention to historical accuracy, including shortening the chassis to the correct 7'10 3/16" wheelbase and adding period-correct components such as Andre Hartford duplex friction dampers, 19-inch Rudge Whitworth knock-off wire wheels, Blockley tires, Rotax headlamps, and Brooklands-style aero windscreens. The vehicle's signature supercharged straight-six engine, fed by a single SU carburetor and featuring a six-branch exhaust manifold, delivers the authentic throaty soundtrack of vintage performance that characterized MG's racing successes.

Inside the two-seat cabin, enthusiasts will find a Bluemels Brooklands sprung steering wheel, comprehensive instrumentation, and a prominent six-inch Jaeger tachometer. The car is equipped with an ENV 75 four-speed Wilson pre-selector transmission, providing the unique driving experience that defined the golden age of motorsport. This vehicle's importance extends beyond its mechanical specifications—it represents an opportunity for modern enthusiasts to experience the spirit of legendary races like the Mille Miglia without the seven-figure price tag typically associated with factory K3 models.

The museum's acquisition of this historically significant vehicle underscores the growing importance of preserving and displaying converted and tribute cars that maintain the spirit and engineering of rare racing models that might otherwise be inaccessible to the public. For automotive historians and enthusiasts, vehicles like this K1/K3 Magnette conversion provide tangible connections to racing heritage while demonstrating the ongoing craftsmanship involved in maintaining and converting historic automobiles. The museum's website at https://dfwcarandtoymuseum.com provides additional information about their collection and visiting hours.