Modified 1957 MG Magnette ZB Varitone Pt2

[@johnpowell5433]

Well-done, Peter, for saving the car and producing a driveable classic. Well-done you for keeping it so beautifully. Vic Derrington had a ZB Varitone that he raced in the in 50s and 60s. My father originally met Vic Derrington when he was racing at Brooklands and they remained friends and business colleagues after the war - dad's showroom in Kingston was called Derrington Cars. Derry's son Stuart and I were of similar age and we often went racing with our dads. Derry had a mobile office, shop, and workshop - an old coach - from which Stuart and I competed to sell accessories such as your door mirrors. Happy days! PS Stuart's still alive and kicking too!

[@AndrewCook-ve6zn]

Yes back on 1978 I dropped an MGB 1.8 engine in with the only modification of redrilling the original sump to fit 1800 it went exceptionally well, half helped by when I rebuilt the engine in error I increased the compression..which meant if I left the vehicle standing for two weeks I would have to take one spark plug out to start it .. I am very tempted to do another one now I am not working on shoe string as I was when I was in my early 20s 😮 don’t tell the wife 😉

[@argee36]

I am 83 years old and live near Chicago. I recently purchased a 1958 MG Magnette ZB. It has been modified with a later MGB engine and front disc brakes. The car has been lovingly restored and is a fun car to drive.. The only thing missing is that the car screams for a 5th gear above 45 mph.

[@waynemurphy4542]

Looks great. I'm torn between loving the original and what you and your late father in law have done. But, on balance, I'm really impressed with what you both have achieved. Thnx for sharing

[@davidstopforth9960]

What a joy to see! Tasteful restoration with superb modifications 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@hooligan1347]

Stunning that’s probably closer to what was originally pend if not then the designers would have approved it how could anyone not love it 😍

[@keithskelton2287]

Great looking Magnette Hope it drives as well as it looks ✌🏽

[@sw651]

Such a beautiful car, and now able to travel easier at highway speeds.

[@robertashton3234]

brilliant description of a beautiful car and in your words it sounds beautiful, so why can we not hear it.regards

[@geesesbee]

I though the Varitone was supposed to be in two colours? my brothers car was and the cars on the google images are in two colours. Very nice car all the same. It would haave been nice to hear it and go for a ride in it.

[@barryfeatherstone1616]

I'd have liked to hear it start up & running. .🙂 What bhp is it putting out now?

[@hooligan1347]

Ps more details and a good look at the anti roll-bar please

[@Dom_AoHE]

Chris, the guy who started the resto was my late father in law Peter Tothill, he was a one of the original suspension engineers on the car in period. The anti roll bar is a copy of the period Derrington kit.

[@600luke]

Very interesting. Thanks for posting

[@michaelrowbotham9855]

Your Magnette is stunning do you still own the car and if you do ever wish to sell it just let me know thanks Mike..

[@joshjeffery3464]

Hello - what power are you getting from this on this configuration please? I have a Magnette which is fitted with a 1800 MGB engine and modified exhaust. The power output is a little disappointing at present. Thanks