1935 MG NB Magnette Airline Coupe

The estimate of $200,000–$250,000 was aggressive; the nearly $400,000 realized for this car is a high point for the marque

by Donald Osborne

After the introduction of the new P-type Midget early in 1934, the N-type 6-cylinder Magnette appeared, replacing the L-types and the K-types. Originally, these models were fitted with a 56 hp, 1,271-cc engine in a beefed-up chassis. The new 6-cylinder N-type was capable of a top speed of just over 80 mph, making it slightly faster than the smaller P-type, which could manage 75 mph.

The N-type, in addition to having a softer ride and being easier to drive than its predecessors, also had more spacious and comfortable passenger accommodations. It was offered as an open two- and four-seater model, as well as a graceful two-door hard top known as the Airline coupe. Only 745 N-types were built between 1934 and 1936, and of these, a very small number were fitted with Airline coupe bodywork. In 1934, a 6-cylinder N-type won the TT at the Ards circuit in Northern Ireland and competed in team trials starting in 1937.

In 1935, the MG N-series was upgraded...