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Model Year: | 1933 |
The MG K-Type Magnette K3, introduced in 1933, represents a distinguished chapter in MG's history as a classic pre-war British sedan. This elegant vehicle is part of the K-Type series, known for combining sportiness with a comfortable four-door saloon layout. The K3 generation of the MG Magnette was crafted during an era that emphasized style, craftsmanship, and driver engagement. The sedan's design reflects the 1930s automotive aesthetic with graceful lines and balanced proportions, making it a beloved collector's piece today.
Although specific measurements for the 1933 MG K-Type Magnette K3 sedan are scarce due to its vintage status, typical dimensions for K-Type series vehicles are approximately 3.8 meters (around 150 inches) in length and about 1.4 meters (55 inches) in width. This sizing places it within the small to mid-size category by modern standards, providing a nimble and agile driving experience that has endeared the car to enthusiasts and classic car collectors alike.
The MG K3 was powered by an advanced inline six-cylinder engine, offering spirited performance for its time, often paired with lightweight construction that benefited handling dynamics. This balance of power, size, and styling reflects MG’s commitment to providing sporty yet practical sedans in the early 20th century.
Today, the MG K-Type Magnette K3 is celebrated for its historical significance and classic British automotive heritage. Its size and design make it a notable example when comparing pre-war vehicles, especially those in the sedan category. For enthusiasts interested in classic cars, the 1933 MG K3 sedan stands out as an elegant representation of vintage engineering and timeless style.
Discover the standout features that make the 1933 MG K3 a leader in its class
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The MG K-Type Magnette K3 sedan from 1933 typically features a length of approximately 3,900 mm (153.5 inches), a width of about 1,370 mm (53.9 inches), and a height close to 1,470 mm (57.9 inches). These dimensions reflect the compact and classic British sedan styling of the early 1930s, emphasizing a narrow and relatively tall body design that was typical for cars of that era. The small footprint allowed maneuverability on the narrower roads of the time.
The MG K-Type Magnette K3 sedan weighs approximately 860 kg (around 1,895 lbs). This lightweight construction was achieved through the use of a steel chassis combined with lightweight body materials typical of the 1930s. Compared to modern sedans that often weigh well over 1,200 kg (2,645 lbs) due to added safety features and technology, the K3 is quite light, contributing to its nimble handling and sprint capability in period racing trims.
The MG K-Type Magnette K3 has a wheelbase measuring approximately 2,438 mm (96 inches). This moderate wheelbase offers a balance between stability and agility, providing reasonable ride comfort while maintaining responsive handling characteristics appropriate for a sports-influenced sedan of the 1930s. The relatively short wheelbase compared to modern cars lends itself to sharper cornering but may lead to a somewhat firmer ride.
Yes, the MG K-Type Magnette K3 sedan fits comfortably into a standard modern garage. Most modern garage doors are around 2,400 mm (94.5 inches) wide and at least 2,100 mm (82.6 inches) tall. Given the K3’s compact dimensions of approximately 3,900 mm (length) by 1,370 mm (width) and 1,470 mm (height), the vehicle will easily fit with room to spare. Its smaller size compared to contemporary sedans makes it very manageable in modern parking and storage environments.
The MG K-Type Magnette K3 offers fairly typical interior dimensions for early 1930s sedans, though it prioritizes sporty styling and driver engagement over spaciousness. Seating was usually configured for four passengers with modest legroom by today's standards but comfortable for the era. The narrow cabin width reflects the overall slim body design, while the upright seating position contributes to a roomy feel for front occupants. Rear seat space is adequate though limited compared to larger contemporaries.
Compared to earlier MG models before the K3, such as the MG L-Type, the K3 retained a relatively similar compact footprint but introduced refinements in chassis and body design that slightly improved overall length and wheelbase for better stability. The K3’s dimensions reflect a focused approach on lightweight sports-sedan driving characteristics whereas predecessors might have been more conventional. It was also more aerodynamically styled, which subtly changed proportions without drastically increasing size.
The MG K-Type Magnette K3 is competitive in size among British sports sedans of the early 1930s. Similar cars like the Riley 12/4 or the Singer Nine share comparable lengths around 3,700-4,000 mm (146–157 inches) and widths near 1,300-1,450 mm (51–57 inches). The K3 stands out thanks to its slightly lighter weight and sportier chassis tuning, but in pure dimension terms, it occupies the typical small to mid-size sedan niche common for British manufacturers focusing on agility and style during that period.
The MG K-Type Magnette K3 sedan offers a modest trunk space consistent with 1930s sedan design priorities focused more on passenger seating and mechanical performance than cargo capacity. The trunk volume is limited, accommodating perhaps a few small suitcases or modest luggage loads equivalent to roughly 200-250 liters (7-9 cubic feet). This smaller bulk cargo area reflects the shorter rear body overhang and the nature of the K3 as a sport-oriented vehicle rather than a utilitarian transport.
With an exterior height of about 1,470 mm (57.9 inches), the MG K-Type Magnette K3 has a relatively tall stance by modern sports sedan standards, but typical for its era. This upright height supports comfortable headroom but slightly raises the center of gravity compared to lower sports cars. However, the car’s lightweight design and balanced chassis tuning compensate so it drove with lively agility. The relatively narrow width and compact dimensions enhanced cornering responsiveness despite a higher seating position.
The MG K-Type Magnette K3 utilized a ladder frame chassis typical of the period, paired with semi-elliptic leaf springs front and rear to handle the lightweight body and sporting ambitions. This suspension combo offered simple but effective ride quality and handling characteristics, balancing comfort with the responsive agility expected of a sports sedan from MG. The modest weight and compact shape of the K3 meant this traditional setup provided nimble cornering and confident road manners for early 1930s British motoring.