The MG F-Type Magna was produced by the MG Car company from October 1931 to 1932. It was also known as the 12/70. Looking for a car to fill the gap between the M-Type Midget and the 18/80, MG turned to another of the engines that had become available from William Morris's acquisition of Wolseley. This was the 1271 cc 6 cylinder version of the overhead camshaft engine used in the 1929 MG M type Midget and previously seen in the 1930 Wolseley Hornet. Fitted with twin SU carburettors it produced 37.2 bhp at 4100 rpm and was fitted with dummy side covers to disguise its origins. Drive was to the rear wheels through a four speed non-synchromesh gearbox of ENV manufacture. The chassis was a 10 inch longer version of the one from the D-Type with suspension by half elliptic springs and Hartford friction shock absorbers all round with rigid front and rear axles. Wire wheels with 4.00 x 19 tyres and centre lock fixing were used. The car had a wheelbase of 94 inches (2388 mm) and a track of 42 inches (1067 mm).
With its sloping radiator and long bonnet the F-Type is an attractive car capable of reaching 70 mph. Many of the cars were supplied in chassis form to outside coachbuilders such as Abbey, Jarvis, Stiles and Windover.
[] F
The original F was restricted by only having 8 inch (200 mm) brake drums which with its 4 seat bodies was not really adequate. The Foursome coupé cost £289.
[] F2
Introduced in late 1932 the F2 was the open 2 seater car in the range. It also got much needed enhanced braking by fitting larger 12 inch (300 mm) drums all round. The body with straight topped doors came from the J-Type Midget. Many F1 cars have subsequently been fitted with the larger F2 brakes.
[] F3
The F3 used the same brakes as the F2 but had the 4 seater tourer and Foursome Coupé bodies fitted.
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