Head back to the early 1930s, and this MG K3 Magnette would be one of the most desirable rides in sportscar racing. It’s the Earl Howe 1933 MG K3 Mille Miglia works team car, and it’s heading to the Auction block at the end of this month at RM Auctions’ Villa Erba sale.
MG’s supercharged six-cylinder racers were a dominant force in pre-war racing, with success in the 1,000-mile Mille Miglia, 1933 Coppa Acerbo Junior, 1933 Tourist Trophy, Brooklands 500 Mile Race (which Eddie Hall won by a not-inconsiderable 28 minutes) and a class win and fourth overall, MG’s best ever performance, in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
And the K3 Magnette was the ultimate example of these racers, generating 124 horsepower from its supercharged six-cylinder motor. This power was delivered via a Wilson pre-selector box, which could handle more power and faster shifts while simultaneously being easier to work on and slower to wear. It allowed the driver to select a ratio in advance, with the change itself only occurring when they pressed a gear select pedal.
This car has an extensive, illustrious and well-documented pre-war racing history, with great providence as a works machine driven by Earl Howe.
It was restored in the late ’90s and is in stunning condition. Since its restoration it’s been successful at historic events such as the Goodwood Revival, Monaco Historique Grand Prix and the Le Mans Classic, and it was part of the 75th anniversary of the K3 at MG’s Silverstone International Meeting in 2008.
It’ll head to auction on the 25th of May at RM Auctions’ Villa Erba sale, where it is expected to fetch between €580, 000 and €700, 000. Head to RM Auctions’ page here for more info.
Photos by Tom Wood thanks to RM Auctions
Via RM Auctions
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