Page 24 - Sample pages "Kim: A Biography of M.G. Founder Cecil Kimber" by Jon Pressnell

THREE SISTERS – THE C-TYPE, D-TYPE AND F-TYPE
The 746cc C-type Montlhéry or MkII Midget, announced in March 1931 was a racing version of the M-type. To reduce capacity to under 750cc it had an engine with a shorter-throw crankshaft, this being counterbalanced. Optionally supercharged, the comprehensively revised power unit ultimately delivered 41.1bhp unblown and 52.5bhp blown, and was mated to a remote-change four-speed gearbox. Supposedly inspired by the frame of the
French-made Rally cyclecar, the chassis had an underslung rear and tubular crossmembers; an unusual feature was a more rigid arrangement for the rear shackles, using trunnions in which the spring leaves slid. The aluminium body was a unique design, and the first 14 cars had a cowled radiator. In all, 44 C-types were built, the last in mid-1932; the final cars had a crossflow head and were given the MkIII appellation.
An F-type Magna tourer: the body, shared with the D-type, is basically identical to that used on the front-wheel-drive Alvis 12/75. The new six-cylinder M.G. ‘opens up an entirely new field in fast sports cars with abundant touring comfort,’ The Morris Owner proclaimed. (Magna Press Library)
186
Chapter Eight: Sailing, Racing and a New Six-cylinder Car
© DALTON WATSON FINE B
© DALTON WATSON FINE BOOKS © DALTON WATSON FINE BOOKS DALTON WATSON FINE BOOKS TON WATSON FINE B