DFW Car & Toy Museum Acquires Rare 1933 MG K1/K3 Magnette Conversion

The DFW Car & Toy Museum has expanded The Ron Sturgeon Collection with the addition of a 1933 MG K1/K3 Magnette Expanded Conversion, representing a significant fusion of British automotive history and racing heritage. This British Racing Green vehicle serves as both historical artifact and tribute to MG's pre-war racing achievements, offering Texas automotive enthusiasts a tangible connection to motorsport history.

Originally launched in 1932, the MG K-series Magnette marked an important evolution for the British manufacturer, featuring a 1,086cc inline-six engine with advanced crossflow cylinder head technology that delivered enhanced power and refinement. The racing variant, the supercharged K3 with shorter wheelbase, achieved legendary status by securing a stunning 1-2 class finish at the 1933 Mille Miglia, cementing MG's reputation in international motorsport.

Chassis K0359 began its life as a K1 pillarless saloon when it left MG's Abingdon factory on December 7, 1933, finished in black with red interior and matching wheels. The transformation to K3 specification was executed by renowned UK MG specialist Blanton Jones, creating what museum owner Ron Sturgeon describes as an extraordinary fusion of racing heritage, engineering craftsmanship, and pure driving exhilaration.

The comprehensive conversion included shortening the chassis to the correct 7'10 3/16" wheelbase and adding period-correct components such as Andre Hartford duplex friction dampers, 19-inch Rudge Whitworth knock-off wire wheels, Blockley tires, Rotax headlamps, and Brooklands-style aero windscreens. The heart of the vehicle remains its signature supercharged straight-six engine, fed by a single SU carburetor and exhaling through a six-branch exhaust manifold that delivers the authentic throaty soundtrack of vintage performance.

Inside the two-seat cabin, drivers find a Bluemels Brooklands sprung steering wheel, a full complement of gauges, and a striking six-inch Jaeger tachometer. The vehicle features an ENV 75 four-speed Wilson pre-selector transmission, providing a unique driving experience that recalls the golden age of motorsport. Having been raced extensively in Europe and immaculately restored, this MG Magnette now offers enthusiasts the opportunity to experience the spirit of the Mille Miglia without the seven-figure price tag typically associated with factory K3 models.

The museum, now located at 2550 McMillan Parkway in Fort Worth, Texas, operates Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm and offers free parking and admission. Visitors can explore this and other automotive treasures at the 150,000-square-foot facility, which also provides climate-controlled car storage and event facilities. Additional information about the museum and its collections can be found at https://dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.

This acquisition represents significant cultural and economic value for Texas, positioning the state as a destination for automotive enthusiasts and historians. The museum's ability to secure such historically important vehicles enhances Texas' reputation in the collector car industry and provides educational opportunities for visitors interested in automotive engineering and racing history. The availability of this historically significant vehicle at an accessible price point democratizes access to automotive heritage that was previously available only to the wealthiest collectors.