MG
NE Magnette

Why it matters

The NE was MG's answer to the 1934 Tourist Trophy, whose rules banned superchargers. Only seven were built, and after their TT success three became the works trials team known as the Three Musketeers.

How rare is it?

Six separate kinds of rarity – never combined into one number.

Each kind of rarity is rated separately and never combined.

Photos

Exterior, interior and detail photos with their licences.

• MG NE Magnette (Wikimedia Commons search)
  Photo: Lars-Göran Lindgren Sweden · CC BY-SA 3.0
• MG NE Magnette (Wikimedia Commons search)
  Photo: neznámý (unknown) · Public domain

Production

Every figure says what it counts.

Independent counts (e.g. engine and colour) are never combined into a calculated figure. Surviving examples are never presented as original production.

History

Because the 1934 TT forbade superchargers, MG prepared a racing version of the N-type Magnette with an unsupercharged 1,271 cc six tuned with greater valve overlap and higher compression for more power at high revs. After the TT, three NEs were turned into a factory trials team, Athos, Porthos and Aramis. The TT-winning car kept its racing body at first, but all three were later re-bodied with P-type frames.

Technical specifications

Engine

Transmission & drivetrain

Chassis, body & dimensions

Performance

“Not yet verified” means no source has been checked for that value yet. Nothing is estimated to fill a gap.

Identification guide

How to tell an original from a replica or later conversion.

NE engines differ from the production N-type unit in valve timing (greater overlap) and compression, a scheme never used in production cars. The 1934 trials 'Musketeers' were re-bodied with P-type frames and should not be confused with the separate 1935/36 Musketeer trials specials.

Sources

Each number links to the exact facts it supports.

1. 1
   MG Car Club Triple-M Register – N-type profile Level A

   • 7 NE racing cars produced

   Accessed 2026-11-11
2. 2
   N-Type profile Level A Triple-M Register

   • 1934 TT regulations forbad superchargers
   • 6-cylinder, 57mm bore, 83mm stroke, 1271cc

   Accessed 2026-11-12