The DFW Car & Toy Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, has unveiled a 1933 MG K1/K3 Magnette Expanded Conversion, now part of The Ron Sturgeon Collection. This pre-war British sports car, finished in British Racing Green, combines historical significance with high-performance engineering, offering a tangible link to MG's racing heritage.
Originally built as a K1 pillarless saloon, chassis K0359 left MG's Abingdon factory on December 7, 1933. Decades later, it was meticulously converted to K3 specification by renowned UK MG specialist Blanton Jones. The conversion included shortening the chassis to the correct 7'10 3/16" wheelbase, adding Andre Hartford duplex friction dampers, 19-inch Rudge Whitworth knock-off wire wheels, Blockley tires, Rotax headlamps, and Brooklands-style aero windscreens. Under the hood, the car features a supercharged straight-six engine fed by a single SU carburetor, with a six-branch exhaust manifold delivering a distinctive vintage soundtrack.
Inside, the two-seat cabin is equipped with a Bluemels Brooklands sprung steering wheel, a full complement of gauges, and a striking six-inch Jaeger tachometer. The car uses an ENV 75 four-speed Wilson pre-selector transmission, providing an engaging driving experience that recalls the golden age of motorsport. The K-series Magnette, launched in 1932, was a significant evolution for MG with its 1,086cc inline-six engine and advanced crossflow cylinder head. The supercharged K3 secured MG's place in racing history with a stunning 1-2 class finish at the 1933 Mille Miglia.
"This K1/K3 Magnette is an extraordinary fusion of racing heritage, engineering craftsmanship, and pure driving exhilaration," said Ron Sturgeon, owner of the DFW Car & Toy Museum. "It's the kind of car that belongs in a concours, on the racetrack, and now—on display here in Fort Worth." Raced extensively in Europe and now immaculately restored, this MG Magnette offers enthusiasts a chance to experience the spirit of the Mille Miglia without the seven-figure price tag of a factory K3.
The DFW Car & Toy Museum, founded by Ron Sturgeon, is located at 2550 McMillan Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76137. The museum offers free admission and parking, and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. For more information, visit the museum's website at dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.
