1956 MG Magnette ZA Competition Saloon 'Bumble'
Registration no. 532 BPH
Chassis no. KAA13/18452

One of relatively few survivors of its type, the car offered here is also one of the most 
famous of competition MG Magnettes. Nicknamed 'Bumble', it was built as a competition car in 1970-71 and raced prolifically by past Chevron Cars owner, Roger Andreason, and his wife Judy throughout the formative years of the pre-'57 Classic Sports Car Club Series. After many seasons racing in that category, Andreason turned to historic rallying, obtaining FIA papers for the MG in 1990 and using 'Bumble' to great effect on several consecutive Classic Marathons before finally parting with it. The car then passed to Frenchman Patrice Wattine, joining his magnificent collection of mainly British historic competition cars. 'Bumble' remained in rally configuration until its repatriation to the UK in early 2012.

With 'Bumble' being a perfect candidate for the prestigious HRDC 'Touring Greats' Series, a detailed programme of sympathetic renovation commenced. The entire drive train was rebuilt and up-rated to HRDC Class 'B' regulations, allowing the use of the larger and more powerful MGB engine (race-tuned), a close-ratio competition gearbox and a locked rear axle with up-rated half-shafts. Disc brakes, a permitted safety feature, were fitted to the front axle, while a stiff front anti-roll bar and rear Panhard rod set-up were installed also.

All safety equipment was replaced to FlA standard. The interior was re-trimmed by Darryl Davis at Moto-Build Racing to comply with Goodwood regulations and the car repainted in the famous MG 'Cream Cracker' livery favoured by Andreason, complete with 'Bumble' sign-writing. Following a rigorous testing programme, overseen by ex-British F1 series champion Rupert Keegan, and a number of HRDC races under its belt, the revitalised 'Bumble' was finally ready for its ultimate test, the 
crowd-favourite St Mary's Trophy at Goodwood's fabulous Revival meeting, romping home 11th overall in the two-part race, a result that ensured an invitation to future Revival meetings.

In 2014, Bumble was once again invited to run at the Goodwood Revival, this time recording a creditable result of 16th overall despite the handicap of a down-on-power engine. In readiness for the 2015 HRDC season, the car has been fully overhauled by CS Racing in Bosham. A freshly engineered race engine by Classic & Modern Engine Services of Bracknell has been installed together with a new balanced clutch assembly. Custom-built telescopic shock absorbers have been fitted under the supervision of Chris Snowdon at CS Racing, and the car has been rolling-road tested to ensure that it is ready to race.

'Bumble' is UK registered and MoT'd, and comes with old-type FIA papers, FIVA Passbook and sundry restoration invoices. It is also registered for the 2015 HRDC 'Touring Greats' Series. As well as enjoying the added bonus of being road legal, this versatile competition car is also equipped with a Branz rally meter, thus affording the option of participation in historic road events. It is also well worth noting that MG ZA Magnettes have been accepted for the Mille Miglia retrospective.