The 1932 MG M1 Magna Stiles Special Threesome is one of the rarest MGs. Alfa Romeo’s British concessionaire and racing team manager Frederick Stiles was responsible for the fabulous design, featuring a sleek stance with graceful curves that surround a hidden third “dickie” seat. Stiles collaborated with world-renowned coachbuilder James Young to create this automotive work of art. Of the 30 created by Stiles and Young, there are only five known survivors in the world that have the…
The 1932 MG M1 Magna Stiles Special Threesome is one of the rarest MGs. Alfa Romeo’s British concessionaire and racing team manager Frederick Stiles was responsible for the fabulous design, featuring a sleek stance with graceful curves that surround a hidden third “dickie” seat. Stiles collaborated with world-renowned coachbuilder James Young to create this automotive work of art. Of the 30 created by Stiles and Young, there are only five known survivors in the world that have the original body and chassis combination. This example is the only one of those five in North America. Given its historical documentation, authenticity and quality of restoration, this particular Stiles Special is considered by many to be the finest, most award winning, surviving example in the world.
Well-regarded English anesthetist Dr. Frankis Evans, as a birthday present for his wife, originally purchased this MG in May 1932. The current owner discovered the MG in a barn over 30 years ago. This vehicle triggered a passionate endeavor of extensive research, investigation and restoration. Its discovery is included in automotive historian Tom Cotter’s book “The Cobra In The Barn”. Since that time this vehicle’s complete history has been meticulously documented from the original owner through to the present day. The depth of research and investigation completed is truly remarkable. The resulting documentation including storyboards, family history, registration transfers, original license plate, notable events in the vehicle’s life, and even black and white home movies of this vehicle in an ice race, are all included.
From the beginning, the goal of the restoration project was to create a “100 point” car, worthy of any award and concourse showing. Full attention to detail was taken to ensure authenticity of the vehicle. The exterior ocean-blue metallic with beige trim color combination was verified by paint found on the body and in the Stiles Company original sales brochure. Under the bonnet the vehicle is powered by its original 6 cylinder OHC 1271cc Wolseley engine, rebuilt by Brooklands Engineering Works in Stratford, Connecticut. The interior was restored to the original brown rexine with beige carpet material. All gauges are original to the car and rebuilt with the exception of the oil pressure gauge. An original, correct Maltese Cross oil gauge was found and restored completing the instrument cluster to full originality. In short, every mechanical aspect of this vehicle was taken apart and inspected, repaired, and/or restored as needed. Every body panel, with the exception of the hood sides and rear fenders, is original to the car. The rear fenders were hand crafted from patterns from the original design.
Following restoration this MG Stiles Special began its tour on the show circuit and has been invited to some of the most prestigious concours shows in America, winning numerous prizes. In 2014, the car earned the AACA’s S.F Edge Trophy, awarded to the “most outstanding restoration of a foreign vehicle” appearing in any national AACA show that year. Among many other honors, this rare car won awards at Amelia Island in 2015, and the 2015 Arizona Concours. It was awarded the 2018 Greenwich Concours “Best in class: British,” a class award at the 2017 Boston Cup, and “Best in Class” at the 2019 Ault Park Concours in Cincinnati. All awards, trophies, and display signs from these shows are included with the sale. Also included is the consignor’s “concours judging bag,” complete with a special binder of information and documentation to present to judges during inspection.
This vehicle began its life as a cherished gift and has been loved by each owner ever since. Wonderfully cared for and resurrected by its current owner, now is the time to find the next steward of this extremely rare, award-winning automobile, considered by many to be the finest example of the five remaining in the world. Sold with a registration.
*The following ratings were provided by the consignor, based on a scale of ‘Poor’, ‘Fair’, ‘Good’, ‘Very Good’ or ‘Excellent’. (Excellent = 100% restored)