The Triple M series of MG’s all belong to a family of models that commenced with the 1929 MG Midget and continued through to the mid-thirties via a long string of four and six cylinder OHC engined cars that forged the marques identity.
The Isle of Man hosted the ‘Mannin’ races between 1933 and 1935 on what was a street circuit around the island’s capital, Douglas. The races were intended to replicate the thrills of the Monaco Grand Prix, which had been introduced to the calendar in 1929. The very first of this new series of races, The Mannin Beg, took place on 12th July 1933, the field consisting primarily of MGs’ and Rileys’, although ‘Billy’ Sullivan’s Morris Minor also took part. The race was dominated by a duel for the lead between Kaye Don and H.C. Hamilton, both driving MG Magnettes with Don becoming one of the 13 retirees from the 16 car field. Hamilton was also also a casualty, when on lap 40 of 50 he was forced to retire from leading the race with rear axle problems. This LAT photo C1058 shows Hamilton at speed, only a few feet away from an unprotected throng of spectators. (Just 13 months later, on August 26th 1934, Hamilton was killed whilst competing in a Maserati at the Swiss Grand Prix in Bern.)