Launched at the 1932 London Motor Show, the K-Type featured a chassis similar to the Magna but was strengthened and had its track increased by 6 inches to 48 inches. The chassis was available in two lengths, with wheelbases of either 94 inches or 108 inches. Steering was modified with a patented divided track rod, claimed to reduce steering kickback, and brakes were cable operated with 13-inch Elektron drums featuring shrunk-in steel liners. Suspension used half-elliptic springs and Hartford friction shock absorbers all around, with rigid front and rear axles. Wire wheels with 4.75 x 19 tyres and centre lock fixing were standard.
The engines were based on a Wolseley overhead camshaft design, first used in the 1930 Wolseley Hornet and subsequently by MG in the F-Type, but were subject to a major re-design. The stroke was reduced from 83 mm to 71 mm, reducing engine capacity from 1272 cc to 1087 cc, and a cross flow cylinder head was fitted. Initially fitted with triple SU carburetors, the engine produced 39 bhp at 5500 rpm. In early 1933, a modified version, the KB, featured improved valve timing and only two carburetors, increasing output to 41 bhp. Later in 1933, the KD engine joined the range, with a larger 1271 cc capacity achieved by returning to the F-Type stroke of 83 mm, and power increased to 48.5 bhp. A supercharged KC engine was also produced for racing cars, delivering 120 bhp at 6500 rpm.
Drive was to the rear wheels through either a four-speed non-synchromesh gearbox or an ENV-made pre-selector type. All road cars were capable of reaching 75 mph.
The K1 was the original K-type, featuring the long chassis and first shown with a saloon body, KA engine, and pre-selector gearbox, costing £445. It was soon joined by a tourer with a KB engine and manual gearbox, and later the saloon could also be had with a KD engine and pre-selector. 54 K1s were made with KA engines, 74 with KB engines, and 53 with KDs. Surplus bodies and chassis were later fitted with MG "N" type engines and sold as the MG KN Magnette.
The K2 was an open 2-seater with the shorter chassis, initially with the KB engine and manual box, but later cars could have the larger KD engine with a preselector gearbox. 16 K2s were made with KB engines, and a further 4 with KD engines.
The K3 was the racing variant, using the short chassis and the KC engine, initially with a Powerplus supercharger, later replaced by a Marshall-made unit. These were prominently mounted in front of the engine below the radiator. Preselector gearboxes were used. The K3 attracted drivers including Sir Tim Birkin, Whitney Straight, and ‘Hammy’ Hamilton. Only 33 K3s were made, and many did not survive intact, often receiving new bodies, engine changes, or being destroyed. The car-by-car analysis shows significant alterations to the surviving examples.