Vendor supplied images
Highlights
- Campaigned in period and nicknamed ‘Black Mamba’
- From the first batch of four Twin Cam MGAs built at Abingdon in September 1958 (chassis no. YM2 554)
- Full range of factory extras, confirmed by the BMIHT Heritage Certificate
- Rediscovered in 2004 and sympathetically restored
- The original engine (no. 16GU 202) was found near Durban, rebuilt and reunited with the car following the competition of the restoration
- Accompanied by a substantial collection of period photographs and correspondence
The Appeal
By the late 1950s, MG was beginning to be held back by the performance limitations of its SOHC engines. Extracting more than 60 bhp from the Austin-derived B Series was proving a challenge, so engineer Gerald Palmer set about developing a DOHC variant, aiming to use as few new components as possible to keep the costs down. By the summer of 1958, the B Series Twin Cam was ready to fit in roadgoing MGA production cars. Initial tests yielded an impressive 108 bhp - demonstrating that it had been a worthwhile project.
We’re honoured to present an MGA from the first batch of four Twin Cams to leave Abingdon in September 1958. Equipped with the full range of factory options, MGA no. YM2 554 was exported to MG dealers, McCarthy Rodway in Durban, South Africa. Managing Director Noel Horsfield used it as his personal transport for a time and the car was then extensively prepared for endurance racing by McCarthy’s Competition Manager, Mike Compton.
The car would go on to compete in the March 1959 Roy Hesketh 6-hour endurance race in Natal. It placed 2nd on the grid and achieved 3rd place overall. A full photographic record was compiled of the preparation and race, with a post-race report prepared by Mike Compton. YM2 554 was nicknamed ‘Black Mamba’, and while it returned to road trim after the race, its initial competition success would lead to it being re-entered in the 1960 6-hour race, achieving 7th place overall.
‘Black Mamba’ was sold shortly afterwards and disappeared until 2004, when it was discovered by the present owner having been deregistered and off the road since the 1960s. Therefore, the 28,131 indicated miles are believed to be correct. The car was in poor shape when the vendor found it and missing its engine. A replacement unit was sourced for the ensuing restoration which was completed in 2010, although as luck would have it, some time afterwards the original Twin Cam turned up near Durban so has since been reinstated.
The vendor was keen to preserve the car’s history and originality during the restoration, so a great deal of attention has been paid to ensuring that it presents as it was in period and retains as many original components as possible. We’re informed that it runs and drives beautifully, with cold oil pressure above 75 psi signifying a very fit rebuilt engine.
As a member of the MG Car Club and the Twin Cam IO group, the vendor is a seasoned MG enthusiast owning two restored Twin Cam roadsters, an MGB roadster, and an MG TB, MG J2, and another Twin Cam roadster which are awaiting restoration. They’re therefore downsizing their collection and facilitating the excellent opportunity to acquire a significant piece of MG competition history.
The History and Paperwork
- Chassis no. YM2 554
- The chassis is stamped 554 on the offside of the gearbox cross member and the body number is 61754 - (the sectioned motor show Coupé at Gaydon has body number 61755)
- The key number is FP731, confirmed in Mike Compton's race preparation notes
- One of Twin Cam batch no. 1 (which included 4 cars)
- Built at Abingdon, September 1958
- Exported to McCarthy Rodway MG Dealer, South Africa with full factory options
- Entered in the March 1959 Roy Hesketh 6-hour endurance race in Natal, placed 2nd on the grid and achieved 3rd place overall
- A full photographic record was made of the preparation and race, with a post-race report prepared by Mike Compton which accompanies the car
- According to Bob Olthoff, who also entered his Twin Cam in its first race, YM2 554 was nicknamed 'Black Mamba'
- After the race the car was returned to road specification
- Entered in the 1960 6-hour race, achieving 7th place overall
- McCarthy sold the car later in 1960 and it disappeared until it was found in Krugersdorp by the present owner in 2004
- BMIHT Heritage Certificate present
- Road registered in South Africa
The Condition
- Sympathetically restored to a high standard
- Original parts were retained wherever feasible and if possible, left original and unrestored
- The vendor states that there are no visible signs of corrosion
- Resprayed in 2010
- The original starting handle and Dunlop jack are present, but there are no additional tools
- The spare wheel is fitted in the standard position
- All the trim looks in lovely condition
- The bonnet, boot lid and doors close correctly
- The wheel spinners are the early flat-face steel type, which was retained and reused rather than replaced with new items or having the originals re-chromed as they were in very good condition
- Willans racing harness and a Lucas rear fog lamp fitted in period along with a specially made 15” steering wheel
- As one of the first batch of 4 Twin Cam Coupés built, it is not fitted with the removable wheels arch panels - instead smaller access points were made on the RHS
- The heater and controls are present, but not connected
Factory specifications include:
- Delux Competition seats
- Heater
- Luggage Rack
- Windscreen washers
- Sun visor
- Cigar lighter and ashtray
- Badge Bar
- Twin Horns
Resplendent in black, this MGA Coupé’s svelte lines convey a sense of speed which must have left a notable impression in period. Indeed, we know exactly what it looked like at the time thanks to the fabulous set of original photographs, many of which depict ‘Black Mamber’ hunting down other cars as it hurtled around the race track.
Having retained a number of original parts, this car still looks every bit the competition car it was 65 years ago and there’s a pleasing patina to match. The 2010 respray has held up very well and the bodywork still looks immensely straight with no signs of damage or evidence of corrosion. For those seeking a supremely usable example, this MG is in just the right condition to enjoy.
The Mechanics
- 1,588 cc DOHC inline-four
- Four-speed manual gearbox
- A replacement Twin Cam engine (no. 16GBU 1500) was fitted, until the original engine (no. 16GU 202) was found near Durban some years later, together with the 2” SU carburettor set
- The SU carburetors are fitted with flexible mountings
- The close ratio gearbox is fitted with the stronger larger diameter layshaft with 4 bearings
- The original engine was refitted, but using 1 ¾” SUs, fitted with new high-compression Hepolite pistons - (The 2” SUs and manifold will be included in the sale)
- Having been rebuilt, we’re informed the engine is effectively ‘as-new’ with cold oil pressure above 75 psi
- The cylinder head is the later sleeved type which came with the engine and reportedly needed no additional work
- The helical close ratio gearbox is quiet and a delight to use.
- The tyres look good, although the vendor advises that they are old and will need replacing
Besides the factory options, period modifications by the McCarthy workshop included:
- 2” SU HD8 carburettors supplied by Abingdon
- Close ratio gearbox
- competition oil cooler
- Front anti-roll bar
- Side exit exhaust
- Competition shock absorber valves
- Larger diameter clutch master cylinder
- 1960s Maserati air horns
- According to Compton’s race report, the fuel tank was initially provided with 2 fillers in order to assist quick filling during racing, and later fitted with a larger capacity fuel tank
The chances of the original engine ever turning up were slim, but that’s exactly what happened so it must have been a deeply rewarding task to reunite the two and make this car even closer to how it was when it raced.
As the above specifications demonstrate, this MG is in a high state of tune, so for those looking for a period-correct spirited drive, it’ll certainly deliver. The vendor assures us that the mechanicals are in rude health and that the car drives immensely well.
BEFORE YOU BUY
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✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
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