1958 MGA Twin-Cam Roadster
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Highlights
- Powerful twin-cam engine with Weber carbs
- Refurbished and in great condition
- Beautiful red leather interior
The Appeal
Only produced for a very short period between 1958 and ’60, MG fitted a beautiful looking twin-cam engine to their equally well designed MGA. In doing this, they created a sports car capable of 113mph in 1958.
For sale here is an early example from 1958, which has been the recipient of a refurbishment and an engine rebuild. The car remains invert good condition throughout, with great paintwork and a beautiful red leather interior.
It’s the perfect car for those who enjoy simply looking at what they’ve bought and thinking to themselves ‘yes, I have made the right decision’. Then when you get in and take it for a drive, you’ll be able to listen to those twin camshafts dancing their merry way past 100mph and muse to yourself again about what a sensible purchase this was.
Yes, if you hadn’t noticed, we rather like this MG.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered in 1958
- Reportedly exported to South Africa when new
- Twin-cam badging next to air vent
- Autocar and The Motor tested twin-cams in 1958 and both managed a top speed of 113mph
- This car has reportedly been refurbished and had an engine rebuild
- Some spare parts included
The Interior
- Red leather in beautiful condition
- Dashboard well stocked
- Carpets clean and tidy throughout
Swinging open the door of this MGA reveals a sumptuous interior, trimmed with red leather on the seats, dashboard and doors. And when the driver sits down, they are presented with a large wood-rimmed steering wheel in front of a full set of gauges and switches.
This car has clearly been well finished and equally well cared for since. The red leather on the seats is in very fine condition, showing signs of light creasing from use, but no notable tears or scuffs — other than a minor graze at the lower edge of one of the seat backs, which is only visible when folded forwards. The door cards are in excellent condition and feature voluminous storage pockets as well.
The dashboard looks almost new, with its leather covering in as perfect condition as we could ever imagine. Lucas pull switches adorn it and give a satisfying click when operated, and the Jaeger gauges are well presented and clear. There is a grille for a speaker in the centre of the dashboard and an MG badged blanking plate covers the aperture ready for a radio to be fitted, should this be desired.
To the rear, the spacious luggage compartment is carpeted throughout and features a full size spare wheel, also in a fitted cover. There are straps in place for holding the jack, pump and wheel brace which come with the car.
The Exterior
- Ole English White paintwork in good condition
- Full weather equipment, including hood, side screens and tonneau cover
- Excellent steel wheels
With its sweeping lines throughout, the MGA is an extremely well designed little sports car. Clearly designed for those who know that looking good is as important as looking where you’re going.
The Old English White paint work is very presentable, with only a few blemishes and cracks to be found. Otherwise, the paint exhibits a deep shine and looks to be very well preserved.
Similarly, the external trim is in fine fettle, with no significant pitting or damage to be found in the chrome, which has polished up very nicely. The lamp lenses also appear to be clear and bright.
We particularly like the combination of steel wheels with ‘knock off’ hub spinners, which gives the car a particularly sporting look. The wheels themselves are all in excellent condition, with no signs of damage and the tyres, Vredstein Sprint Classics, are said to be in as-new condition, including the spare.
The Mechanics
- Rare Twin-Cam 1,588cc engine
- Running side-draught Weber carburettors, original SUs and manifold included
- Four-speed close ratio gearbox
The twin-cam engine in this MGA is a sight to behold, with its polished aluminium rocker covers proudly embossed with the MG octagon motif, and the engine bay being presented in beautifully clean condition throughout. A pair of side-draught Weber carburettors are proudly on display, but the original SUs and their manifold are also included in the sale, should you be looking for originality.
All the mechanical components are exceptionally clean and the car is truly a wonderfully presented specimen. The steering rack is said to have been replaced, as it was s little tight but the original is also included in the sale.
We’re told that the engine has received a rebuild at some point and that it has covered very few miles since. And given how clean and presentable everything seems to be, we wouldn’t want to doubt this statement. We understand that it starts readily and runs well, requiring a little use of the choke when cold, as with any engine.
Summary
In all, we’re struggling to think of a reason why you shouldn’t but this MGA. It’s been very well refurbished and is presented in great condition, ready to be used and enjoyed.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1958
- Make MG
- Model MGA Twin Cam Roadster
- Colour White
- Odometer 13,263 Kilometres
- Engine size 1588
Auction Details
- Seller Type Trade
- Town Sydenham
- Country South Africa
12
bids
from 9
bidders
- bo•••• £35,000 15/12/22
- mu•••• £34,000 15/12/22
- bo•••• £33,000 15/12/22
- mu•••• £31,500 15/12/22
- ma•••• £31,000 15/12/22
- ro•••• £30,000 15/12/22
- pa•••• £20,000 15/12/22
- Ro•••• £18,000 13/12/22
- ma•••• £12,000 13/12/22
- Ch•••• £11,500 12/12/22
The Gallery
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|---|---|
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