MG has to be one of the biggest names in British motoring history and their cars are still the go-to marque when considering a classic. This one is a delight as it is obvious that it has been part of a loving family and has been in use.
The fact that it has been professionally restored by Simon Robinson gives it instant appeal but so do all the little marks and patina of age and use. It’s the more powerful Twin Cam version which makes it considerably rarer than its regular 1600cc cousins with just over 2000 built rather than over 30,000 of the lesser model.
Use it or keep it for posterity, either way this Roadster represents a good investment for any MG enthusiast.
The VIN suggests this MGA began life as a coupé, undergoing a later conversion
Little is known of the long previous history of this MGA but it is enough to begin with its full restoration by renowned Engineer, Simon Robinson in 1991. It was purchased by Roy Hunt in 1999 and was used whenever the mood or weather permitted until his unfortunate passing. Roy was a true Motorsport fan and was known for driving Martin 500 racing cars to great effect, so he knew his way around a decent car.
The Twin Cam hasn’t be touched since its restoration, other than service items and consumables that kept the little car on the road, and although it may carry a few marks, it is obvious that the car has been a valued member of the family.
A gloriously large steering wheel with a large MG emblem dominates this car’s small interior. It is a true 2-seater but does have surprising leg-room. The seats may have been recovered during the 1991 restoration but they are comfy and have a charming amount of wear to retain their authenticity. The carpet is good and is clean and all the instruments are clear and rightly placed. The buttons and switches appear to do as they were designed to do.
The roof is in lovely condition with a good frame and it, along with the side-screens fit well. With the roof in the up position and the tonneau cover placed in the boot, There is a reasonable space behind the seats to store an overnight bag. The doors are operated via a pull cord and they close with a satisfying clunk. The boot itself is of a useable size and is clean but space is restricted with the spare wheel.
Each corner of the car has its original factory fitted steel wheel
Apparently sound chassis
The MGA is a pretty car to look at and those iconic swooping lines are a sheer joy and exactly how a typically British sports car should look. The red paintwork has a lovely shine to it and is in generally good order with only a few little chips, scrapes or blisters. The most obvious is a scrape on the bottom of the rear driver’s side arch while others are just small chips and the odd micro-blister. Either way, it still looks good in that bright red.
The chromework looks pretty with a good mixture of patina and shine, which serves to establish itself in the same gentle aged feel of the whole car. The doors hang well, the boot is nicely aligned and opens from a cable inside the car, and the bonnet sits well and closes with ease. Each corner has an original factory steel wheel with knock-off centres and all are in good condition as are the tyres. The car has not been raised to gain access to the underside but the photographs obtained from ground level appear to show that the chassis is in good order.
At the heart of this car is the Twin Cam engine as this is what sets it apart from its lower performing relative. It was designed to assist in getting the MG name back into Motorsport. The head was of light aluminium with the valves set at 90 degrees in a vee which was a huge leap forward.
The brakes on this car are larger than the single-cam version and require no servo and these have all been maintained along with the rest of the car. The clutch is light and the throw of the gear lever is, not surprisingly, short and sporty and engages with ease. The twin carbs serve up a delightful noise when the throttle is pushed and the report from the exhaust is quite exhilarating.
What more can be said about the ubiquitous MGA? It is sleek, sporty, beautiful and above all else rare! Made in much lower numbers than other MGA cars of the same period and the Twin Cam has a devoted following with numerous specialised engineering and spare parts outlets to keep it on the road.
This example is not concours, but it isn’t pretending to be. It has been a long-established friend of the family and has been cherished, cared for and used since the purchase making it such a difficult decision to let it go, but go it must and to the right person. So, if you think you like the look of this increasingly rare machine and you also think you could give it the home it deserves, perhaps you need to make a bid?
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ 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.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.
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More about buying with us
1959 MGA Twin Cam Roadster
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