Description
The MGA was the first postwar model from M. G. Car Company and was created to compete in the 1951 Le Mans. Based on the MG TF, it featured a Syd Enever-designed streamlined body and a lowered center of gravity by attaching the cockpit floor to the bottom of the chassis side rails. Its cornering agility was achieved through rack and pinion steering, independent front suspension and rigid rear axle with semi elliptic leaf springs. After 3 prototypes, the road going version was unveiled in roadster and coupe body options. Three years into production, the performance-oriented Twin Cam edition was released. It featured a racing-derived Dunlop knock-off wheels, Dunlop brake discs on all wheels and an MG-developed DOHC motor. Despite the enhanced output, the DOHC engine suffered from high compression-related issues which forced numerous private racers to replace their motors with pushrod units. Even though offered in both body versions, the more expensive coupe did have an advantage on structural rigidity. Notably, all Twin Cam coupes for the 1959 Sebring Championship were roadster-based conversions.
The MGA Twin Cam Coupe offered here is one of the few survivors of the 323 coupes ever made. It was constructed in 1959 for the local UK market in Orient Red with Dunlop knock-off wheels and Dunlop brake discs. According to records, its Lee-On-The-Solent- based owner did replace its motor with a pushrod MG unit sometime between 1980 and 2016. In 2019 the coupe became part of private collection where it was maintained with keen interest on retaining its authenticity and patina. It is now offered FIVA-certified and preserved with MoT history, original spare steering wheel, Dunlop spare wheel, tools and MG Twin Cam workshop manual.
Specifications
Year: 1959
Make: MG
Model: MGA
Designer: Syd Enever
Version: Twin Cam
Body type: Fixed Head Coupe
Production: 1958-1960, 323 units total
Body number: 61854
Car number: YM1/ 1383
Engine type: BMC MG, B series, Magnette ZB, 1498cc, in line 4 cyl., SOHC, double SU H4 carburetted, 68 bhp at 5400 rpm, 112 Nm at 3000 rpm
Engine number: BP15HGC 1833
Transmission type: 4 speed, manual
Brakes: Dunlop disc brakes all around
Wheels: Dunlop, steel, knock off, 4Jx15
Exterior color, BMC code: Orient Red, RD3
Interior color, trim: Black with Red with black piping seats
Mileage (mi): 110994
Additional items:
- Original spare 4 spoke steering wheel
- Original tools (hammer and engine starter)
Documents:
- V5 Registration, issued May 1988, copy
- Certificate of UK Motor Insurance, issued 1982
- MoT history for years 1980, 1995, 2020
Manuals:
- MGA Twin Cam Workshop Manual, original
Registrations:
- British, issued May 20th, 1959
- Greek, issued February 11th. 2020
Certificates:
- Federation Internationale des Vehicules Anciens (FIVA) Card, Greece
- Antique Vehicle Registration Certificate, issued by FIVA
