Description
Pavilion Gardens | Buxton, Derbyshire Viewing: Tues 28th July from 1pm Auction 29th July, 2026 12:00 Location: Pavilion Gardens St John's Rd, Buxton SK17 6BE Registration No: XOP 350 Chassis No: YD1/ 1659MOT: Exempt 1 of just 1, 801 Twin Cam Roadsters produced Lavished with a comprehensive chassis-up, body-off restoration completed in 2019 Presenting excellently with detailed photographic recorded of the restoration UK home market example, V5C and a collection on invoices Used on numerous classic car runs and tours since completion Keen to extract more power from the 1, 500cc B-Series engine then powering its MGA and Magnette models, and once again create an MG model suitable for competition, BMC began evolving a DOHC version of the four-cylinder unit in 1954. Development was slow, however, and it was not until 1958 that the Twin Cam MG A finally came to market. The specification of chain-driven camshafts nestling atop a cross-flow alloy cylinder head augured well, and the 1, 588cc, 108bhp newcomer did not disappoint, reputedly being capable of 0-60mph in 9. 1 seconds and a top speed of 115mph. With Dunlop disc brakes all round, the model stopped well, too. However, the tardiness of its introduction, early engine maladies and fierce competition from such motorsport-proven rivals as the Triumph TR3 and Austin-Healey 100 saw manufacture curtailed after just two years. By that time only 2, 111 examples had been produced, 1, 801 of which were Roadsters. Of course, with modern know-how and fuels, Twin-Cams will run with decent reliability and good examples are now highly prized. Originally a UK home market example and one of just 1, 801 Roadsters produced, XOP 350 rolled off the Abingdon production line on March 24th 1959 prior to being road registered as `XOP 350′ by Birmingham County Council. At that time it was factory-fitted with a close-ratio gearbox, 4. 55/ 1 rear axle, competition seats, oil cooler and alloy side screens which still all remain today and supplied new to a Mr K R James of the West Midlands for use in speed events. The car was featured in an Autocar article in 1959 with a photograph of it competing at Prescott. Purchased as a restoration project from our Duxford museum auction in 2015, it was treated to a lavish and comprehensive chassis-up, body-off restoration which was completed in 2019. The work has evidently been carried out to an exceptionally high standard and a photographic record accompanies this beautiful example. Many of the parts used were supplied by Peter Woods, Bob West, Moss Europe, MGOC spares and Anglo parts. Works included: a full engine overhaul which incorporated modifications to eliminate known issues with the twin cam engine. A cylinder leak down test was carried out on the finished engine by Martin Bolland achieving an excellent reading of just 8%, the overhauled gearbox required new bearings, synchro’s and layshaft, fully overhauled suspension, braking system and wiring, retrimmed dash board, overhauled instruments and fitment of an electric *** that can be operated manually and automatically once the car is stopped for cooling to avoid fuel vapour lock. Other finer details have included the original type drainpipes in the boot area to avoid water build up. Over 600 hours went into the body restoration to bring it back to original condition and the vendor informs us more than 3000 hours over four and a half years went into the project. The original front grille and the 4. 55/ 1 competition diff that had been fitted are included in the sale. Professionally finished in its original shade of Orient Red by Specialised Automotive Services in Sabden with a re trimmed black interior and new black mohair hood, we are advised that following completion the vendor never went over 3000 rpm for the first 500 miles to safely run the engine in. Worthy of close inspection to appreciate the money, time and effort expended, it has covered just 5, 900 miles being used regularly on a number of classic car runs and tours since completion. With the hard work done it is now ready for a new owner to enjoy and is accompanied by its BMIHT certificate, copy workshop manual, technical notes from the vendor and technical articles of the MG A and twin can engine together with a collection of invoices and Swansea V5C. ** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply** Entry by catalogue and can be purchased for £20 (admits 2...
