Description
MG A in its early guise, as a pioneer of the British roadster
In pretty colours with the navy blue soft top
With the luggage rack on the boot lid which makes it iconic
The MG A was in production from 1955 to 1962. It was the first car from MG’s designers to bring with it early aerodynamics that were recognisably functional. After the world’s return to peace following the Second World War, MG simply reverted to what they did best by producing the MG Y and the MG T. The MG T was followed by the MG A, which ultimately captured hearts for decades. Even today, it is still highly sought after because it defined the history of British motoring.
MG didn’t suffer financially much during the four years of the war as they focused on building aircraft components, maintaining war tanks and distributing weapons. There were therefore no financial wounds and they had the means to boldly embark on a completely novel concept. They designed the MG A in 1951 and the new design diverged so much from MG’s usual approach that they decided to ‘start again from zero’. Quite literally, in its purest form, for 'A' is not just by chance the first letter of the Latin alphabet.
The MG A was finally unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1955. It was atypical for MG in its look and its sporty yet luxurious performance. Under the bonnet there was a 1, 489 cc inline four, corresponding to the model code '1500', producing 72 horsepower. After four years of production, in 1959 the engine capacity was increased to 1, 588 cc, thus creating the new ‘MG A 1600’. The following year, it was upgraded to 1, 622 cc, also increasing its power. Between 1958 and 1960, a high-performance sport variant was built with 2ACT and high compression, demonstrating its best track performance and taking the victory.
In 1962, the MG A was replaced by the equally iconic and famous MG B. In total, around one hundred thousand MG As were sold.
MG A 1500
The A 1500 is the first of several MG A variants. This base model, better known under the title of ‘iconic pioneer’, was fitted with MG Magnette’s inline four-cylinder engine, a saloon built in part in parallel with the MG A. To give the MG A a sporting edge, the engine was equipped with two British SU carburettors.
Initially, MG A plans had been abandoned as the BMC chief had just allied with Austin to create the Austin-Healey brand. However, due to falling sales of MG’s older models, which no longer had commercial appeal, he chose to give MG A a chance. What history would have been without the MG A remains subject to speculation. No doubt, it marked a turning point in the British automotive industry.
The MG A 1500 was available in coupé and roadster bodystyles. Both versions are classic cars highly sought after for their pioneering role in the design of British roadsters.
Technical information:
Bodywork
Length (cm): 396
Width (cm): 145
Height (cm): 127
Wheelbase (cm): 239
Weight (kg): 930
Mechanical
Engine: 1, 489 cc inline four-cylinder front
Cylinders: 8
Carburation: 2 SU carburetters
Gearing: four-speed manual
Transmission: RWD
Left-hand drive
Maximum power: 72 bhp (54 kW) at 5, 500 rpm
Maximum torque: 105 Nm at 3, 500 rpm
Top speed: 150 km/ h
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Reference CH4853
Make MG
Model A 1500 Roadster ’57
Type Cabriolet
Year of construction 1957
Mileage 71186 miles
Displacement 1489
Gearbox Manual
Drive Left-hand drive
Chassis number HDR4344853
Price € 26, 950
