Highlights

One of only 457 right-hand drive Twin Cam roadsters ever produced
Raced to 2nd place in the 1959 Roy Hesketh six-hour endurance race
Finished 3rd overall in the 1959 South African nine-hour race at Grand Central circuit
Retains period competition specifications including close ratio gearbox
Comprehensive history file documenting its racing heritage

The Appeal

Stories make cars, and this MGA Roadster is a case in point.

It's a pity MG lacked the funds to develop its DOHC engines to the point they would become affordable to produce and reliable straight from the factory. Producing 108 bhp vs the 70 bhp of the standard B Series, the MG Twin Cam allowed the Abingdon firm to compete with the likes of Porsche, Alfa Romeo, and Lotus. Suffice it to say, this was a seriously impressive engine, which sadly went into very few cars in period.

We're delighted to offer one of the mere 457 right-hand drive Twin Cam roadsters ever produced. Our MGA, chassis 'YDH5 880', comes with documented competition car status and significant South African racing history.

It was one of just 68 cars shipped to South Africa as CKD (Completely Knocked Down) kits for assembly by Motor Assemblies Ltd in Durban. Having been campaigned successfully by wealthy Johannesburg stockbroker George Mennie in period, including podium finishes in major endurance races, and subsequently restored to retain its competition specifications, this Twin Cam offers collectors a unique opportunity to acquire a historically significant MG with documented racing pedigree.

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History and Paperwork

One of the first batch of MGA Twin Cams assembled in South Africa in February 1959
Raced by George Mennie and Dave Wright to 2nd place in the 1959 Roy Hesketh 6-hour endurance race
Competed in the 1959 South African nine-hour race at Grand Central circuit, finishing 3rd overall
Raced throughout 1959-1960 before being taken off the road
Acquired by Bob Baylis in Johannesburg in the 1990s as part of several Twin Cam projects
Purchased by the vendor in 2002 as a dismantled project and gradually restored
Comes with a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certified copy of the factory record
Detailed history and competition file with period photographs available
Current owner has three other Twin Cam roadsters in their collection
58,453 miles indicated
South African road registration/inspection
The vendor states that the current indicative cost of shipping to the UK is of the order of GBP2500

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The Condition

Bodywork presents in very good order following restoration
The vendor states the soft top and tonneau cover are in excellent condition
Period Marchal head and spot lamps fitted
Period Les Leston competition steering wheel installed
Fitted with 6-inch wide Dunlop road wheels (spare set of standard 4-inch Twin Cam wheels available)

Having lived such a hard life racing during its early years, it's remarkable that this MGA has survived, let alone in such good original order. The vendor acquired it in 2002 as a dismantled project, embarking upon a meticulous restoration to a very high standard.

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The Mechanics

1.6-litre MG B Series-derived Twin Cam inline-four engine
Four-speed manual close-ratio gearbox
Engine running on high compression 9.9:1 pistons
Engine number 16GBU1610 with less than 300 miles since rebuild
Currently fitted with 1¾-inch SU carburettors
Optional set of Weber 42 DCOE carburettors with inlet manifold available
Oil cooler fitted as per competition specification
Alloy radiator and fuel tank as per period competition specification
Front anti-roll bar
Telescopic front shock absorbers, as fitted in 1959

Not only does this MGA feature the lauded (and ultra-rare) MG Twin Cam engine, but it also comes with its period close-ratio gearbox. The engine is running on high compression 9.9:1 pistons, and the car comes with the choice of 1¾-inch SU carburettors or a brace of 42 DCOE Webers should the fancy take you.

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