1960 MG A news, pictures, and information

Coupe
Chassis Num: GHDL77153

This 1960 MG A 1600 Coupe was brought to the 2007 Monterey Sports & Classic Car Auction presented by RM Auctions, where it had an estimated value of $30,000 - $40,000. It was offered without reserve which worked well for the buyer who purchased the car for $22,000 including buyer's premium. The car is powered by a four-cylinder overhead valve engine capable of producing 80 horsepower. There is a four-speed manual gearbox with disc brakes in the front and drums in the rear. It has been treated to a recent cosmetic and mechanical restoration which included full servicing of the engine and replacing the brake system. The windshield is new, as is the carpet and upholstery. It is finished in red with a black interior featuring red piping and is truly in top-notch condition.

The MGA Roadster was introduced in 1955 and featured a streamlined and aerodynamic body that was modern and attractive. The XPAG power plant was retired and in its place was a modern B-Series engine which had made its debut in the Magnette saloon.

Prior to the official launch of the MGA, three aluminum bodied prototypes of the sports car were entered into LeMans. They finished in fine fashion, with a fifth and sixth in their class.

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Roadster
Chassis Num: 66314

MG produced the 'A' model from 1955 to 1962 as a roadster and a coupe. MG automobiles were produced in Abingdon, England. The name MG came from Cecil Kimber starting the brand the Morris Garage thus MG for short. The 1588cc 4-cylinder motor produces 90 horsepower with 97 ft-lbs of torque at 5500 revolutions per minute, and allows a top speed of 95 to 103 miles per hour. The MG engine is mated to a 4-speed transmission. The sale price of this MG A was $2,705 in 1959.

This MG has been owned by the Willis family since new and only has 31,501 miles on the speedometer. The restoration was truly a family affair and was completed in 1999.

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Roadster
Chassis Num: GHNL 88932

This MGA raced every season since 1991, and has been the 'first car' for three successive drivers, Bob Yarwood, Dennis Eynon, and Gary Anderson. However, in the best traditions of classic road racers, the only parts that are common to the car as it was built in 1991 are the driver's seat and steering wheel. During its ownership by Yarwood and Eynon, a Derrington cross-flow head, limited slip differential, and four-synchro MGB transmission were fitted. After a major off-track testing accident in 2003, the original drivetrain was transported into the body and chassis of a donor 1959 MGA, with new aluminum bulkheads and floors, new suspension components, and a newly constructed roll cage. At the same time, the interior was completely re-trimmed. In 2005, an MGA three-synchro transmission with close-ratio BMC Works gears was fitted in place of the four-synchro installed in 1991. At the conclusion of the 2006 season, a new 1622cc engine was built for the car to replace the 15-year-old 1600cc engine. So, aside from the body, chassis, interior, engine, transmission, wheels and suspension, this is exactly the same car that first raced at the Wine Country Classic in 1991.

The MGA began production in 1955. The styling and mechanics were different from previous MG models. The public had been given hints of its new design during the 1951 Le-Mans 24 hour endurance race. The car was driven by George Phillips and was actually a TD Midget with body modifications.
The XPAG engine that had power many previous MG's was replaced by a new power-plant. This 1489 cc four-cylinder, B-series engine provided between 68 and 72 horsepower. The BMC B-series unit had made its debut in the MG Magnette saloon and proved to be a reliable and powerful engine.

To create enthusiasm for the cars prior to release, three aluminum bodied prototypes were created and dubbed EX182. They were entered into the Le Mans race where they finished fifth and sixth in their class. This epic achievement gave the MGA racing credibility and mechanical reliability.

The styling of the car was undeniably elegant. Its aerodynamic design and two-seat open-body was stylish and sporty. The vehicle sat very low to the ground providing an excellent center of gravity. This improved the handling and cornering ability. The chassis was a modified TD Midget unit with widely spaced side rails allowing for a low-seating position.

In the rear of the vehicle was a spare wheel mounted on the upper portion of the outside of the vehicle. Underneath was adequate trunk-space for luggage. At the front of the vehicle sat the engine.

Steel disc wheels were standard equipment but centre-locking wire wheels could be substituted at an additional fee. Since the car had an open top, it was subjected to the elements. A hard-top could be purchased making the vehicle more versatile.

A coupe version quickly followed and offered features such as wind-up windows, soft-top version, and other amenities that helped appeal to a wider customer base. To stay competitive on the race track, the MGA twin-cam version was introduced in 1958. This high performance version could be driven to the race track, race, and then be driven home. The engine had been modified with aluminum components, twin overhead camshafts, and dual SU carburetors. These enhancements increased the horsepower rating to 110 and the overall top speed to 115 miles-per-hour. Disc brakes replaced the drums which not only made the car more competitive, it made it safer. Unfortunately, the vehicle suffered from reliability issues and did not hold up well to the strain of racing. So in 1960, MG discontinued its production.

In 1959, MG introduced the MGA 1600's and offered them in coupe and open form. These were the standard MGA cars but with 1588 cc B-series pushrod engines. Drum brakes were used in the rear of the vehicle, but disc brakes were placed in the front.

In 1961, the MGA 1600 MKII was introduced. It featured a 1622 cc. B-series engine that was capable of producing 93 horsepower. 100 miles per hour was easily achieved by the MKII. Minor aesthetic changes were made to the front and rear of the vehicle.

In 1962, MG ceased production of the MGA. Nearly 100,000 examples had been produced during its life span making it the longest-running and best-selling MG. The success of the vehicle was in part to its styling, racing history, performance, and its competitive pricing. Many of the MGA's produced were exported to the United States. In the end and after so many years, the MGA was having trouble staying competitive with models offered by other manufacturers.

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