1959 MG MGA

As the 1950s were nearing the end, the Abingdon, England-based sports car builder, MG, reset its naming scheme by introducing the 'A'. A long-overdue replacement for the traditional 'T' Series, the MGA was given a rigid chassis with the Austin-designed, 1489cc B-Series engine that had first appeared in the ZA Magnette. The running gear was based on the TF, with independent, coil-sprung wishbone front suspension and a live rear axle. The body was modern, curvaceous, and aerodynamic; it aided in helping the vehicle achieve a top speed approaching 100 mph. During its first full year of production, over 13,000 examples were sold.

Although attractive and popular, the MGA faced stiff competition from the larger-engined Austin-Healey 100/6 and Triumph TR3. Finding more power from the standard engine was becoming increasingly difficult, so MG turned its attention on developing a twin-overhead-camshaft cylinder head for the B-Series block. Conceived at Cowley by BMC engineer Gerald Palmer, the new powerplant was introduced in 1958. It had a displacement size of 1,588cc and featured a special light alloy cross-flow cylinder head with hemispherical combustion chambers and carried twin overhead camshafts with valve operation via Coventry Climax-style inverted bucket tappets. The 108 horsepower engine brought the top speed in excess of 110 mph. To handle the improved performance, Dunlop disc brakes were fitted at all four corners, along with Dunlop center-lock wheels. Visually, the car remained the same except for the 'Twin Cam' script located near the vent side of the bonnet. A fixed head and roadster versions were offered.

Most of the 2,111 examples built between 1958 and 1960 were in left-hand drive format. 360 of those were sold on the home market. An unjustified reputation for unreliability and a steep base price discouraged sales. The model was dropped after just two years.

by Dan Vaughan

Twin-Cam Roadster
Chassis number: YD3-1721

The 1959 MGA 1500 continued with the same 1489cc engine and still was amiable in either coupe or roadster form. In the spring of 1958, MG made an announcement for a new Twin-Cam version of the MGA. This new version featured a dual-overhead-cam four-cylinder engine with an aluminum-alloy head and a displacement size of 1588cc. Horsepower was rated at 108 with 104 foot-pounds of torque. This was an increase of nearly 40 horsepower over the overhead-valve engine. The DOHC engine had hemispherical combustion chambers, inverted bucket-style tappets, and 80-degree inclined valves. Top speed was achieved at 120 mph.

Though the new engine seemed promising on paper, it would later earn a reputation for its poor reliability and as an oil burner. MG engineers worked to resolve the issue; by the time the teething problems had been resolved, the damage had been done.

The Twin-Cam MGA's came standard with Dunlop disc brakes at all four corners. They had a four-speed manual gearbox, hydraulically-operated clutch, and 4.3:1 final gear ratio.

For 1959, MG sold approximately 17,693 vehicles in the United States. This car is one of 2,111 MGA Twin Cam Roadsters produced from late 1958 to early 1960.

The MGA Twin Cam was produced to compete in the 1.6-liter racing class. The cars featured four-wheel Dunlop disc brakes and Dunlop knock-off pin drive steel wheels. The DOHC engine produced 108 horsepower compared to 68 horsepower in the 1.6-liter pushrod engine. The Twin Cam was raced by the factory at Sebring in 1959. This car has been owned by the current owner since 1978 and has been raced in numerous vintage events since 1984.

Coupe

This handsome coupe represents the quickest ever MGA. It has a 1588cc B-Series engine with a twin-camshaft head designed by racecar builder Harry Westlake. This optional combination produced 108hp and had a top speed of 110 mph. With an independent front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering, handling was already far superior to the T-Series. But it was the car's lines that gave it a revolutionary aerodynamic appearance. Only 323 of these coupes were produced. This car has just completed a multi-year restoration.

Twin-Cam Roadster
Chassis number: YD3/1841
Engine number: YD3/1841

In September of 1955, MG introduced its 'A' (MGA) and it marked a radical departure from its predecessors. By the spring of 1958, the Twin-Cam arrived, which included Dunlop four-wheel disc brakes and disc-type knock-off wheels. This new version had nearly 40 horsepower more than the standard 1500cc MGA, and had a top speed that exceeded 110 mph. In total, there were around 2,100 examples of the Twin-Cam coupe and roadster produced through early 1960.

This example, chassis number YD3/1841, is an original US-delivery car with a known history dating to 1967 in Oregon. The car has been completely restored and finished in its factory-original Mineral Blue color with grey leather Competition Deluxe leather seats.

In 2011, this vehicle was offered for sale at the Amelia Island auction presented by RM Auctions. The car was estimated to sell for $60,000 - $75,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $77,000 including buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Twin-Cam Coupe

This MGA is the only known surviving car from the 1959 MGA Sebring team. The 1959 MGA Team represented the MG Car Company's first factory prepared 'Works' entries at Sebring. MG's General Manager, John Thornley was on hand with works team manager Marcus Chambers to oversee the race. Gus Ehrman and Ray Saidel piloted the car to a 2nd in class finish. After Sebring, the car was sold to Leon Mandel of Autoweek fame and was immediately driven to California. Leon entered the car at the Tracy Airport Races in 1959. Shortly thereafter, the car was sold and lost for decades.

The current owners tracked the car down in a field in California. Although found in derelict condition, fortunately the car retained all its factory works modifications from Sebring and the spare tire even retained its original Dunlop racing tire.

The car has just completed a full restoration to its 1959 Sebring specifications.

Roadster
Chassis number: HDT43/46435
Engine number: 16G-BU-H/19580

The MGA made its debut ten years after World War II and competed against the Triumph TR2 and then the TR3, and the big Healey for customer sales. The MGA was also a bridge between the modern and classic era of sports car development. This particular example has been given a thorough, frame-off restoration which took over a year to complete. The body has been finished in its original color of Ash Green, with the correct grey interior. It rides on 72-spoke painted wheels that have new chrome spinners and are mounted with new 165R15 tires.

In 2015 it was brought to RM Auction's Arizona sale where it found new ownership for the sum of $27,500 which included buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Roadster
Chassis number: YD3734

This MGA is one of 2,111 produced and is finished in Old English White with a red interior. Power is from an original factory built twin cam 1588cc dual overhead cam engine mated to a 4-speed manual transmission. It has been given a professional restoration and has been garage kept and well maintained. It has a tool roll, engine crank tool, all weather equipment, and five matching twin cam wheels.

by Dan Vaughan

Roadster

This award winning 1959 MGA Twin Cam Roadster was comprehensively and exceptionally well restored in the mid to late 1980s. This is a true factory example of one of the most correct Twin Cam Roadsters in existence. It was restored in the United Kingdom over a three year period by former owner Francis 'Ron' Neal and marque expert Peter Wood. Subsequently the car was put into storage for over 20 years and was 'woken up' by Roy Miller of East West Motors in Santa Barbara, California. The Twin Cam was mechanically and cosmetically refreshed after being purchased by John Oates.

Roadster

This MGA was sold originally in the United States and was quickly converted to a race car. It raced for several years throughout the Midwest and East Coast in SCCA events. The car had good success with many podium finishes at several iconic racetracks like Watkins Glen, Road America, and Mid Ohio. It was converted back for street use during its most recent restoration in 2013, but still retains the original race car heritage. Following the restoration, it was sold and moved to CA, where it has since been driven regularly in local rallies and events.

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 Man's 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 were stylish and sporty. The vehicle sat very low to the ground providing an excellent center of gravity. This improved 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 center-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 versions, 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 a 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 the 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 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.

by Dan Vaughan