MGA Buyer's Guide
In 1951, MG’s chief designer Syd Enever crafted an aerodynamic body for George Phillips’s TD to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. While the car sat high on its TD frame, it boasted unmistakable attractiveness. The design was then adapted to a lower prototype on a modified frame and proposed to BMC chairman Leonard Lord in 1952.
However, Lord, preparing to produce the Austin-Healey 100, rejected the MGA design to avoid competition with the Healey. Consequently, the MGA design was shelved, and MG continued with the square-rigged MG-TF. In early 1955, the MGA design was revived, and three pre-production cars were built for Le Mans. These cars, even in near-production form, demonstrated a capability to reach nearly 100 mph. By October, the first MGAs were unveiled at motor shows in Frankfurt and London.
The initial MGAs featured a slightly upgraded version of the pushrod 1489-cc BMC B-series engine, first used in the MG Magnette in 1953. The MGA version included two SU carburetors, a hallmark of British sports cars, and a slightly enhanced camshaft. Reflecting its sleek curves, the MGA was nearly devoid of chrome, except for the tidy grille. The car lacked external door handles, and even the trunk was opened by a pull handle located behind the driver’s seat.
The cockpit was well-appointed, with a folding soft top that stowed neatly under the rear shroud behind the seats, covered by a vinyl envelope for the separate side curtains. The seats were upholstered in leather and quite comfortable for the era, with matching vinyl covering the dash, door panels, and cockpit surround. The dashboard featured a full set of gauges, with the horn button uniquely set in the radio speaker grille at the center. The MGA 1500 is a delight to drive; both contemporary reports and current experiences affirm its excellent handling, comparable to the best cars of the 1950s. While others may have been quicker, the MGA remains perfectly comfortable in freeway traffic.
In 1959, the 1500 was succeeded by the MGA 1600, which was nearly identical to its predecessor except for a slight increase in engine capacity and horsepower, the addition of front disc brakes, and a subtle change in taillights. Between 1958 and 1960, MG also produced a twin-cam engine variant, offering better performance at the cost of reliability. From 1960, a “De Luxe” version of the 1600 was available, featuring four-wheel disc brakes and racing wheels from the twin-cam model. In 1961, the 1600 engine was upgraded to 1622 cc, offered in the MGA Mark II.
When purchasing an MGA, ensure the body is in excellent condition with minimal rust. Mechanical repairs are straightforward, and parts are readily available. There is little difference in desirability between the 1500 and 1600 models, though prices for all MGAs are rising. With its beautiful lines, superb handling, comfortable interior, and strong performance, the MGA is finally receiving the recognition it deserves.
SOURCE: http://www.sportscarmarket.com
However, Lord, preparing to produce the Austin-Healey 100, rejected the MGA design to avoid competition with the Healey. Consequently, the MGA design was shelved, and MG continued with the square-rigged MG-TF. In early 1955, the MGA design was revived, and three pre-production cars were built for Le Mans. These cars, even in near-production form, demonstrated a capability to reach nearly 100 mph. By October, the first MGAs were unveiled at motor shows in Frankfurt and London.
The initial MGAs featured a slightly upgraded version of the pushrod 1489-cc BMC B-series engine, first used in the MG Magnette in 1953. The MGA version included two SU carburetors, a hallmark of British sports cars, and a slightly enhanced camshaft. Reflecting its sleek curves, the MGA was nearly devoid of chrome, except for the tidy grille. The car lacked external door handles, and even the trunk was opened by a pull handle located behind the driver’s seat.
The cockpit was well-appointed, with a folding soft top that stowed neatly under the rear shroud behind the seats, covered by a vinyl envelope for the separate side curtains. The seats were upholstered in leather and quite comfortable for the era, with matching vinyl covering the dash, door panels, and cockpit surround. The dashboard featured a full set of gauges, with the horn button uniquely set in the radio speaker grille at the center. The MGA 1500 is a delight to drive; both contemporary reports and current experiences affirm its excellent handling, comparable to the best cars of the 1950s. While others may have been quicker, the MGA remains perfectly comfortable in freeway traffic.
In 1959, the 1500 was succeeded by the MGA 1600, which was nearly identical to its predecessor except for a slight increase in engine capacity and horsepower, the addition of front disc brakes, and a subtle change in taillights. Between 1958 and 1960, MG also produced a twin-cam engine variant, offering better performance at the cost of reliability. From 1960, a “De Luxe” version of the 1600 was available, featuring four-wheel disc brakes and racing wheels from the twin-cam model. In 1961, the 1600 engine was upgraded to 1622 cc, offered in the MGA Mark II.
When purchasing an MGA, ensure the body is in excellent condition with minimal rust. Mechanical repairs are straightforward, and parts are readily available. There is little difference in desirability between the 1500 and 1600 models, though prices for all MGAs are rising. With its beautiful lines, superb handling, comfortable interior, and strong performance, the MGA is finally receiving the recognition it deserves.
SOURCE: http://www.sportscarmarket.com