• Rare 1600 Twin cam

• Very low mileage

• Restored approximately 10 years ago

• Iconic driving pleasure

The MGA began life in 1951 as a ‘one off’ streamlined body designed by chief designer Syd Enever based on the ageing TD and built specifically to compete in the Le Mans 24 hour race. Due to delays in the production run, four cars (project number EX182) entered the Prototype Class rather than the planned Production Class in 1955 and three of them took part in the famous fateful race of that year, two finishing 12th and 17th. By September 1955 the production MGA, with it’s new BMC ‘B’ derived series 1500cc engine, was launched to the press.  

Following the success of the outdated T-type range, the MGA heralded a new post-war sports car style and performance and was squarely aimed at the North American market where it’s predecessors had sold in such huge numbers. It’s modern aerodynamic body and engineering improvements were an instant hit in the UK too and as a roadster, and soon after, a coupe, it was became very desirable.  

The MG identity plate stamped with ’YD3…’ confirms that this MGA is an original left hand drive destined for export.

It was delivered new to an MG concessionaire in Fresno, California. It’s history is not known in the convening years, but it was subsequently restored in California and sold to an MG collector who hardly drove it. He sold his collection in 2010 and the current owner, who was in California for a couple of months, spotted it for sale in a classic car showroom and “fell in love with it”.  

The owner tells us that this Twincam had only covered 1,000 miles since it’s restoration when he brought it back to the UK in 2011. During his ownership he has enjoyed driving it in fine weather, always with the roof down, and has mechanically maintained the car himself to a high standard.

Not very much paperwork is available, but the up to date V5 is present along with the bill of sale from Speciality Sales in California where the current owner purchased it. 

  

Checking online, the last MOT expired on the 23rd March 2012 but when tested it passed with no advisories showing a recorded 987 miles. The exempt tax will be due for renewal on the 1st January 2022.

When you peer into the open top cockpit of this MGA, what’s not to like - the beautiful original material covered dashboard with it’s familiar Jaeger instrumentation layout, the black leather seats with red piping and the black carpeting are all in very good condition.

Sitting in the drivers seat you can understand why the low driving position, perfectly positioned steering wheel and precise 4-speed gear lever of the MGA was, and indeed still is, so adaptable for historic racing. The chrome surround windscreen and dash mounted rear view mirror add to the experience. Bing picky, the original steering wheel centre is scuffed and the carpet is a bit out of shape in the drivers footwell, but both these should be any easy fix if you wish. Most strikingly, the interior looks unmolested.     

The hood resides behind the folding seats, and at the rear, the boot is tidy and contains the spare wheel with a cover and black carpet. There are a few areas of paint missing, but the floor and seams appear solid and rust free. There are no tools present.

The minimalist sleek MGA lines are just stunning, especially in the original BMC Chariot red. 

The paintwork on this example is in very good condition and for an older restoration is remarkably scratch and ding free. The sides are straight and true, panel fit looks even and both doors close with a reassuring click. The paint is also in good condition at sill level and on the front and rear valences, although a quick squashed fly wash off would help with the appearance!. There are some signs of overspray on the fender piping (see photos). 

From the gorgeous front grille to the back bumper, all the chrome is in very good condition and  

the Dunlop knock off wheels specific to the 1959-61 MK1 twin cam, set the car off so well. The wheels are shod with a set of Michelin XZX 165 SR 15” tyres.

This MGA comes with a well fitting, and useful, tonneau cover (see photos) and also a soft top and two sets of sidescreens, and although these weren’t available to photograph, the owner assures us that these are in good condition and apparently haven’t been used during his ownership. Lastly, underneath, the chassis rails and wooden floor appears to be in good health too with only some light surface rust visible on some components. 

Believed to be the original 1600cc engine, the current owner undertook a semi-rebuild soon after he imported it changing the pistons to 8.3:1 to improve performance running on unleaded fuel.

He has also replaced the two original  6 volt batteries with a single 12 volt, replaced the generator and water pump and also added a high geared steering rack which really improves directional precision.

Having carried out all the routine maintenance himself over the past ten years, the current owner says “it runs perfectly” with good oil pressure and consistent water temp and he is very pleased to state that there are “no oil leaks”! 

The elegant alloy rocker covers set off the engine bay which is very clean and tidy. All the components and wiring, etc. look in good shape and the MG identification plates are present. 

This MGA is said to have a strong gearbox, and retains its original coil spring suspension set up, four disc brakes, and has the addition of a stainless steel exhaust.

The 1600 twin cam is indeed a rare MGA with maybe only a few hundred remaining out of the 1788 roadsters that were built.   

The current owner describes this example as “one step beyond your average MGA”. It is without doubt a ‘head-turner’ of a classic British sports car and this well sorted and beautiful Twin cam should put a smile on your face as you blast down the highway on a sunny day.