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1959 MG MGA Twin Cam Roadster

Engine

Engine

1588cc 4 Cylinder Twin Cam

Gearbox

Gearbox

5 speed Manual

Drivetrain

Drivetrain

Front Engined Rear Wheel Drive

Brakes

Brakes

Hydraulic Disc Brakes

Performance

Performance

108 bhp 105 ft-lb

Color

Colour

Exterior
Green
Interior
Tan

Hightlights:

  • Rare twin cam variant of the MGA
  • Peg drive knockoff wheels standard
  • Front and rear disc brakes were standard
  • Production canceled after only 2111 built

Description:

The MGA came about in 1955 as a replacement for the pre-war styled MG T series of sports cars. Originally utilizing the pushrod B Series engine and rear axle borrowed and upgraded from the Austin A40 and similar cars, it otherwise consisted of a more sporting body on what was still essentially the chassis and suspension of the MG TF. in 1958, MG decided that a higher performance variant was called for to make the car more competitive as a track day car and as such the Twin Cam was born. The original 1.6 liter engine block was retained but an all aluminum dual overhead cam crossflow high compression head was developed and fitted. Brakes were upgraded to front and rear discs, and wheels came standard as peg drive knockoff steel wheels. In use, the high compression engine, at 9.9:1 suffered detonation problems, likely compounded by fuels available at the time, and coupled with overheating issues made the twin cam earn a reputation as being unreliable. A low compression version at 8.3:1 solved the detonation issues, but damage had been done and with the numerous component changes required to fit the twin cam engine in the MGA along with dwindling sales, production ceased at 2111 cars. This example was purchased from a local collector who had multiple twin cam MGAs.

It is a well restored car, with the restoration having been carried out by a marque expert. After I purchased the car, it became clear that the second gear synchro was failing as it would grind briefly only when going into second gear. As repair would involve removing the engine and gearbox, which is a difficult task on any MGA, I opted to install a 5 speed gearbox conversion I acquired from the same collector, which utilizes a Ford T9 gearbox from a Sierra, rather than rebuild the original gearbox. The Twin Cam engine does drive significantly differently from a stock MGA, or forthat matter, the later B-Series engined MGBs, and even the MGB with another 300 ccs of displacement didn’t make as much power in stock form. The Twin cam engine is also noticeably happier running at higher revs and continues to pull strong all through the rev range. As a result it is somewhat unfortunate that MG didn’t continue its development and improvement, especially when developing the MGB. This example has been properly sorted and is run exclusively on high octane modern fuels, so has had none of the reported problems that the Twin Cam engine can suffer from. That said, as the engine is reportedly somewhat delicate, I am still careful how the car is driven and careful attention is paid to the combination temperature and oil pressure gauge.

Exterior

Interior

Gallery