FIVE TRIALS
We enjoy the MGA 1600 Roadster and put it fully to the test
1 DAILY DRIVING
Although few would use a 60-year-old sports car every day, there’s nothing in the 1600’s make-up to prevent you from doing so. The 1.6-litre B-series engine is happy in traffic, while acceleration is brisk enough to jostle your way out of a T-junction. Speed bumps might be an issue, though. That said, manoeuvring the MGA is a doddle: the steering never becomes heavy and requires only twoand-a-half turns from lock-to-lock, while its surprisingly tight turning circle is appreciated.
2 IN THE SERVICE BAY
There’s nothing complex in the engine bay and access is good given how narrow the bonnet appears. Owners will find a total of 10 points to direct their grease gun towards every 1000 miles or so to avoid key components seizing. In short, there’s nothing a home mechanic has to fear. Owners will likely find plenty of effortsaving tweaks fitted, such as a spin-on oil filter and electronic ignition. Likewise, the B-series is easily fettled, and engine mods (as long as they’re sensible) rarely compromise its value.
3 ON THE SHOW CIRCUIT
General car show admission is a given, so it’s only the weather counting against the 1600. You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to club events. The MG Car Club has its South West MGA Day on Sunday 14 July, Scottish MGA Day is on Saturday 27 July, and there’ll be an MGA Day at the Shuttleworth Collection on Sunday 11 August. The MG Owners’ Club’s flagship event, MGs in the Park, takes place on Sunday 9 June, and its Solent branch celebrates its 30th anniversary at Beaulieu on Sunday 25 August.
4 THE LONG WEEKEND
Trips away involve compromises – chiefly what you can carry. The MGA isn’t blessed with a large boot, with so much of it taken up by the spare wheel – some owners fit a grid on the lid. Cruising in top doesn’t involve spinning at frantic speeds (60mph in top translates to 3000rpm); and even without overdrive it’ll achieve 30mpg with a light enough right foot. It must also be said that driving becomes considerably nosier with the hood up. A coupé would be wiser for year-round use.
5 THE B-ROAD BLAST
Twisty country roads are where this MG shines. Even without an anti-roll bar – only specified as an option – the MGA doesn’t lean excessively mid-corner. Carrying a decent amount of speed into a bend requires you to brace yourself momentarily with the steering wheel, without any fear of understeer. In dry conditions, it felt firmly planted to the road. Moreover, the driving position, being so low-slung, imparts the feeling of being at one with the car.