Buying Guide
MGA Roadster and Coupé
Look up the term ‘British roadster’ and it might as well be a description of the MGA – rakish two-seater styling, tidy handling, low weight and a reliable engine.
Launched originally with a 1489cc B-series engine as the 1500 Roadster and Coupé, both enjoyed healthy sales – particularly in the make-or-break North American export market. Fewer than 6000 of the 101,082 MGAs built were sold in the UK, with more than 80,000 crossing the Atlantic, though buyers demanded more speed, more flexibility and better brakes.
The MGA Twin Cam was Abingdon’s first attempt to cater for this market but its sophisticated engine was plagued by reliability issues. As such, just 2111 were built. Then, in 1959, the 1600 replaced the 1500, with a bored-out 1588cc engine and 11-inch Lockheed front discs replacing the old drum brakes. The De Luxe debuted in 1960, using the Twin Cam’s chassis but a single-camshaft 1622cc engine. Although many cars now in the UK were sold new in the US, converting from left- to right-hand drive is straightforward. There’s no need to hack the bodyshell or chassis about – all that’s needed is a fresh dash along with various other parts, which keeps the cost down to about £800 (DIY) or £2000 if you enlist the services of a professional. Arguably the prettiest car ever to wear an MG badge, the MGA is a solid buy in a turbulent market and parts availability is excellent thanks to a raft of clubs and specialists.
‘Arguably the prettiest car ever to wear an MG badge, and a solid buy’