MG established a name for itself in the early days of the sport of international automobile racing. Beginning before and continuing after World War II, MG produced a line of cars known as the T-Series Midgets which, post-war, were exported worldwide, achieving better than expected success. These included the MG TC, MG TD, and MG TF, all of which were based on the pre-war MG TB, with various degrees of updating. MG was absorbed into the British Motor Corporation (BMC) in 1952. MG released the MGA in 1955. Front suspension and steering for the MGA was derived from the predecessor models MG TD and TF. Drive train of the MGA was adapted from the predecessor model saloon (sedan) MG ZB. Dash instruments were mostly pre-existing parts with only a few minor modifications. The MGA frame, body and interior were all new for the new model in 1955, although body styling queues were evolving a few years earlier in some works competition cars and factory prototypes. The MGA with separate body on frame construction was in production from 1955 to 1962.
The MGA was extremely successful when introduced, with over 100,000 cars being built between 1955 to1962. The car had some minor styling changes through out the production run but most of the changes were to mechanical upgrades for power and reliability. The majority of units were exported to the United States. Many parts continue to be available from US suppliers.
- 1500 (1955 - 1959)
- Twin Cam (1958 - 1960)
- 1600 model (1959-1961)
- 1600 Mk II (1961-1962)
- 1600 De-luxe & 1600 MK II Deluxe (After the Twin Cam was phased out, Some 1600 and 1600 MK II were offered using the twin cam chassis, along with unique twin cam options. These were designated as "1600 De-luxe & 1600 MK II Deluxe") .
With a unique and powerful engine the Twin Cam is the most sought after MGA, and the 1500 were the most plentyful. The coupe seems to trail behind the roadster in popularity, however the coupes have features not on the roadster, like door handles and roll-up windows.
The Plan
The general plan is to build a car I can drive. Show cars are great, and I enjoy them, but they are not for me. The big attraction to the MGA for me was the simplicuty of the design. The body can be removed from the frame which allows easy access for inspection & repair. This car was not a luxury car and with the lack of roll up windows (roadster) the number of components that need refurbishing is reduced to a minimum. You are left with the barest of essentials of a true sports car.
I want to keep the car as true to original as possible while still allowing for some modern upgrades when they can be easily hidden, the vintage spirit must be maintained. Some of these will include a Weber carburetor and manifold, possibly electronic ignition and the addition of seat belts.
Since this project is for fun, I'm not sticking to a real ridged time line and therefore will be jumping around a bit to keep things enjoyable. The plan is to begin with chassis and all its components including engine and transmission. Hopefully this will be completed by fall of 2011. Then by the spring of 2012 I will be able to complete the body.
I want to keep the car as true to original as possible while still allowing for some modern upgrades when they can be easily hidden, the vintage spirit must be maintained. Some of these will include a Weber carburetor and manifold, possibly electronic ignition and the addition of seat belts.
Since this project is for fun, I'm not sticking to a real ridged time line and therefore will be jumping around a bit to keep things enjoyable. The plan is to begin with chassis and all its components including engine and transmission. Hopefully this will be completed by fall of 2011. Then by the spring of 2012 I will be able to complete the body.
