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By 1955, the British Motor Corporation (BMC) had swallowed up Austin, bringing Austin, Morris, MG, Riley and Wolseley under common ownership. This meant that new cars had to apply to a more broad corporate policy, thus common components were established between the marques. So when the TF replacement was drawn up, it was powered by the BMC 1498cc B-series engine housed in a new modern chassis and structurally rigid body.

BMC gave the green light for the new MGA in 1955. With a new chassis, and all enveloping bodywork it contrasted with MG's traditional style. As introduced, the A reunited MG back to motor sport. Its first public appearance was witnessed as a team of three aluminum body prototypes at the 1955 Le Mans 24 Hour event. Marked by tragedy, the 1955 Le Mans is remembered for the appalling accident which sent a Mercedes SLR into the stands, and not the fifth and sixth place achieved by the MGAs at their first race.

Fortunately, the production MGA became BMC's biggest success story, as more than 100,000 MGAs were made until 1962. These included just over 2,000 of the advanced Twin Cam models, having twin overhead camshafts and four wheel disc brakes. Most of the MGAs ended up in America and, along with the TC that came before, provided a backbone for the American entry level sports market.

A host of MGA record cars and race efforts publicized the car. At the 1956 12-hour race at Sebring, MGAs made their production racing debut, finishing 19th, 20th and 22nd overall. A new MG record car, the EX179 of 1954 built for George Eyston had been based on a prototype MGA chassis. The last and most impressive MG record car was EX181 of 1957, with a supercharged Twin Cam engine behind the driver in a teardrop shaped body. This was driven by Stirling Moss and later Phil Hill, and set 1500cc and 2000cc class records at speeds over 250mph.

By 1956 a coupe version was offered, and in 1959 the MGA got a complete overhaul. This included a larger 1588cc engine and Lockheed 11-inch front disc brakes. However, the definitive version remained the Twin Cam, which used the B-Series bottom end and features a valve train and cylinder head modified for twin camshafts. Combined with a new exhaust manifold, and dual 1.75 in. SU carburetors, the Twin Cam produced 108 bhp @ 6,700 rpm.

The MGA was replaced in 1962 by the less shapely MGB that would become the longest-running and best-selling MG.

Chassis & Sales

1962 MGA Mark II 1600 Roadster - sold for $30,250 The beautiful Iris blue Mk II roadster presented here, with a blue interior and white piping, was the recipient of a three-year frame-off, fully documented restoration performed by a marque specialist to exacting standards. The frame and all suspension components were powder-coated and reassembled with grade-eight NOS hardware. The engine and transmission were professionally rebuilt to superb standards while virtually every mechanical system o... more
Gallery: RM Auctions' 2010 Sports & Classics of Monterey

1958 MGA 1500 Roadster - sold for $27,500 Pre-WWII, MG made its reputation with factory-run competition cars. In the post-war period, amateurs resumed racing with the MG- TC and TD. When a team of MGs competed in the 1955 24 Hours of Le Mans, the arrival of the all-new MGA heralded the return of works cars to the track, and again in 1956 when the factory made an entry of three cars to the 12 Hours of Sebring endurance race. This MGA Roadster is a tribute to those race cars, specifical... more
Gallery: 2011 Amelia Island Auction by Gooding & Company

1957 MGA Coupe - sold for $22,000 A high quality, complete restoration that was completed approximately six years ago, this very fine example is finished in white with a green interior and complemented by a period-style set of Minilite “knock-off” wheels. The discerning current owner acquired it shortly after the restoration was completed, and it continues to benefit from the attentive care it has received within his private collection, including regular changes of the battery... more
Gallery: 2011 St. John's Auction by RM

1957 MGA 1500 Roadster - sold for $56,100 Beautifully Restored Example. 2003 Frame-Off Restoration. Handsome Livery. Recent Mechanical Servicing. Timeless Sports Car Design. Iconic Post-War British Roadster.
Gallery: 2011 Pebble Beach Auctions by Gooding & Company

1959 MG A Twin Cam Coupe - sold for $30,000 Introduced in 1959, the MG A Twin Cam has long been a popular performer on the club racing circuit. The rare Red coupe offered here is one of just 263 built in 1959. Factory equipped with the 1.6 liter twin overhead cam engine, 4-speed close ratio manual transmission, 4-wheel disc brakes and knock-off wheels, it was professionally restored in 1990. Having seen competition at such venues as Lime Rock, Watkins Glen and Pocono, it is prepared for... more
Gallery: 2011 Monterey Daytime Auction by Mecum

1959 MG A Twin Cam Roadster - sold for $58,000 A rare, rust free twin cam Roadster that just completed a full nut, bolt, and washer restoration. 4-Speed manual transmission. Originally owned from 1971 to 2004 by Lyle York, the founder of the Twin Cam Register. Original aluminum head twin overhead cam engine producing 107 HP. Factory installed 4-wheel disc brakes. Original Dunlop steel knock-off wheels. One of 2111 twin cams produced in 1959/60. - Twin cams originally aimed at competition ... more
Gallery: 2011 Monterey Daytime Auction by Mecum

1962 MG A Mark II Roadster - sold for $27,500 Sold new in San Jose, California. 2nd owner purchased July 2, 2001 from family friend who had owned since new as a high school graduation present in 1962. Over $10,000 spent on paint. Rust free body. Interior has new leather and wool carpet. Burlwood dash. New chrome wire wheels.
Gallery: 2011 Monterey Daytime Auction by Mecum

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