Discussion
Though I am a died in the wool Lotus man these have interested me for years, if only for their very pretty form. MGB's have never interested me but I've always loved the look of the A.
Prices, like all classics, seem to have dropped significantly now though there seems to be a huge range of prices out there. I am beginning to think having one might be a lot of back to basics fun, and that now might be the time.
Clearly they will not drive like a Lotus Elan but their simplicity and ease of maintenance is making me think they might be a nice thing to trundle around the country lanes next summer. Cheap insurance and no tax or MOT is an added appeal.
Any owners on here and any views/opinions?
Prices, like all classics, seem to have dropped significantly now though there seems to be a huge range of prices out there. I am beginning to think having one might be a lot of back to basics fun, and that now might be the time.
Clearly they will not drive like a Lotus Elan but their simplicity and ease of maintenance is making me think they might be a nice thing to trundle around the country lanes next summer. Cheap insurance and no tax or MOT is an added appeal.
Any owners on here and any views/opinions?
I've never had one, but a part-time trader mate of mine had one to sell on behalf of an elderly owner who could no longer get in or out of it. 
It had been upgraded for modern use with an MGB engine bored out to 1,950cc, a Ford 5 speed box and front disc brakes, but my mate was wary about using it, or more accurately leaving it anywhere, as there were no door locks!
They're much prettier than an MGB too.
It had been upgraded for modern use with an MGB engine bored out to 1,950cc, a Ford 5 speed box and front disc brakes, but my mate was wary about using it, or more accurately leaving it anywhere, as there were no door locks!
They're much prettier than an MGB too.
I had an MGA , albeit 20 years ago, and used it as a daily driver, did the circuit of Ireland retrospective Rally in it and loads of other things. Mine was a Mk11 so had disc brakes in front as standard (early ones had drums all round and only the twin cam had discs all round) mine had been "speedwell modified" in period so no need for an MGB engine or a ford box, drove really well for a separate chassis car with wooden floorboards. Light steering fast gear change and lots of fun. Highly recommended as a summer fun car. Lack of door locks (and handles) never bothered me, took the view that most people wouldnt know how to start it and it was a bit obvious to be nicked.
Only sold it so I could have an AH3000 which was faster but not as nice to drive
Plenty about go and have a test drive
Only sold it so I could have an AH3000 which was faster but not as nice to drive
Plenty about go and have a test drive
Sorry I've been meaning to reply for a couple of days. I've a 1600 coupe although I haven't used it for a few years as a master cylinder leak expanded to me deciding to more jobs on it and making the classic mistake of disassembling more of it than I've had time to rectify.I've also got a late MGB GT (which is a runner).
Comparing the 2 the B is much more mature, refined and comfortable in its behaviour. Compared to the A you sit more on top of it, than in it. The A is much more involving, feels more agile and you are more aware of it having a chassis frame and the level of flex it gives. Overall more engaging to drive, although technically the B is a better drive overall. The Coupe also has the sophisticated decadence of wind up windows and door lock.
In terms of working on it, access the bonnet shape is a bit of a limitation, but then you're probably used to that as the Lotus' webers take up a lot of space, certainly more than a pair of SUs. Overall once stretched over the wing and under the bonnet most bits are easy to work on. Mine came with an early B engine and diff, electronic ignition and converted to negative earth, I've since changed to an alternator and a 5 speed Ford gearbox with quick shift. As I recall the original gearbox offered a good change, quicker than the late B, but not as good as the currently fitted Ford.
Comparing the 2 the B is much more mature, refined and comfortable in its behaviour. Compared to the A you sit more on top of it, than in it. The A is much more involving, feels more agile and you are more aware of it having a chassis frame and the level of flex it gives. Overall more engaging to drive, although technically the B is a better drive overall. The Coupe also has the sophisticated decadence of wind up windows and door lock.
In terms of working on it, access the bonnet shape is a bit of a limitation, but then you're probably used to that as the Lotus' webers take up a lot of space, certainly more than a pair of SUs. Overall once stretched over the wing and under the bonnet most bits are easy to work on. Mine came with an early B engine and diff, electronic ignition and converted to negative earth, I've since changed to an alternator and a 5 speed Ford gearbox with quick shift. As I recall the original gearbox offered a good change, quicker than the late B, but not as good as the currently fitted Ford.
Lots of MGA information and guides here…
https://www.mgexp.com/forum/mga-forum.2/
Mechanically they are straightforward and can be easily upgraded as previously described. If you are thinking of buying an MGA the most important area is the quality of the body restoration.
An excellent / essential MGA resource is the “Original MGA” book by Anders Clausager. Dont buy an MGA without reading it !!
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Original-MGA-Restorers-Ro...
https://www.mgexp.com/forum/mga-forum.2/
Mechanically they are straightforward and can be easily upgraded as previously described. If you are thinking of buying an MGA the most important area is the quality of the body restoration.
An excellent / essential MGA resource is the “Original MGA” book by Anders Clausager. Dont buy an MGA without reading it !!
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Original-MGA-Restorers-Ro...
On that subject this month's Practical Classics has a buyers guide on them and these books are quite a useful concise guide:
https://veloce.co.uk/products/mga-1955-1962
It looks like Veloce themselves are out of stock, but it should be available elsewhere.
https://veloce.co.uk/products/mga-1955-1962
It looks like Veloce themselves are out of stock, but it should be available elsewhere.
I had three MGAs as a teenager/in my twenties, two 1600s and a Twin Cam. My brother had an MGA 1600, an MGB and a Healey 3000 MkIII. In my opinion the MGA was more fun to drive than the MGB albeit not quite as fast. The 'Big Healey' felt a bit agricultural in comparison with worm & peg steering and the box was a bit vague but the bigger engine gave slightly more speed. I also had an MGC GT which was the most sophisticated of the lot but as that was a GT it can't be compared, the others were roadsters.
I've not driven a 1600 MkII but I can't imagine the extra 22cc makes much difference, and I prefer the original grill. Incidentally the 1600 has discs on the front too. Obviously all MGAs will have had some work by now but the cills and lower wings rusted terribly and some repairs I have seen look awful so check the work in this area and look at the door shut lines.
There's not much else to say, the engine has a nice sound, the gearbox is sweet and the rack and pinion steering sharp. I loved mine, hence why I had three, but the snag is that I'm not as thin as I was in my teens and I doubt I'd get in one these days!
I've not driven a 1600 MkII but I can't imagine the extra 22cc makes much difference, and I prefer the original grill. Incidentally the 1600 has discs on the front too. Obviously all MGAs will have had some work by now but the cills and lower wings rusted terribly and some repairs I have seen look awful so check the work in this area and look at the door shut lines.
There's not much else to say, the engine has a nice sound, the gearbox is sweet and the rack and pinion steering sharp. I loved mine, hence why I had three, but the snag is that I'm not as thin as I was in my teens and I doubt I'd get in one these days!
Edited by RichB on Saturday 3rd October 16:02
Lovely little cars. Mine was a 1962 MGA mk2 coupe.
You can generally tell the difference between the 1 and 2s by the grille on the front (on the mk2 the base of the grille is set back)
If the engine is original, you can always tell its an MGA as it starts with a distinctive little cough.
I part exed mine to get a new BINI which had just come out as we needed a reliable car due to a family situation.
Still miss it.
You can generally tell the difference between the 1 and 2s by the grille on the front (on the mk2 the base of the grille is set back)
If the engine is original, you can always tell its an MGA as it starts with a distinctive little cough.
I part exed mine to get a new BINI which had just come out as we needed a reliable car due to a family situation.
Still miss it.
Part of what makes the A more entertaining to drive is it's more vintage feel, but the chassis is stiffer than the earlier T series.
The 1622 of the Mark 2 was a useful increase in power compared to the earlier 1600, however extra 22cc wasn't the most significant change, the compression ratio was increased and I think also the camshaft profile.
Access with the standard size steering wheel can be an issue, especially with a coupe. Here's my father showing how not to get out of an A whilst maintaining decorum. I think there might be a missing photo with crawling out on his hands.
The 1622 of the Mark 2 was a useful increase in power compared to the earlier 1600, however extra 22cc wasn't the most significant change, the compression ratio was increased and I think also the camshaft profile.
Access with the standard size steering wheel can be an issue, especially with a coupe. Here's my father showing how not to get out of an A whilst maintaining decorum. I think there might be a missing photo with crawling out on his hands.
RichB said:
fttm said:
Near neighbour has one , runs a supercharged Fiat twin cam and 5 speed box . Madness
Maybe it's just me but I don't see the point in doing this. The 1600 (1588 / 1622) engine is part of the charm of these cars. If you want to go faster get something newer like an MX5.
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