1960 MG A

The MG A (MGA) Roadster was introduced in Autumn 1955 marrying the proven chassis design derived from its TD/TF predecessor with a new B-series four-cylinder, pushrod-OHV engine first used in the Magnette saloon. Its elegant styling was inspired by the Abingdon factory's successful EX182 prototype racers (5th- and 6th-in-class at that year's Le Mans) styled by MG designer Syd Enever. Receiving continuous updates, the MGA range was joined by Coupe and 'Twin Cam' variants in 1956 and 1958 respectively. The new dual-overhead-cam four-cylinder engine had a larger displacement, at 1588cc, developing 108 horsepower - a 50 percent increase over the standard four-cylinder engine. It used larger (1.75-inch) SU carburetors, hemispherical combustion chambers, inverted bucket-style tappets, cross-flow aluminum-alloy cylinder head, and 80-degree inclined valves. To cope with the increase in performance from the Twin Cam engine, it came standard with four-wheel Dunlop disc brakes.

The Twin Cam models quickly gained a reputation for poor reliability and as an oil burner. It was plagued by burnt pistons especially when driven at high RPM. MG responded by decreasing the initial 9.9:1 compression ratio, but the damage, its reputation was tarnished, and the temperamental engine became notorious for warranty problems. Approximately 2,111 examples were built before the production of the Twin-Cam ended in April 1960.

The 1960 MG A received a new model designation of 1600 MK I, in reference to its newly enlarged four-cylinder engine displacement of 1588cc (96.9 cubic-inch). The over-head-valve unit had two SU semi-downdraft carburetors, three main bearings, an 8.3:1 compression ratio, and developed 80 horsepower at 5600 RPM. The exterior styling remained similar to the previous model years with the exception being the amber front turn-signal lenses. A new mechanical change was the Lockheed front disc brakes. Pricing for the roadster began at $2,445 while the coupe had a base price of $2,665.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2020