Fantasy Junction

Description

1959 MGA Twin Cam Roadster (Auction ends Friday, February 10 at 11:35am)
Chassis Number – YD3/2307
Engine Number – 16G/U/623
Exterior Color – British Racing Green
Interior Color – Tan with Leather Seats
Engine Type – 1600cc DOHC Inline 4-Cylinder
Gearbox –4-Speed manual
Current Mileage – 00,141 (TMU)

Highlights of This Car

- 2022 Jim Alcorn Restoration performed to high standards in exceptional colors
- Rare Twin-Cam engine fitted with twin dual-throat Weber carburetors
- An exceptional car with desirable upgrades for enhanced driving enjoyment

Marque and Model History

The MGA was introduced in 1955 as a welcome and modernized version of the dated MG TF. Combined with reliable mechanicals and superb road manners, the low-profile sports car became a big hit in North America. Initially offered with a 1500cc engine producing 68hp, attempts were made to boost the power output with mixed results. Though a 1600cc version engine later developed was making 78hp, it was clear that a more suitable performance engine was needed.

The first prototype twin cam engines were developed to meet the demand for more horsepower while retaining manufacturing commonality with the B-series engine. The design would go on to become a unique and celebrated piece of MG history. The twin cam consisted of a special light alloy, utilizing a crossflow cylinder head design, Coventry Climax inverted bucket-type tappets, and hemispherical combustion chambers with two valves per cylinder. The new engine put out 108hp. The added power resulted in a 113 mph top speed. Twin cam cars were fitted with Dunlop disc brakes front and rear, Dunlop center lock disc wheels, and Dunlop Road Speed tires. Further changes included the addition of a 7500rpm tachometer and new speedometer (to allow for the new top speed). Although MG had achieved technical and engineering success with the new engine, reliability plagued the cars once they were delivered. Only 2,111 MGA twin cam cars were built, 1,801 of which were factory roadsters.

History of this Car

This example is one of 1,801 factory-built twin-cam roadsters. According to the British Motor History Heritage Trust Certificate accompanying this car, chassis YD3/2307 was dispatched June 25, 1959, finished in Old English White with black interior, a grey convertible top, disc wheels, heater, and centigrade thermometer.

Restored by marque expert Jim Alcorn, La Jolla, CA the owner spared no expense to achieve the high standards shown today. The restoration included complete disassembly of all components, bare metal body restoration, and powder coating for the bare metal frame, transmission tunnel, and wheels. All suspension components were rebuilt with new hardware including magnafluxed front suspension, front sway bar installed within frame horn extension, driveshaft rebuilt and balanced, new bearings, rebuilt rear springs, and new brake rotors. A new wiring loom was installed, all hydraulic lines replaced, all instruments professionally rebuilt, and all mechanical and cosmetic components restored to the highest standards. The car was finished in British Racing Green with a tan leather interior. Although not the original color, this color was used on MGA Works race cars and could be selected by special order from MG at the time this car was built.

While under restoration, the engine was rebuilt with 8.3:1 compression, twin dual-throat Weber carburetors, Pertronix electronic ignition, electric fuel pump, high torque starter, and an upgraded water pump. The Weber carburetor upgrade is not only delightful to look at, it adds 10% more horsepower and eliminates the typical lean-mixture problems found in twin-cam cars restored with SU carburetors.

Restoration Highlights

• Rebuilt Twin Cam 1588cc engine prepared for unleaded fuel
• Balanced MGA Twin Cam steel flywheel and correct Twin Cam clutch
• Twin Dual Throat Weber carburetors
• Rebuilt close ratio 4-speed gearbox
• 4.3:1 rear end differential
• Negative ground generator
• Pertronix electronic ignition
• High-torque starter
• Electric fuel pump
• Upgraded water pump
• Spin-on oil filter conversion
• Stainless steel exhaust
• Single 12-volt battery
• 4-wheel disc brakes
• MGA shocks with heavy duty valves
• 5 165HR15 Vredestein Classic Sprint tires
• 5 original 15”x4” Dunlop steel wheels with knockoffs
• Front anti-sway bar (MGB version fitted in correct MGA location)
• Optional MGA Works wooden steering wheel (16.5” mahogany)
• Tachometer and engine gauge location moved to RHD layout
• Deluxe seats (leather front and vinyl back per original spec)
• Halogen headlights

General Overview

Today this stunning MGA presents beautifully in every respect. The paint is glossy and smooth throughout with stunning reflections. Panel fit is excellent on all opening features with confident closures on the doors, hood, and trunk. The exterior chrome is show quality as are the lenses, windshield, lighting, and emblems. The grille is particularly nice as are the refinished Dunlop wheels with center hub knockoffs and Vredestein tires. Proving the quality of the restoration and mechanical confidence, 140 enjoyable post-restoration miles have been driven without incident.

The interior is beautifully finished with excellent leather seats showing virtually no signs of use. The matching side panels and door cards are also in excellent condition. The dash is very handsome with beautiful chrome trimmed instruments showing excellent color and detail. Carpet is clean and nicely contrasting against the tan leather seating. The tonneau cover is easily snapped into place for single driver cruising or center zipped full coverage when parked. The clean chrome trimmed windshield is in excellent condition and the convertible top fits snugly in place when in position. The trunk is finished with a high level of quality, housing a spare Dunlop wheel with vinyl cover.

Under the hood, the polished twin cam head has been nicely finished, accented by the maroon MG engine color and correctly finished cowl, inner fenders, and accessories. Factory finishes, trim, and fasteners have been used with desirable modern enhancements including Pertronix electronic ignition, electric fuel pump, and high torque starter. The underside of the car is in exceptionally fine condition, essentially fresh from restoration, welcoming even for the most attentive MGA specialists for their review.

The car starts easily and settles into a smooth idle. Manual choke allows for a brief warm-up period as systems come to operating temperatures. The four-speed close ratio gearbox is easily engaged for smooth starts and the gear ratios are ideal for spirited driving. The car takes off briskly as the cams come on and the Webers deliver a nice boost to the power band. Braking from the four-wheel discs is excellent via a tall pedal which tracks evenly coming down from highway speeds. Handling is delightfully addictive, delivering just the right level of balance when carving mountain roads while engaging the twin cam power band.

Included with this Car

This MGA comes with a copy of the British Heritage Certificate, copies of photos documenting the restoration work, a tonneau cover, an original owner’s manual, jack and knockoff mallet, and California Year of Manufacture license plates.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

Inquire About This Car

Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608