Coys Auction - True Greats
Royal Horticultural Halls
Elverton St
Westminster
London SW1
Tuesday 7 December 2010
For the debut of its new MGA in 1955, MG wisely chose that year's Le Mans 24 Hour race. After a succession of open-wheeled models, there were fears of an adverse reaction to such a streamlined car and it was felt that by showing the MGA in competition first that the aerodynamic shape would be accepted as a performance essential. There had been some delays however, in getting the go-ahead for production, MG owner BMC initially declining, having already agreed with Donald Healey to build the Austin Healey 100; it was the success of a highly streamlined MGA prototype which took several records up to 153mph which finally persuaded BMC to relent.
The competition successes of the ZA Magnette had already proven the potential of its new 1,498cc four cylinder engine and this was chosen for the new MGA. With 68bhp at 5,550rpm, soon raised to 72bhp, the MGA was capable of 0-60mph in 15