Lot No: 306
1958 MG MGA Mark I
Registration no. F8-268 (NSW Expiry 12/11/11)
Chassis no. 7/57121 854
Engine no. 15CB/U/HA47268
A successful outing for three EX182 pre-production prototypes at the Le Mans 24 Hours Race in 1955 provided perfect pre-launch publicity for MG's new sports car. Conceived as a replacement for the traditional T-Series MGs and launched in 1955, the MGA combined a rigid chassis with the Austin-designed, 1,489cc engine that had first appeared in the ZA Magnette. The overhead valve B-Series unit produced 68bhp (later 72bhp) at 5,500rpm on twin SU carburettors. Running gear was based on that of the TF, with independent coil spring/wishbone front suspension and a leaf-sprung live rear axle. Clad in a stylish aerodynamic body and capable of topping 95mph, the MGA proved an instant hit.
John Bolster, writing in Autosport magazine, commented on an early MGA 'Having driven the competition model, EX182, from which this car was derived, I can say that little has been lost