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1959 MGA Twin Cam (UK home market)

£49,500

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1959 MGA Twin Cam (UK home market)
 
A high-performance version of the well-proven MGA, the Twin Cam was offered for just two seasons – 1958-60. Just 2111 were built in both Roadster and Coupe form, so the model has always had an air of exclusivity. Developed from the BMC ‘B’ Series engine as its basis, the Twin Cam power unit boasted 108 bhp, originally having a compression ratio of 9.9:1 (This was eventually lowered to 8.3:1).
A contemporary road test by ‘The Motor’ magazine showed the performance of the car to be outstanding for its engine size – a top speed of 113 mph being recorded, with acceleration from 0– 60 being accomplished in 9.1 seconds.

The most obvious distinguishing features compared to the standard MGA were the use of Dunlop ‘knock-off’ steel wheels, whilst Dunlop four-wheel disc brakes ensured the performance could be rapidly checked.
Dispatched from the Works on 9th October 1959, this example is an original RHD home market model. Of the 2111 Twin Cam MGA models built, only 210 Roadsters were home market RHD. This car was acquired by its owner from MG specialists Brown & Gammons, who had maintained it for the previous owner since 1996. This owner was Ford of Europe’s Chief Engineer. 
 
After a period in Germany and the USA, he brought the car back to the UK and had Brown & gammons carry out a full body restoration. Following this work, the car was used twice yearly for holidays in the UK with B&G maintaining and storing it until it was purchased by the present owner four years ago. Just 13,000 miles have been covered since the B&G renovations. 
 
Information on file mentions a previous owner having entrusted the car to MGA Twin Cam guru Peter Wood for rebuilding of the engine and gearbox some time during the late ‘80’s, although it would seem that the car has been not covered a great mileage subsequently and oil pressure remains at 55 - 60 psi with no overheating issues.
 
The car has been fastidiously cared for with recent work having included the distributor being rebuilt along with the carburettors and throttle shafts and fitting of Teflon seals which prevent the leakage so common when the original cork seals perish. The engine has recently been carefully tuned. The engine has the later 8.3:1 pistons.
 
Presented in extremely good order in all respects, this fine MGA Twin cam has a substantial file of documentation together with the original Driver’s Handbook and Workshop Manual.
 
According the MG Car Club’s Twin Cam Register, there are probably no more than around 110 roadworthy Twin Cams in the UK and the US. 

 

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