Lot details Registration No: 684 LNU Chassis No: Y01/2321 Mot Expiry: Sept 2007
Introduced in Autumn 1955, the MGA Roadster married a proven chassis design derived from its TD/TF predecessors (independent coil and wishbone front suspension and a 'live' rear axle) to the new B-series four-cylinder, pushrod OHV engine first seen in the Magnette saloon. Borrowing cues from the Abingdon factory's successful EX182 prototype racers (fifth and sixth in class at that year's Le Mans) its wonderfully elegant styling ensured strong sales on both sides of the Atlantic. Continually updated, the MGA range was joined by Coupe and 'Twin Cam' variants in 1956 and 1958 respectively. Conceived as a performance flagship, the latter was engineered by Gerald Palmer. As well as the (jewel-like) double-overhead camshaft cylinder head that its name implied, the model boasted an enlarged 1588cc engine capacity, up-rated suspension, four-wheel disc brakes and bespoke centre-lock Dunlop steel road wheels (which were strongly reminiscent of those fitted to Jaguar's D-type racer). Developing some 108bhp @ 6,700rpm, the 'Twin Cam' was reputedly capable of a Big Healey worrying 113mph. Yet for all its performance, the newcomer only enjoyed limited sales success (MG making just 2,111 out of the 2,500 originally envisaged with a mere 360 or so cars going to the home market). Hamstrung by a high price tag and some well publicised teething problems, the 'Twin Cam' was phased out in 1960. Today, it is among the most sought after of all post-WW2 MGs.
Finished in red with black leather upholstery, this particular example was first registered by Derbyshire County Council during 1959 (or so its number plate would imply). Believed but not warranted to have covered circa 50,000 miles from new, '684 LNU' reportedly retains an original logbook which shows it was "last on the road 1967". Stated by the vendor to have undergone a "total rebuild since then (approximately two years ago)" during which its major components were treated to the following works: 1589cc engine ("total rebuild"), four-speed manual plus overdrive gearbox ("rebuilt"), electrical equipment ("total rewire"), interior trim ("total re-trim"), chassis ("shot blasted, repaired, repainted"), bodywork ("total re-spray"), wheels ("refurbished") and tyres ("renewed"), the MG is consequently said to be "virtually concours". An undeniably rare and desirable motor car, '684 LNU' is offered for sale with "full photographic evidence of rebuild", MOT certificate valid until August 2007 and historic class (free) road tax.
PLEASE NOTE: This vehicle has an MOT until September 2007.
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