1959 MG A Twin Cam Roadster
1 of 1,801 Twin Cam Roadsters produced

Registration No: 807 YUH
Chassis No: YD3/2101
MOT: Exempt

• 1 of just 1,801 Twin Cam Roadsters produced
• Matching chassis, engine, and gearbox numbers as confirmed by the MGA Register
• Lavished with a comprehensive chassis-up, body-off restoration between 2010 and 2012
• Purchased by the vendor from classic car specialists Crosthwaite & Gardener, having been Dick Crosthwaite’s personal car
• Still presenting excellently today with notably good panel gaps, it started readily and ran well during the recent photography session

Keen to extract more power from the 1,500cc B-Series engine then powering its MGA and Magnette models, and once again create an MG model suitable for competition, BMC began evolving a DOHC version of the four-cylinder unit in 1954. Development was slow, however, and it was not until 1958 that the Twin Cam MGA finally came to the market. The specification of chain-driven camshafts nestling atop a cross-flow alloy cylinder head augured well, and the 1,588cc, 108bhp newcomer did not disappoint, reputedly being capable of 0-60mph in 9.1 seconds and a top speed of 115mph. With Dunlop disc brakes all round, the model stopped well, too. However, the tardiness of its introduction, early engine maladies and fierce competition from such motorsport-proven rivals as the Triumph TR3 and Austin-Healey 100 saw manufacture curtailed after just two years. By that time only 2,111 examples had been produced, 1,801 of which were Roadsters. Of course, with modern knowhow and fuels, the Twin-Cams will run with decent reliability and good examples are now highly prized.

This beautiful Twin Cam started life as a LHD export model bound for North America. Completed on May 25th, 1959, and despatched on 26th, it was originally finished in Black with a Red interior and Black hood, plus disc wheels, a heater, a windscreen washer, side screens with sliding windows and a black tonneau cover. It was imported back to Britain in 1991. Around 2009, a programme of extensive renovations was commenced by respected MGA specialist Bob West, starting with an engine overhaul, with new bearings, valves and seals. The remainder of its body-off, chassis-up restoration was performed during 2010, which is when the RHD conversion was performed. The meticulous extent of the restoration is evident from the panel gaps, which might very well be flawless. The paint and interior were refurbished in the original colours, and rechroming completed the project in 2013. Invoices on file reveal the cost to have exceeded £20,000, including £8,800 for the engine overhaul.

In 2021, ‘807 YUH’ was sold to famed engineer Dick Crosthwaite of Crosthwaite & Gardiner, one of the leading international historic race preparation workshops. He in turn sold it to the present owner in 2024 for some £55,000, since when it has further benefitted from a comprehensive service with new spark plugs and brake pads, the work totalling £1,600, plus a full gearbox overhaul and various other improvements costing within the region of £6,000.

It is offered with extensive paperwork including the V5C, assorted invoices, a BMIHT certificate, and an owner’s manual, as well as the original steering wheel, and benefits being fitted with inertia lap belts. An inspection by the MGA Register has confirmed the chassis, body and engine are the original items from the date of manufacture. Twin Cams rarely come onto the market, and this is surely one of the best examples there is.

For more information, please contact:
Paul Cheetham
paul.cheetham@handh.co.uk
07538 667452