1958 MG A 1600 Twincam Roadster

Lot details
Registration No: VNP 99
Chassis No: YD1/572
Mot Expiry: March 2009

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.

First registered as 'VNP 99' to a Mr John Bryant on 21st August 1958, this particular home market example was originally finished in Ash Green with grey leather upholstery (the livery it still sports today). Ordered with the following extras: a tonneau cover, foglamp, heater, badge bar, oil cooler and windscreen washers; the MG was acquired by its second keeper in 1964. Off the road between 1968 and 1991, the Roadster was then subjected to a five-year 'chassis up' refurbishment programme during which we are informed "no rot or damage was found". Treated to a respray and new carpets in 1995 as part of the work but retaining its factory fitted engine and gearbox etc, 'VNP 99' only became available due to bereavement. Entering the current (third) ownership during March 2005, the two-seater is since understood to have had its "engine updated to 'Peter Wood' specification at a cost of some £4,000" and to benefit from "a battery, exhaust and tyres that are as new". Boasting "continuous history from day one" and showing just 66,000 miles to its odometer, this exceptionally original Twin Cam Roadster won the Spirit of Brooklands 2008 award (entries gaining points according to their degree of originality and performance in various driving tests). Quite possibly the nicest MG A we have offered for sale, 'VNP 99' is accompanied by a history file and MOT certificate valid until March 2009.