This motorcar is now sold.

Chassis Number: GHD/72014

Up until the launch of the MGA at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1955, post-War MG’s were an evolution of the pre-War model line up, culminating with the MG TF 1500. The beautiful design of the MGA body dates back to 1951 when George Philips designed a streamlined body to be fitted to a TD to race at Le Mans, and was a giant leap forward from the older styling of the ‘T’ models. The design used in that exercise is almost the same as that which was used on the production version of the MGA.
Initially, the power came from the 1489cc BMC ‘B’ Series engine with twin SU carbs and 68bhp, which was soon uprated to 72bhp. In 1958 the MGA 1600 was launched – a high-performance twin cam version with a high compression ratio aluminium head, capacity of 1588cc producing 108bhp and fitted with Dunlop disc brakes all round. Reliability issues plagued the Twin Cam and sales quickly dwindled. A lower compression engine was launched, but it was too late, and Twin Cam production ended after just 2 years with just 2,111 examples produced.

In May 1959, the standard cars also received an updated engine, now at 1588 cc, producing 79.5 bhp. At the front, disc brakes were fitted, but drums remained in the rear.
Externally, the car is very similar to the 1500 with differences including amber or white (depending on market) front turn indicators shared with white parking lamps, separate stop/tail and turn lamps in the rear, and 1600 badging on the boot and the cowl.

This motorcar, in particular, was despatched from the Abingdon factory on the 22nd of July 1959. It remains in its original specification of Chariot Red bodywork over Black trim. It featured disc wheels and competition seats and was registered YDU 55.

It was supplied new through Parkside Garage,Coventry to the original owner, Frank ‘Cliff’ Ward, to compete as a privateer in the 1960 Monte Carlo Rally. And that’s exactly what he did.Starting at The Hague in Belgium and powering through to the Principality of Monaco, finishing in 130th place.

A fantastic result for a private entry of the Monte, it would seem that this glorious history would be forgotten and remain in road guise for many years.

Moving into this century, between 2010-2014 the MG received a bare chassis/body restoration and a full engine rebuild alongside mechanicals and the interior.
After being with a few short-term owners, in 2021, a recent custodian decided to bring the MGA up to the deserved standard.
£20,000 pounds had been spent with Valoroso Race and Restoration Services to recommission it to the motorcar you see today that drives splendidly and is now registered with the FIVA, giving it eligibility for all the top motoring events.

A lovely history file containing a green buff log, the BMIHT certificate, Period photos/stills, and the recent restoration is on file.

POA

To find out more about this vehicle please contact charlie@brooklandscarsltd.com in our sales team for further details, viewing by prior appointment. Telephone: +44 (0)1932828545
Mobile: +44 (0)7557 878123