MG - MGA
MG entered a new era of sportscar with the Sydney Enevers designed MGA, with a design unshackled from the prewar era. The body style was based on an earlier special TD built by Enever to run at Le Mans in 1951. The MGA was finally launched in 1955, becoming an immediate success, with the vast bulk of MGA production being exported for the UK's much needed foreign currency. The Roadster was joined by the Coupe for 1956. The MGA started off with the B series 1489cc engine, and followed in 1959 with the enlarged 1588cc MGA 1600 Mk1 that made it a genuine 100mph sportscar. For 1961 with the MGA 1600Mk2 the engine was bored out to 1622cc. At the same time the Mk2 was fitted with disc brakes to the front wheels.
From 1958 the MGA Twin cam model was an option which had centre lock Dunlop peg wheels with disc brakes to all four wheels. The engine had an alloy cylinder head mated to the BMC B series block, but costly warranty engine problems led to a reworked engine that saw a reduction in compression. Although this sorted out the reliability issues the damage had been done and the MGA Twin cam was discontinued shortly after, in 1960. Much of the parts not used on the prematurely ended MGA Twin cam made their way to the 1600 De Luxe which had 4 wheel disc brakes and the disc wheels. . .
MGA tyre sizes used were:
- The earlier MGA was originally listed (between 1955 and 1958) with 5.60x15 tyres which is the radial tyre equivalent of 155R15, which Blockley produces an excellent high speed rated steel belted example 155HR15 (with standard or whitewall options) - see details of these 155HR15 tyre choices below:
- The MGA Twin Cam tyre size was originally the marginally larger 5.90x15, which is radial equivalent 165R15 tyre size.
- MGA tyre size from 1959 onward was 5.90x15 which is radial equivalent 165R15. This was for the MGA 1600Mk1 and MGA 1600Mk2, in addition to the Twin Cam. The Blockley 165VR15 we produce is the highest quality (the first V rated 149mph / 260kph tyre made in recent times) steel belted tyre guaranteed to greatly enhance the handling of the MGA in the wet and dry - guaranteed, or your money back! See full details of this superb tyre below:
