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MGA MGA - general question on buying one

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j daniel floyd

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I've owned 4 Triumphs (a 3B, Spit, 8 and currently a 67 TR4A) over the years but still have a passion for an MGA. Can anyone provide some guidance on typical problems associated with MGA ownership. I'm currently looking at a 1956 and a 1957. Is there any reason to jump forward to a 61 or 62?
 
The main mechanical difference between the various years is engine size. Early models up to 1958 had 1500cc engines. Next was 1600 and the late models had a 1622. Other differences include front disc brakes and a front anti-roll bar on the '59-62 models rather than 4-wheel drums on earlier cars. The only other difference is cosmetics. '59-61 had dual tail lamps instead of single, and '62 had horizontal tail lamps. The curvature of the front cowl and bonnet are slightly different between early and late models. The grill changed for the late model cars to a recessed type.

There was a Mark II Deluxe which was basically Twin Cam specification, including 4-wheel disc brakes, but without the twin cam engine. These are very rare.

Early cars are typically considered the most aesthetically pleasing, but the larger bore of the later engines gives an MGA the bump in power it desperately needs. Many people either bore out the early power unit to a later size, or install an early (62-64) MGB engine which is nearly identical in design to the MGA unit.

Problem areas are the same as most classic cars. Look out for rust in the body, and a solid engine and transmission are a big plus. The frame is extremely rugged so if there is rust through there, consider the car trash.
 
I just bought a MGA 1500, about a month ago, previously I've had e type, healey, mgb, midget, spit, vitesse, alpine and some.

My thoughts so far on the MGA is lovely car, but it breathless, at 60 its doing its nut! So much so that I have already bought a 1800 engine and am planning a 5 speed gearbox conversion.

Otherwise its very nice and very pretty and not so much of a beast as some of the others.

HTH
 
A few member of my local club have done this with no regrets. Real strong runners they are.
 
I've owned a couple of dozen of these (still have 3).

Later cars have more poop (but the 3 main MGB fixes that) and disc brakes - but you can update older cars to discs.

The handling is all pretty much the same - no sway bars as anything but an option on any of them although the last Twincams did get front bars.

Solid chassis so teh rust is usually confined to body and you can but just about every replacement panel for the car.

Some like longer legged gearing and the 5 speed conversions do that although I prefer to sneak an overdrive trans in - more traditional.

Much prettier styling than the MGB (though not as much luggage space) and much better handling than the TRs make them a great 50s sports car.

A stock 3 main MGB engine gives a 105 mph top end, which should be adequate.
 
j daniel floyd said:
The 1956 that I am considering has been fitted with a "B" engine. Sounds as though it will be a plus.
Click to expand...
Hopefully it's an early 3-main unit. That would be a plus for a driver. Later engines will also fit but have a different, more modern feel that I don't personally like in an MGA.
 
Speaking with the owner today (from whom I purchased my 1967 TR4A via an on-site visit) the front brakes have been already converted to disc. Based on his candor, I am forking out a few bucks to have him rebuild the trans.

My thanks to one and all who have responded to my posting - you have been most helpful!
 
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