MGA Thinking About An MGA

[QuickSilver]

I have been looking at MGA on eBay and I think I want to pick up a good specimen.

If anyone in the DFW are would be as nice as to let me pour over theirs I would appreciate it.

Also if someone has a low priced specimen for sale please let me know.

 

[bob67bgt]

Try the fit. They are larger inside than a T series car but no where near as large or comfortable as a MGB. I have to duck down so i do not look thru the chrome on the top of the windshield. Seats are also poor. Just foam on the bottom with no webbing. Anything over an hour and i was ready to get out. Good fun if you are under 5'8" +/-. For what its worth....bob

 

[QuickSilver]

Duly noted Sir.

Regards.

 

[bcliff]

My experience is limited to only a couple of examples, but compared to the MGBs I have had, they were more like driving a truck. And of course, nowhere near as nimble as a Mini (or an Elf). But then again, their beauty is unsurpassed.
Bruce

 

[billspohn]

They are pretty much exactly like driving an MGB as they share the same suspension.

The MGB uses seats that are much too high resulting in you looking right into the top windscreen bar (if you are normal size) unlike the MGA.

I particularly enjoy the coupe version of the MGA - comfortable long distance cars.

 

[QuickSilver]

My experience is limited to only a couple of examples, but compared to the MGBs I have had, they were more like driving a truck. And of course, nowhere near as nimble as a Mini (or an Elf). But then again, their beauty is unsurpassed.
Bruce

Hi Bruce:

My MGB is leaving me feeling that I am driving something too soft and too modern.

I'll never own another Moke (safety is a concern here in Texas) but I need something rudimentary and driver focused and I think the MGA may fit that need.

But I want to look before I leap as usual.

 

[aeronca65t]

My first street-legal car was an MGA (42 years ago). I have a '69 MGB these days (and a Miata) but I still like driving MGAs.

It's a wonderful, forgiving and elegantly "pure" classic that's closer to Sprite (my favourite car) than most of the other classic Brits.
Not comfortable in the "normal" sense, but no surprises when driving.
I particularly like the steering 'feel" and even the drum brakes cars have decent stopping power.

For me (6' and 200 lbs) there's plenty of room in an A. I agree that the B seems to have a goofy seat height problem that puts the upper windshield frame in the line of sight (for me, at least).

I doubt an MGA is really much safer than a Moke.

For your viewing pleasure, ~Here's Me~ (in my Spridget) chasing my pal, John Faulkner in his blue 1600 MGA (with white stripes). The track was cold and damp (New Hampshire a few weeks ago) and we both had "dry" tires. Both these "primitive" cars were all over the place...but even so, both cars were easy to push to their respective limits comfortably.

For more MGA "fun" look at ~This Video~ around the 3:15 mark you'll see John pass me just as his glove gets caught in the steering wheel. I was full on the gas and nearly hit him.

 

[blueA]

Just my two cents, nothing like driving a truck, but an enjoyable cruising car. Bob

 

[QuickSilver]

My first street-legal car was an MGA (42 years ago). I have a '69 MGB these days (and a Miata) but I still like driving MGAs.

It's a wonderful, forgiving and elegantly "pure" classic that's closer to Sprite (my favourite car) than most of the other classic Brits.
Not comfortable in the "normal" sense, but no surprises when driving.
I particularly like the steering 'feel" and even the drum brakes cars have decent stopping power.

For me (6' and 200 lbs) there's plenty of room in an A. I agree that the B seems to have a goofy seat height problem that puts the upper windshield frame in the line of sight (for me, at least).

I doubt an MGA is really much safer than a Moke.

For your viewing pleasure, ~Here's Me~ (in my Spridget) chasing my pal, John Faulkner in his blue 1600 MGA (with white stripes). The track was cold and damp (New Hampshire a few weeks ago) and we both had "dry" tires. Both these "primitive" cars were all over the place...but even so, both cars were easy to push to their respective limits comfortably.

For more MGA "fun" look at ~This Video~ around the 3:15 mark you'll see John pass me just as his glove gets caught in the steering wheel. I was full on the gas and nearly hit him.

Thanks for sharing the videos. I totally have a soft spot for the exhaust tone of small british engines at high rpm..

 

[bcliff]

I think I need to drive a few more MGAs.
Bruce