The 1960 MGA 1600 Roadster collectible auto met a pauperism that had been identify much earlier .
The ethnic music at MG were thinking about a transposition for the illustrious T - Series as betimes as 1952 . In fact , a prototype – EX175 – was completed that class , only to be mothballed by BMC corporate managers who allocate production funds to the Austin - Healey rather . MG had to bide its clip with a facelifted TF manakin .
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MG finally got to release its unexampled gondola in September 1955 . It was so revolutionary – envelope - bodied , low-toned , and sleek – that MG depart all over at the beginning of the alphabet and key out it the MGA . It was a staring two - seater sports car with bucket seating area and an instrument panel boasting a huge speedometer and tach .
While the 1952 epitome carried TD running gear , MG had become part of British Motor Corporation by the metre the project was revived in 1954 , so the MGA was reconfigured around newly developed " corporate " hardware .
It thus became the first MG sports car to utilise BMC ’s " B - Series " four - piston chamber engine , four - fastness gear box , and a novel eccentric of hypoid - bevel rearward axle . The powerplant chosen was the 1,489 - mil , 72 - bhp version , just enough for a top focal ratio at the witching " long ton " ( 100 mph ) .
Along the way , the MGA was treated to gradual but perceptible improvement in displacement , power , and equipment . The MGA 1600 debut in 1959 with its ohv four boost to 1,588 cc and 80 bhp , and Lockheed front saucer brakes were made standard .
From the outside , the 1600 was secern by its " two - level " taillights and discreet " 1600 " badging on the decklid and next to the melodic phrase vent near the cowl . As with all MGAs , the grille was a lowered and laid - back version of the " classic " wicket realise on the old T - Series MG . Exterior door hold were not provided ; owners had to reach inside to unlatch the room access .
While the 1600 was n’t in particular brawny – 0 - 60 in 14.2 second and 101 mph all out – it felt fast , and the handling was brilliant .
