MG MGA
The curvaceous roadster that modernized MG's image and introduced the marque to a generation of American buyers.
A dramatic styling break from MG's upright, pre-war-influenced T-series roadsters, the MGA wrapped a separate steel chassis in flowing, envelope bodywork inspired by MG's own record-breaking race cars. It sold strongly in the US, where its combination of genuine sports car handling and relative affordability found an eager audience just as the American sports car market was taking shape.
History
Introduced in 1955, the MGA immediately looked like nothing MG had built before — low, wide, and rounded where the preceding TF had been narrow and upright. The design traced directly back to a one-off streamlined MG built for Le Mans, giving the production car real competition-derived styling roots.
The Twin Cam arrived for 1958 with a genuine dual-overhead-cam engine producing significantly more power — but head gasket and piston reliability issues in period damaged its reputation, and it was discontinued after roughly two years, making surviving examples both rarer and more mechanically demanding today.
The 1600 and 1600 Mk II updates through 1961-62 brought front disc brakes and progressively larger engines, refining the original formula without abandoning what made the MGA distinctive in the first place.
Notable Versions
Twin Cam
Dual-overhead-cam engine, 1958–60. Rare, more powerful, and mechanically demanding — reliability issues in period make sorted examples valuable today.
MGA Coupe
Fixed-head hardtop version offering more weather protection and a bit more structural rigidity than the roadster.
1600 Mk II
The final and most developed pushrod MGA, with a larger 1,622cc engine and styling refinements.
What to Look for When Buying
Key inspection points from experienced collectors.
Twin Cam engines need a specialist inspection
Detonation-related piston damage was a real issue in period; any surviving Twin Cam should be checked by someone who knows the engine's specific weaknesses.
Rust in the sills, floor, and rear spring hangers
The MGA's separate chassis is more forgiving than a unibody car's, but body rust in these areas is still common and affects structural mounting points.
Verify Twin Cam authenticity
Given the value difference, confirm chassis and engine numbers match factory Twin Cam records rather than trusting a later engine swap.
Check wire wheel splines and knock-offs if equipped
Wire wheels look right on an MGA but need periodic inspection — worn splines are a genuine safety issue, not just cosmetic wear.
Inspect the top and side curtains for completeness
Original weather equipment is increasingly hard to source in good condition and affects both usability and value.
Quick Specs
- Engine
- 1.5L–1.6L I4 (pushrod); 1.6L DOHC I4 (Twin Cam)
- Horsepower
- 68 hp (1500) – 108 hp (Twin Cam)
- Wheelbase
- 94 in
- Weight
- approx. 2,000–2,150 lbs
- Transmission
- 4-speed manual
- 0–60 (1600)
- approx. 13–14 seconds
Market Price Guide
Approximate USA asking prices
MG MGA For Sale
No listings currently available — check back soon
🔍
No listings right now
Set up an alert and we'll email you when a MG MGA is listed.