1959 MGA Twin Cam

• One of only 2,111 MGA Twin Cams produced
• 1588cc with a light-alloy head producing 108bhp at 6,700rpm
• Despatched in late December 1958 to Northern America in left-hand drive
• Returned home in 2014. Superbly restored and converted to right-hand drive
• Very smart in gleaming BMC Black with a classic red leather interior
• Good history file with a full photographic account of the restoration

Coaxing more power from the standard MGA engine was becoming increasingly difficult, so MG concentrated on developing a twin-overhead-camshaft cylinder head for the B-Series block. Conceived at Cowley by BMC engineer Gerald Palmer and introduced in 1958, the new 1,588cc engine did not disappoint. It featured a special light alloy cross-flow cylinder head with hemispherical combustion chambers and carried twin overhead camshafts with valve operation via Coventry Climax-style inverted bucket tappets, producing an impressive 108bhp at 6,700rpm. Considerably faster than the standard MGA, the Twin Cam could comfortably exceed 110mph, and to cope with the increased performance Dunlop disc brakes were fitted all round and Dunlop centre-lock wheels were a distinctive addition. The only other visual identifier was the script 'Twin Cam' near the vent aside the bonnet. A high price and an unjustified reputation for unreliability discouraged sales and the model was dropped after just two years. Production totalled 2,111 cars, a mere 360 of which were sold on the home market, and today the Twin-Cam is one of the most sought-after of post-war MG sports cars.

Offered here is undoubtedly one the finest restored MGA Twin Cams available anywhere today. Finished in what can only be described as the most stunning combination of Black coachwork (BMC code BKI) with a red leather interior. It was despatched on 30/12/1958 to Northern America in left-hand drive finished in black with a green interior with the factory options of disc wheels and heater. It returned to the UK in 2014 when a full restoration was started by the new owner and converted to right-hand drive. The history file contains a full photographic account of the restoration accompanied by all the invoices and details of the specialised engine parts. The result is a spectacular Twin-Cam Roadster that fires up instantly with a pleasing raspy engine note and performs impeccably.

We cannot eulogise enough about the quality of this stunning MGA Twin Cam that would be admired at any event in the world. These rare cars are now recognised as real classics that drive very well and deservedly have a niche in the MG history book. This lovely example is now ready to begin the next chapter of its life.