1958→1960 MG A Twin-Cam
In 1958 BMC produced a high performance version of the MGA called the twin-cam. This used a new aluminum cylinder head on the B-Series engine to produce 108 bhp.
Along with the DOHC setup, BMC also fitted Dunlop disc brakes and Dunlop steel wheels.
All the twin-cams are easily identified by their Twin-Cam logo near the side vents.
Due to detonation, the compression ratio was dropped from 9.9:1 to 8.3:1 on the later cars.
Story by Supercars.net
In Detail
| tags | mga |
| submitted by | Richard Owen |
| type | Series Production Car |
| production years | 1958 – 1960 |
| built at | Abingdon, England |
| production | 2111 |
| price £/td> | £1,283 |
| engine | Inline-4 |
| position | Front, Longtudinal |
| aspiration | Natural |
| ignition | Lucas Distributor |
| block material | Cast Iron |
| valvetrain | DOHC, 2 Valves per Cyl |
| fuel feed | Twin SU Carburetors |
| displacement | 1488 cc / 90.8 in³ |
| bore | 73.15 mm / 2.88 in |
| stroke | 88.9 mm / 3.5 in |
| compression | 9.9:1 |
| power | 80.5 kw / 108 bhp @ 5500 rpm |
| specific output | 72.58 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | 117.9 bhp per tonne |
| torque | 104.9 nm / 77.4 ft lbs @ 3500 rpm |
| body / frame | Steel body over Steel Frame |
| driven wheels | RWD |
| wheel type | Dunlop Steel |
| front tires | 5.60-15 |
| rear tires | 5.60-15 |
| front brakes | Dunlop Discs |
| rear brakes | Dunlop Discs |
| f suspension | Wishbones w/Hydraulic Shock Absorbers |
| r suspension | Solid Axle w/Hydraulic Shock Absorbers, Leaf Springs |
| curb weight | 916 kg / 2020 lbs |
| wheelbase | 2388 mm / 94.0 in |
| front track | 1204 mm / 47.4 in |
| rear track | 1240 mm / 48.8 in |
| transmission | 4-Speed Manual |
| final drive | 4.3:1 |
| top speed | ~181.82 kph / 113 mph |
| 0 – 60 mph | ~9.1 seconds |
| combined fuel econ eu | 10.2 L/100 km or 23.06 mpg-us |
Auction Sales History
1960 MGA Twin-Cam Roadster YD2/2571 – sold for $236,500 One of Three 1960 MG Works Team Sebring Racers. Factory-Prepared Race Car with Original Vanden Plas Hardtop. Beautifully Preserved Original Car Presented in 1960 Sebring Livery. Complete with History File, Photos, Original Side Curtains, and More. One of The Most Impressive BMC Works Cars Ever Offered for Public Sale.
Auction Source: The Pebble Beach Auctions 2015 by Gooding and Company
1959 MGA Twin-Cam Roadster YD3/734 – sold for $82,500 Restored by MG enthusiasts living in Seattle, Washington for Ralph and Jean Brookes. Comes with British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate and its original driver’s handbook and operation manual.
Auction Source: 2015 Amelia Island by RM Sotheby’s
1958 MGA Twin-Cam Roadster YD3754 – sold for $78,100 One of Just 2,111 Twin-Cam Examples Originally Produced. Recent Restoration by Model Specialist James Alcorn. Collector-Owned with Limited Mileage and Proper Storage. Striking Original Color Combination. Complete with Books, Tools, Tonneau, and BMHT Certifcate.
Auction Source: The Scottsdale Auctions 2015 by Gooding & Company
1958 MG A Twin-Cam YD/3/515 – sold for $68,200 The rarest and most sought after MGA. Beautifully restored in classic British colors. One of only 2,111 Twin Cams produced. Bahama Vintage Grand Prix participant. Many unique features over a standard MGA.
Auction Source: 2014 Quail Lodge Auction by Bonhams
1959 MGA Twin Cam Roadster YD1/1580 – sold for €47,000 This car, chassis number ‘YD1/1580’, left the factory on 16th March 1959 for delivery to Leeds dealers Isaac Swires & Sons Ltd. Just over one month later the car was competing in the first of the two Tulip Rallies that it would contest in the hands of owner Harry Mainz, co-driven by R Vicat-Cole, a member of the famous artistic family. Although not a true ‘works’ entry, it was numbered in sequence with the factory cars,
Auction Source: 2012 Goodwood Revival Sale by Bonhams
1958 MG A Twin-Cam YD31973 – sold for $50,000 Rare Twin Cam model. Just completed full nut and bolt body-off restoration. West coast rust free car. Red leather interior. All major chassis components powder coated. Powder coated knock-off wheels. Optional heater.
Auction Source: 2012 Daytime Auction by Mecum
1959 MG A Twin Cam Roadster – sold for $58,000
A rare, rust free twin cam Roadster that just completed a full nut, bolt, and washer restoration. 4-Speed manual transmission. Originally owned from 1971 to 2004 by Lyle York, the founder of the Twin Cam Register. Original aluminum head twin overhead cam engine producing 107 HP. Factory installed 4-wheel disc brakes. Original Dunlop steel knock-off wheels. One of 2111 twin cams produced in 1959/60.
– Twin cams originally aimed at competition use rather than everyday road use
Auction Source: 2011 Monterey Daytime Auction by Mecum
