1958→1960 MG A Twin-Cam Coupe
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 |
| 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 MG A Twin Cam Coupe YM32293 – sold for $41,000
Full body-off restoration to original specifications. Rarest of the Twin Cam MG’s. One of only 323 Twin Cam. Coupes, only 85 came to North America. 1600cc twin cam engine. Dual 1 3/4 inch SU carburetors. 4-wheel Dunlop disc brakes. Steel knock-off pin drive wheels. The first left hand drive coupe produced for 1960. Powder coated frame and suspension components. All new brake, electrical, fuel and exhaust systems. Optional Deluxe interior with Gray leather.
Auction Source: 2012 Daytime Auction by Mecum
1959 MG A Twin Cam Coupe – sold for $30,000
Introduced in 1959, the MG A Twin Cam has long been a popular performer on the club racing circuit. The rare Red coupe offered here is one of just 263 built in 1959. Factory equipped with the 1.6 liter twin overhead cam engine, 4-speed close ratio manual transmission, 4-wheel disc brakes and knock-off wheels, it was professionally restored in 1990. Having seen competition at such venues as Lime Rock, Watkins Glen and Pocono, it is prepared for both street use and vintage racing, and includes such safety features as a dual braking system, fuel cell and an electrical cutoff switch.
Auction Source: 2011 Monterey Daytime Auction by Mecum
