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| Modifying MGA |
| Thursday, 14 July 2011 13:25 |
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The MGA can be modified and updated with anything from a wood-rimmed steering wheel to a five-speed gearbox and Honda VTEC engine.
The MGA first appeared in 1955 when three prototypes raced at Le Mans and a 1500 roadster was launched with a B-series OHV engine and drum brakes all round, followed by a coupé in 1956. The sought after twin cam engine first appeared in 1958, along with an uprated chassis and disc brakes all round. Total sales of the MGA range almost reached 60,000 by 1959 before a larger 1588cc B-series engine was introduced. A revised 1600 MkII version appeared in 1961 with a still larger 1622cc engine, but sales were slowing down, despite a B-series engined Deluxe model with better standards of trim, brakes and chassis spec (taken from the Twin Cam). MG axed the entire model line-up in 1962 after sales had totalled 101,081; many were exported to the USA and examples can still be found in South Africa and Australia (down under, the car was built from a kit supplied by MG at Abingdon).
The MGA is now an established and high value classic , which has a varied assortment of modifications that range from brake upgrades and telescopic damper conversions to MGB engine transplants and supercharger conversions. Many mods are MGB based, which in turn provides the opportunity for further modifications (see the May and June issues for a two part MGB modification guide).
Over the years, we’ve driven MGAs with five-speed gearbox conversions that provide effortless long distance touring and witnessed a Honda-engined MGA with uprated brakes and suspension run rings around V8 MGBs at Silverstone. However, considering the high secondhand value of these cars (a restored roadster will usually cost £20-30,000), many owners and potential owners favour originality and modifications that are either reversible or help to modernise but not alter the car. The following pages divide the range of modifications for the MGA into seven straightforward categories.
The MGA was fitted with leather seats and woollen carpets as standard. These are still available from many specialists, but with a wider choice of finishes and colours. Expect to pay upwards of £500 for leather covers or £1000 for rebuilt leather seats with new wooden bases. Made-to-measure and pre-cut carpet sets cost around £170, and there’s even a boot carpet for £60. Walnut dashboards are available for around £200, along with a wide range of wood rimmed steering wheels ranging from £75 to over £200. This can all be protected with a tonneau, and there’s a large choice including vinyl, double duck and mohair for £120-£300. The MGA wasn’t equipped with seatbelts as standard, but it was an option on the MkII. Seatbelts can be fitted using aftermarket harnesses at around £40 each plus strengthening plates. Three point static and inertia reel belts are available for around £40.
CONTACTS Abingdon Parts 0121 544 4444 Beech Hill Garage 0118 9884774 Bob West 01977 703828 Brown and Gammons 01462 490049 California Classics Hull Ltd 01482 441551 Gripper Differentials Limited 024 7663 8564 H&H Ignition Solutions 01384 261500 Heathrow Transmissions 0208 577 1505 Hi-Gear Engineering 01332 514503 Hoyle Engineering 0208 393 2555 Lumenition Merlin Classic Cars 01663 746499 MGB Hive 01945 700500 MG Barn Ltd 01329 835393 MGOC Spares 01954 230928 Midland Wheels 01926 817444 Moss Europe 020 8867 2020 NTG Motor Services 01473 406031/2 Peter Edney MG Parts 01279 876404 Smartscreen (intermittent wiper conversion) Rees Bros 01252 323038 SC Parts 01293 847200 Steve McKie Sports Cars 01246 454527 Surrey Sports and Classics 01483 223830
To read more about this project see the August 2011 issue of MG Enthusiast on sale now. Back issues of MG Enthusiast available here |
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