HISTORY OF THE MGA:
Although officially debuted at the 1955 Frankfurt Motor Show, the
MGA's genesis dates back to 1951 when MG designer Syd Enever
created a "ponton-styled" body for a TD-based Le Mans racer built
for privateer George Philips. While that car, designated EX176,
completed only 80 laps, its design made a lasting impression on
Enever and MG's engineers-who were already looking beyond the aging
T-series Midget models.
Two prototypes inspired by Philips' Le Mans car soon followed. They
featured a reworked frame with a lower center of gravity, a wider
chassis, and suspended floorboards-still utilizing a body-on-frame
design. When presented to BMC head Leonard Lord in 1952, the
concept was initially rejected due to BMC's recent deal with Donald
Healey for the new Austin-Healey 100.
By 1953, however, declining sales of the MG TF changed Lord's mind.
As MG prepared a final iteration of the T-series, the need for an
all-new sports car became undeniable. The Abingdon works intended
to race at Le Mans in 1955 with a production-based car, but delays
meant four prototypes were entered in the prototype class as
Project EX182. Despite one car being wrecked, two finished
impressively-12th and 17th overall.
Production MGAs rolled off the line in May 1955, equipped with the
new BMC B-Series inline-four engine, rack-and-pinion steering, and
independent front suspension via double wishbones and coil springs.
The model name "MGA" was suggested by Managing Director John
Thornley and marketed as "the first of a new line" from Abingdon.
Production continued until 1962, spanning coupe, Twin-Cam, and 1600
variants. Today, the MGA remains one of the most beloved MG models
among collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED:
Originally completed at Abingdon in February 1961, this MGA 1600
Roadster has been tastefully modified into a period-style
"speedster," finished in elegant Jaguar Warwick Grey over a
burgundy interior with deep red cut-pile carpet.
While early ownership history remains undocumented, the most recent
caretaker acquired the car out of Oregon in 2005 and relocated it
to Northern Illinois. A well-loved example for two decades, the car
accompanied the family during a move to St. Louis in 2024.
Reputedly modified under prior ownership, this MGA's exterior has
been stripped of its bumpers and fitted with a shortened plexiglass
windscreen, evoking the look of a late-1950s to early-1960s
SCCA-style road racer. The original bumper bars, full windshield
frame, and convertible top frame accompany the car today.
Additional period-style touches include twin Pegasus emblems, a
Mille Miglia decal, Scotland grille badge, and a Le Mans-style
locking fuel cap.
A set of 48-spoke chrome wire wheels with twin-eared MG knock-offs
complete the look-adding both vintage authenticity and curb
appeal.
Under the bonnet lies a performance upgrade that lives up to the
looks: a later MGB 18GF 1.8-liter engine paired with a fully
synchronized 4-speed gearbox. This combination gives the MGA lively
performance for modern driving, with a throaty exhaust note
delivered through a twin-tipped PaceSetter muffler. On a recent
test drive, IT'S ALIVE! owner Jeff Homsher remarked how "much
livelier and more engaging" the car felt compared to a standard
MGA.
Now offered by IT'S ALIVE!, this stunning MGA represents an ideal
opportunity for the enthusiast who wants vintage character with a
bit of extra punch. Perfect as-is or as a candidate for a 5-speed
conversion or front disc brake upgrade, this MGB-powered MGA blends
classic British style with real-world drivability.
If you're ready to relive the golden age of vintage motorsport,
give us a call at 314-710-6600 or email
[email protected].
