1961 MGA 1600 Mk1 Roadster

One of the prettiest sports cars of the 1950s, the MGA also represented a major break with tradition for the Abingdon concern, signalling a move away from the upright and decidedly vintage appearance of the T-Series to a modern, streamlined sports car. Indeed, only the steering and front suspension were carried over from the TF and the MGA was an instant sales success against rivals like the Austin-Healey and Triumph TR3, selling 13,410 units in the first full year of production alone, with most sales going to America. The MGA employed proven BMC mechanicals, the 1489cc B-Series engine developing a healthy 72bhp driving through a four-speed gearbox but to keep up with the competition, MG launched the 1600 version in 1959 that also benefited from Lockheed disc brakes up front. The MGA proved successful on the racetrack, taking a fifth and sixth in class at Le Mans in 1955 while Nancy Mitchell drove won to two European Ladies' Rally Championships in 1956-1957. The MGA 1600 Mark I features the classic styling of the original (Mark II cars had a recessed grille) and in roadster form provides the quintessential 1950s British sports car experience, along with excellent support from specialists and clubs.