1962 MGA1600 Mark II Roadster

The first of a new generation of MGs, the 'A' entered production in 1955 and took the Abingdon company into the modern era - gone was the traditional upright styling, replaced with smoothly streamlined bodywork evolving from a series of racing prototypes. The MGA was initially powered by a 1489cc version of the B-series engine mated to a four-speed gearbox and had predictable, sure-footed handling. The MGA was reworked into the 1600 in mid-1959, with an enlarged 1588cc engine and Lockheed disc brakes up front, plus minor changes to the body and rigid-framed side screens with sliding windows. The ultimate version of the MGA was the Mark II, introduced in 1961 with an engine now displacing 1622cc and developing a healthy 90bhp and pushing the top speed out to 105mph. Readily identifiable thanks to the revised grille, now recessed with almost vertical slats and new tail light assemblies plus other minor trim changes (including seat-belt mounts), the Mark II also benefited from a higher final-drive ratio and was considerably more relaxed to drive at speed as a result.