1958 MG A 1500 Roadster

The 'A' was MG's first truly modern, post-war car and the first to appear on the market following the merger of the Nuffield company with Austin. In a complete break with tradition, MG replaced the square-rigger T-series with a modern, streamlined sports car designed around an immensely strong, box-section chassis and proven BMC mechanical components. Launched in 1955, the new MGA undercut rivals from Austin-Healey and Triumph, and proved a resounding success, with a total sales exceeding 100,000 - of these around 80 percent were in the all-important US market. The first MGA was powered by BMC's B-series engine and four-speed gearbox like that used in the Austin A50, the 1489cc unit producing a healthy 72 bhp. Inside, the 'A' was pure sports car with a simple painted dash, decent array of dials and a large-diameter steering wheel. The original roadster was also joined by a stylish coupe derivative a year later, with a fixed roof and wraparound windscreen. A willing performer, the MG proved its merits on the racetrack, taking fifth and sixth in class at Le Mans in 1955, while Nancy Mitchell took out two European Ladies' Rally Championships in 1956-1957. Great looking, satisfying to drive and mechanically robust, the MGA is the archetypal British sports car from the 1950s and an excellent choice for the classic car owner - well supported by a network of specialists around the world and with a thriving club scene here in this country.