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Description

General information
Model year: 2026
Registration number: DZ-12-16

Technical information
Torque: 6700 Nm
Transmission: 4 gears, Manual gearbox
Drive: Rear wheel drive
Acceleration (0-100 kph): 9,1 s
Top speed: 182 km/h

Measures and weights
Empty weight: 960 kg
Dimensions (LxBxH): 396 x 147 x 127 cm
Wheelbase: 238 cm

Interior
Number of seats: 2

Environment
Emission class: Euro 0

Product safety
Manufacturer: Carrosso Classic & Sportscars Eekstraat 2 8375HN OLDEMARKT, NL 0625351515 http://www.carrosso.com sales@carrosso.com

MG A Twin-Cam Roadster

• Rare Twin-Cam model: only 2,111 units built
• Body-off restored
• Heritage certificate
• Extensive original documentation available
• 1,588 cc engine with dual overhead camshafts and 108 pk
• Disc brakes on all 4 wheels
• Dunlop knock-off disc wheels
• Heater and windshield washer system
• Hardtop (polyester)
• Softtop and tonneau cover

HISTORY/DOCUMENTATION
A dream for any MG enthusiast: after all, how many examples of the MG A Twin-Cam are still in existence today? Especially in such fine condition with extensive documentation, we are pleased to offer a truly unique Twin-Cam: chassis number YD3/1366 was delivered on February 19, 1959, in the United States (like the majority of these cars). This is confirmed by the included Heritage certificate, which also indicates that the car was originally equipped with heating, a windshield washer system, and a tonneau cover—all of which were options at the time. The car comes with extensive original documentation: an Owner’s Manual, a parts list, a workshop manual, and various publications, including detailed articles specifically describing the Twin-Cam. The MG was imported to the Netherlands in 2016 and has undergone a “body-off” restoration in the past (photos available); since then, it has been driven and maintained with care and passion. The car is not in concours condition, but it is in very good driving condition.

EXTERIOR
During the extensive restoration, the MG was painted in the iconic “British Racing Green” color. The dark green hue is beautifully echoed on the wheels and in the interior, giving the car a rugged look. The rare Dunlop “knock-off disc wheels” were characteristic of the Twin-Cam. The visual condition of the paintwork, chrome, and rubber components is good, with only a few minor signs of wear. The undercarriage is in excellent condition and is exceptionally free of rust (see also our photo gallery). In addition to the documentation, the car comes with the following:

• Two sets of original MGA rear bumper guards
• Hammer (for wing nuts)
• Scissor jack
• Spare tire
• Seat belts
• Removable roll bar
• Two new side windows
• Tonneau cover
• Hardtop

INTERIOR
The interior is also in good condition. The bucket seats are upholstered in green leather. Behind the front seats is a ground-connect switch. The floor has mats, and the side panels are in good condition, as is the 3-spoke wooden steering wheel. The dashboard is also in good condition and features the neat Jaeger gauges. A nice feature is the heater.

TECHNICAL
This MGA represents the most technically advanced version of the MGA. The heart of the car is the 1,588 cc four-cylinder B-series engine with code AEH547, equipped with a specially developed aluminum cylinder head featuring two overhead camshafts (DOHC), driven by a duplex chain. Unlike the conventional MGA engine with a single bottom-mounted camshaft, this design allowed for higher RPMs and significantly improved airflow. The engine features hemispherical combustion chambers, four valves per cylinder, and centrally mounted spark plugs, all of which contributed to efficient combustion. The Twin Cam was equipped with two SU carburetors and a specific intake and exhaust configuration. In its original high-compression version, the engine delivered approximately 108 pk at about 6,700 t/min, giving the Twin Cam exceptional performance for its time. The combination of relatively high specific power output, high RPM, and DOHC technology gave the car a distinctly sporty character.
The powertrain consists of a four-speed manual transmission, while the Twin Cam was equipped with Dunlop disc brakes on all four wheels—a significant technical upgrade over the standard MGA, which used drum brakes. Combined with the specific Dunlop wheels and the car’s low weight, this resulted in a sports car with a top speed of approximately 180 km/h and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.1 seconds. The car handles, brakes, and shifts well.

GENERAL
The MGA Twin Cam was born out of MG’s ambition not only to make the successful MGA faster, but also to reestablish MG as a serious contender in motorsports. When the MGA debuted in 1955, its modern design was a significant step forward, but the 1.5-liter B-series engine, producing about 68 pk, lagged behind the performance of increasingly powerful competitors such as the Triumph TR3, Austin-Healey 100, and various European sports cars. Demand for more power came particularly from the important American market. As early as the mid-1950s, MG had therefore been experimenting with special Twin Cam engines for competition use; a prototype appeared as early as 1955 during the Tourist Trophy at Dundrod, and further development took place in the experimental EX cars, including the record-breaking EX181. Ultimately, a further-developed version of the existing B-series was chosen, leading to the introduction of the MGA Twin Cam in 1958: a relatively affordable sports car with a 108 pk DOHC engine and four-wheel Dunlop disc brakes. This allowed MG to compete directly with faster sports cars from both home and abroad, and the car actually achieved impressive results in competition. However, the Twin Cam was technically complex, and the early engines suffered from reliability issues, which quickly tarnished the model’s reputation and led MG to discontinue production in 1960, after only 2,111 units had been built. It is precisely this short production run, the ambitious development, the direct link to MG’s racing program, and the combination of advanced technology and the relatively simple MGA design that make the Twin Cam one of the most fascinating and collectible models in MG history today.

Condition & Registration

Historical license plate
Registered

Ready to drive: Not provided

Inspection Report

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Technical Details

Vehicle data

Make: MG
Model series: MGA
Model name: MGA Twin Cam
Manufacturer code: MK I
First registration date: 06/1959
Year of manufacture: 1959
Mileage (read): 9,250 mi
Chassis number: Not provided
Engine number: Not provided
Gearbox number: Not provided
Number of owners: 4

Technical details

Body style: Convertible (Roadster)
Power (kW/hp): 79/108
Cubic capacity (cm³): 1588
Cylinders: 4
Doors: 2
Steering: Left (LHD)
Gearbox: Manual
Gears: 4
Transmission: Rear
Front brakes: Not provided
Rear brakes: Not provided
Fuel type: Petrol

Individual Configuration

Exterior color: Green
Manufacturer color name: -
Folding roof: Yes

Interior color: Green
Interior material: Leather

Optional equipment

Faltdach
Schiebedach

oldtimerLicensePlate

Location

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1959 | MG MGA Twin Cam