416 MG MGA 1600 Roadster (1960) ESL 602 by Robert Knight Via Flickr: MG A-1600 Roadster (1959-61) Engine 1588cc S4 OHV Production 31,601 Registration Number ESL 602 MG SET www.flickr.com/photos/45676495@N05/albums/721576237975866... The MG A was first introduced as a Roadster in 1955 with a Coupe following in 1959. Hailed as the first modern sports MG, it was called the MGA, the first of a new line to quote the contemporary advertising. The original MGA 1500 was powered by a 1488cc twin carburettor 72bhp BMC B type engine, with coil independent front suspension, rack and pinion steering and effective drum brakes. With a top speed of around 95mph a new owner could specify a heater and centre lock wire wheels as extras. The Coupe first appeared at the 1956 Earls Court Motorshow with the same mechanics but superior aerodynamics courtesy of the Coupe shape making it a little faster. The cars were updated from May 1959 as the A-1600, powered by a larger 1588cc version of the B type engine and 80bhp, front disc brakes, though drums remained at the rear 31,501 were produced in less than three years. Externally the car is very similar to the 1500 with differences including: amber or white (depending on market) front turn indicators shared with white parking lamps, separate stop/tail and turn lamps in the rear, and 1600 badging on the boot and the cowl. A 1600 open car was tested by The Motor in 1959 recorded at top speed of 96.1mph and a timed 0-60 acceleration time of 13.3 seconds, the test car cost £ 940 which included £ 277 in taxes. A Mark II version of the MGA was introduced in 1960, with an increased engine capacity of 1622cc by increasing the bore of its BMC B Series engine, the cylinder head was also revised with larger valves and re-engineered combustion chambers. Horsepower increased to 90 bhp. An inset grille and Morris Mini tail lamps appearing horizontally below the deck lid were the most obvious visual changes. 8,198 Mark II roadsters and 521 coupés were built Diolch am 96,662,770 o olygfeydd anhygoel, mae pob un yn cael ei werthfawrogi'n fawr. Thanks for 96,662,770 amazing views, every one is greatly appreciated. Shot 07.08.2022, at the VSCC Prescott Speed Hill Climb, Prescott, Gloucestershire REF 162-416