1960 MG A Roadster Race Car 1,850cc

The MGA's bodywork was based largely on that of a one-off MG TD, specially built by the MG factory at the request of racing privateer, George Phillips, for Le Mans in 1952. Later, a new chassis was designed enabling the driver to sit lower in the car with even cleaner bodywork and this was known as EX 175. This first prototype, in turn, was developed into EX182 and four of these were built for Le Mans in 1955 with the intention of entering the Production Class as they were, effectively, 'pre-production' MGAs. When the production date at Abingdon slipped a little, the three green cars (the other was red) were re-entered in the Prototype Class which provided a little latitude for further modifications. In the event, two cars finished in 12th and 17th proving the MGA's potential. The MGA has been raced extensively since its 1955 introduction and with considerable success, both in period, and in today's historic race series.

According to the BMIHT Certified Copy of the Factory Record that accompanies this smart Mk1 Roadster featured here, it was originally a left-hand drive car that was shipped to the USA on 9th September 1960. Some years later, it found itself in Australia where it was converted into a right-hand drive race car and competed very successfully ‘down under’ for many years. The car still has its original Australian CAMS Historic Vehicle Log Book and other registration documents and still wears its New South Wales – Historic Vehicle plates.

Subsequently imported into the UK in recent years, with import duties correctly paid but not road-registered, it was once again pressed into action as a race car and appropriately modified to become eligible for UK race series. The original 1600cc unit was less than competitive so it was replaced with a fresh Doug Smith-MG Motorsport 1850cc MGB unit with matching, 4-speed gearbox (full spec available). The MG does not currently have FIA/HTP papers but, we understand, is eligible to run in Equipe GTS, Pre-63 and Libre Race Series amongst others, or could be used for sprints or hill-climbs depending on your requirements. As with any competition car, it’s important to check the currency and validity of any safety equipment (roll-hoop, harness, seat, extinguisher etc.).

With a long and illustrious career spanning different continents and multiple circuits, this topical little MG racer may only need a ‘spanner check’ before its first outing in 2023.