The MG MGA is a romantic’s race car | Buyer’s Guide

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Hagerty’s Editor-at-Large Sam Smith explores what makes the MG MGA such a beloved classic, and how it balances a race car’s prowess with a romantic’s eye for beauty. He’ll also detail what you need to know about buying, owning, and maintaining this iconic roadster.
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Episode chapters:
00:00 Introduction - 1962 MG MGA 1600 MkII
00:46 The romance and the race car
01:41 History of MG
02:19 The MGA origin story
02:46 Driving impressions
03:12 Understanding the MGA models
04:32 Engine details
06:40 Exterior details
09:10 Shop talk
11:37 Hagerty Valuation Tools
12:21 Sam Smith’s final thoughts
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7 июл 2024

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Комментарии : 182

@BruceBoschek 3 года назад

I miss my MGA, but at 80 I'm not about to buy one anymore. This is an excellent presentation and I enjoyed it very much. Thanks.

@stephenhobbs3691 2 года назад

I know someone who is 86 and just lost their licence in an MGA for speeding! High Five 😂

@BruceBoschek 2 года назад

@@stephenhobbs3691 Well, yes, I'm still capable of that, but the hassle of getting an MGA in Germany and not having a proper garage or shop anymore just puts me off. I'm also spoiled driving my 300 hp MB C300T. 🙂

@user-lj3kt3zm4i 9 дней назад

You seem like a badass old dude

@BruceBoschek 8 дней назад

@@user-lj3kt3zm4i Ha! Well, I live in Germany and thankfully we have the Autobahns. I can get my 200+ km/hr kicks without having to worry about tickets or losing my license. LOL

@drewpierce2273 3 года назад

I had an early MGA in college. Nothing like getting caught in a late March snowstorm with the top down. And getting bombed by snowballs. Too much fun.

@johnkosik7183 3 года назад

In 1970 I bought my first car, a 65 B for a grand. It came with a case of oil in the trunk, a copper hammer for the knock offs and no jack, which I found out about the hard way. Not matter what road I was driving on, it went 55 mph. Not so much fun on the interstates but exhilarating on New England two lane black tops like the one featured in this video. Kept a blanket behind the seats for winter warmth and learned not to wear sandals in the summer or risk burning my gas pedal foot. With my college honey in the right hand seat, life was almost perfect. Did I mention the jury rigged fog light wire burning. :)

@joeesposito5101 3 года назад

Wow, a nostalgic trip. My first car, in 1971, was a '59 MGA I bought for $175. Needed work, I fixed it up myself, and drove it everywhere for a couple of years before selling it. Side curtains, aluminum doors, wooden floors, SU carbs. Got me started in buying, restoring and selling many a British sports car. It was my brother who really got me interested in these, and he now has a business in CT. "Quantum Mechanics" that specializes in British cars. Thanks for sharing this great video!

@robertdavidson3090 3 года назад

The very early MG's until around 1935 had overhead cam engines that were really ahead of their time. They won races under handicapping since they were racing cars with mush larger engines and they consistently beat their handicap. They were told no more super chargers so the next year they came back non-super charged and won the same race again. Due to cost cutting by Morris they were then saddled with a pushrod style engine. They are not fancy, but straight forward and fairly easy to work on. Working on my MG is a hobby and therapy all in one.

@CarlosRodriguez-dd4sb 3 года назад

My friend and I restored an MGA years ago. We kept it in my garage. It was a ton of fun. You can’t help but have perma-smile while driving one. The wiring harness and the piping for the fenders was a pain, but I would gladly own one again just for the fun factor.

@danopureblood7066 3 года назад

In 1967 I had a 57 and during a drive from Yuma to LA the motor blew and I left it at a gas station in Banning CA and never went back for it! Wish I had it now!

@sarahhearn-vonfoerster7401 3 года назад

So sad for you...devastating! I had 3 MGAs...all still in the family after 50 years. They just keep going if properly maintained.

@michaelgreco4813 3 года назад

What's wild to me is that i'm 22 and bought a 1994 Mazda Miata this year and someone my age when my car was new looking for an old sports car would buy one of these.

@terryorcutt8739 3 года назад

Good for you. I was 23 when I bought a '92 Miata in '97. That was my daily year round driver until 2004. Thing was indestructible and fun as hell. I put a s/c kit on it, and the thing just kept singing like a top. Miatas are all the fun of British sports cars without the pain. Cheers

@randynelson5608 3 года назад

Get an mgb!!! as a 19 year old with 3 of them myself and very active in the local mg car club, the b is the modernized mga in everyway mechanically they're better and much cheaper to own!!

@tybennett65 2 года назад

My MGA has been resting in a garage, awaiting rejuvenation for about 30 years. This video is very informative and inspiring! thanks

@billmurrin7166 2 года назад

I had one in my garage for thirty years, but I'm restoring it now.

@awboat Год назад

Me too. One of these years. One of these years, Mine is a 1960, same year I was born.

@dennisbrown2571 3 года назад

Sam Smith does a fantastic job of telling the story, bad or good, about vehicles. Even the ones I do not care about, he makes it interesting.

@malcolmar 3 года назад

Well done and thanks for showing this amazing little sports car some love. I used to own a 1957 MGA coupe. I loved that little car. It was a very sad day when I had to let it go. Again well done and thanks for the memories.

@RichardMichaelOwen 3 года назад

We service a lot of MGAs at our shop and i've sold a few twin-cams, so I can say without a doubt this is guide is right on the money.

@tvrduude Год назад

Thank you. My first car was a 1960 MGA Mk1 in 1979 at age 16. Drove it until it stopped shifting (Clutch broke apart from mileage) Have owned several over the years (one like the one featured here), but never for very long. My Love never went away and I just picked up an older restoration Twin Cam with a gorgeous Black/Red combo, motor stuck. I can hardly wait to get it back roadworthy. Spot on Video! Thanks again!

@mbrant4973 Год назад

Would be great to see you do a video series on the restoration.

@anjdog2003 3 года назад

I've owned many sports cars the last 50+ years but my 1962 MGA Mark II Is my favorite

@smoath 3 года назад

What a beauty. And the production on this video is a joy too.

@robertd.richter1990 3 года назад

Had a ‘58, what a great car.

@HiNRGboy 7 месяцев назад

I love these classic British sports cars! They're beautiful and look so fun to drive!

@Dentropolis 3 года назад

My first car I bought in 1967 was a white 1961 MGA 1600. It cost me every $425 I earned that summer. Boom... Money gone. I was just turned 19. I immediately turned it from white with red interior like this to black interior (redyed) and British racing green (like sterling moss). Today I would have leave it white. In those days white was girlie. Unfortunately it cost me half its value to insure myself (due to youth) just for the summer. I had great taste. Still do.

@philroder4878 Год назад

1958 MGA. My first car. When I turned 16. $1,250. 1963... The car blew a rod in southeast Kentucky. No MG repair shops back then. So We took it to a Hot rod shop. They bored and stoked it. Redid the cam and crank. car ran really good after that. I had an exhaust leak - I cut a soup can in half, bound it together with wire and wrapped the whole repair in furnace cement. Worked great. Had to work on the top. Stitching coming loose. So I went to our family doctor who was a surgeon. Got the largest suture needle, and used it and dental floss to restitch the roof. On cold mornings I used the crank to loosen up the engine. Went to a a 12 volt battery. 2 6volts were problematic.I loved that car. The only MGA in central Kentucky. It was a blast on back mountain roads. - Yes the girls also loved it. A 16 year old living large.

@Greetings666 5 месяцев назад

As someone just coming into interest with these cars. This video was Perfect as a crash course of understanding of the model. Thank you.

@dannywilsher4165 3 года назад

I had one of these when I was in high school. I put a 327 small block Chevy in it. Loved it !!!

@sarahhearn-vonfoerster7401 3 года назад

The first car I chose and paid for myself( my father had given me a beautiful Chevrolet). Saw them racing in England, and never forgot that great shape and sound. My serious racing hero was Sterling Moss, and he kept an MGA for fun. Enough for me! I would love to have the Mark II ...considering it, and I am of an upper age too!

@tracerloenan8020 3 года назад

I bought a red MGA for $60 from an Army Guy who had orders to leave the area. He told me that he though the transmission was bad. I soon discovered that the car had an hydraulic clutch and was out of fluid. Refilled the fluid and drove the car for a year till I got orders to move. I sold the MGA because I already had two other cars to either ship or tow to my new assignment.

@larryparish5984 3 года назад

OMG, talk about a blast from the past. I had a 1960, MGA 1600, same colors as the one in this feature. The only thing I didn't care for about that car, was that it would get wet inside if parked in the rain. You had to keep the window open enough to get your arm through to open the door. Guess I could have run a string from the cable in the door panel out the window (Geeze Louise, a 48 year old "afterthought"). Almost cried when he quoted the current replacement cost. You see, mine was in very good condition. And for a 20 year old, 48 years ago, I paid a whopping $ 350.00 for the car, wish I still had it 😢.

@awboat Год назад

Funny how so many British cars suck in the rain. I guess it never rains in England. I do like that they invented the intermittent windshield wipers and automatic undercoating. Lucas, Lord of Darkness.

@Australia-ky7kx 2 года назад

Excellent instructional video. Owned a MGB and travelled thousands of miles in a A. Easy to live with. Primitive by today's standards but that's the attraction.

@andresd4464 3 года назад

Got a mga 1960 1600 coupe love it poor man's sports car

@johnpearson492 3 года назад

You nailed it on the gearbox comment. I drove an MGA for a friend selling one to make a sale video. The gearbox blew me away with its riffle bolt action and precision. I was expecting it to be similar to my AH Sprite, but it wasn't. The MGA is a great cruiser, very torquey, but I'd argue that it feels positively antique compared to the Sprite/Midget. The one I drove was a 56 with drum brakes, even though they were sorted, they weren't inspiring. It felt more like a fast tractor than a sporty car to me, it took a lot to warm up to how it drove.

@MGArowdie Год назад

I just saw this from the link in 100 years of MG. Sam I am now a greater fan of your media. I shared this link with 60+ fellow MGA owners who may have missed it, as I did. I also included a link to Smithology Archives where I've appreciated your writing skills. Terrific video pointing out the car's best features and things to be aware of.

@brianbrozek4435 3 года назад

I’ve had a MK2 for over 30 years with a similar color combo. It’s still a blast to drive!

@gavinmurrell3415 11 месяцев назад

That'll be Old English White then

@terryorcutt8739 3 года назад

Hahaha, love the Yaris jab at the end!

@earlbucklin8323 Год назад

that is most fun... got to drive one in Morocco while in the navy long ago....

@rickharper1497 3 года назад

Had a Cortina when I was in High School, fun to drive, second gear was a grind to engage!!

@JAYJAYJAY53 Год назад

Absolutely beautiful. My first sports car was a worn out 1964 MGB . AT 17 I loved it .

@joelonzello4189 Год назад

Me too ! $500. Didn't have it long. Brother " borrowed " and totaled it 🙁

@user-rk4zm3nb5f 2 года назад

After a transmission shelled out and cracked head twice I knew I needed more reliable transportation. I asked my dad if I could store it in the back yard, up on blocks? He said no! Sell it and buy something more reliable. This was 1971 and I was 19 y.o.

@MarkRLePage 3 года назад

Well done. Fantastic video full of knowledge. Thanks for sharing.

@hugh-johnfleming289 11 месяцев назад

What a pleasure to watch. Excellent production.

@darticulate8751 2 года назад

Excellent information here, this chap knows his Buisness here on this delectable MGA ! Thank you !

@MrSteveAugarde Год назад

You're a knowledgeable and entertaining man - thank you for this excellent video. I drove my MGA every day for eleven years, before a growing family put an end to all that. I still miss it, though I doubt that I could get in and out of one nowadays without the aid of a stick. Not a cool look...

@alexpaumen3937 3 года назад

How beautiful. The one I would have would be the 1958-1960 Twin Cam version. I’m only 5’ 10” but I barely fit in a MGB but the steering was SUPER tight (only about half an inch of play) in comparison to a 1969 Dodge Charger SE which was about 1.5 inches of nothing and then it was the steering.

@rongendron8705 2 года назад

I had a 57 MGA in 1965 at age 18. I'm 5'9'' & didn't have a problem, except the steering wheel was too large, so my 250 lb, 6'1'' friend used to get scuff marks on his pants, when he drove it!

@LuciFeric137 3 года назад

Great video. Love the details. Made me miss the old TR6.

@swanblake 3 года назад

I see Sam Smith and I hit like instantly. Just the best! So well done

@stephennickles7389 2 года назад

I fondly remember working under the dash of my 59 A to the sound of "Hey Jude". What a beautiful first car I owned

@billmulholland4140 3 года назад

Haha. I drive a Yaris. I can’t get out of my own way.

@marcusmaddenov2451 3 года назад

An MGA is a back road whomp banger extreme!

@jettrink7510 2 года назад

Great explation... touches of chrome, great gearbox, great gearbox.

@robertcallahan4065 3 года назад

And......the same taillights set vertically, can be found on the MK.1 Austin/Morris Mini

@terrykrall 2 года назад

My High School Art Teacher had a green MGA. I’ve always thought these are beautiful autos, and can be affordable.

@jez_stephensanotherapex5921 3 года назад

Great insight; beautiful machine!

@caligijg 3 года назад

thanks - excellent piece

@efath-bz8hv 3 года назад

the mga is the grandaddy of the miata/brz

@kelseybaker5559 3 года назад

I also need one of this car, I need to start investing so I can meet up my plan

@rickchurch2460 2 года назад

Excellent thanks

@ajwhhis 6 месяцев назад

What a resource! Thank you

@aperfectplace 2 года назад

I loved my white MGA too, will buy another Convertiable sport car one day soon…💘

@frankmoyer5822 10 месяцев назад

In 1980 I drove my 59 MGA from Miami to Philadelphia then up to Illinois and on to California. Later I drove up to Canada and across to Philadelphia again and then back to California.

@alhodge4051 3 года назад

very informative..

@tonydoyle2375 2 года назад

that was really helpful cheers

@adrianoagliardi1450 3 года назад

Bellissima auto ! Linea senza tempo , una delle spyder che preferisco !

@clivewinters7479 8 месяцев назад

A brilliant review! 🇬🇧

@walterholmes4609 2 года назад

May be the best MGA review out there. I would add that in the case of engine upgrades, too much horsepower actually diminishes the balance and can be like the bull in the China shop. O learned the hard way.

@beegee22 Год назад

This is a very engaging, pleasant and pretty detailed overview/review of the MGA! It's a very informative and honest look at what might well be the most beautiful car to come out of the MG Car Company. 👍👍👏👏

@brochestedbs 11 месяцев назад

For my money, it's the most beautiful car ever made. I had one in my 20s for 7 years and we drove it all over Europe. Just a joy. If I wasn't over 80, I'd be looking for one to keep in the garage now.

@beegee22 11 месяцев назад

@brochestedbs What wonderful memories you must have, not just of the car but of the drives, the places and the experiences. Some of my driving memories are vivid, including sounds and smells.

@hofthem 2 года назад

This is a great video, no heavy metal music.

@oilcap4166 3 года назад

Nice video

@americanpatriot2422 3 года назад

MGs are outstanding and great cars. I collect MGBs.

@mbrant4973 Год назад

You know who the real MG guys are when they have a picture of their MG as their avatar

@jordansernik Год назад

My favourite car

@manuelmartin5844 3 года назад

It's all about feeling

@matsk57 2 года назад

Ok, i have a mk1which i bought for a great price. Not everyone has money to buy a pristine car, my is a beautiful car that works well even the doorgaps isn’t perfect, its still is extreme fun to drive and doesn’t ”look like a mess”..

@marial8235 9 месяцев назад

Such a pretty little car.❤

@juanxnaranjo647 3 года назад

I work at a classic euro shop and I'm putting a clutch in. Let me tell you from experience...removing the engine and/or trans from a 1st gen Mustang is easier lol.

@richardjensen2769 3 года назад

Can't even Guess how many times I attempted to locate 5th Gear, while rolling along in either of my two MGAs. (Yep. Have to agree -- better brakes and a bit more Torque in the Mark 2. Same "Lucas" electrics. {Whimper.})

@robbending3848 2 года назад

Try fitting a Type 9 (European Ford Sierra) gearbox, or a Miata one. Both have readily available conversion kits and can be retrofitted back to stock if originality is important to the next custodian. Trying to fit an MGB's overdrive needs mods to the transmission tunnel, but would ne a more 'period' conversion.

@awboat Год назад

Hail Lucas, Lord of Darkness

@Mayomonster38 2 года назад

My grandpas freind had two amd when he passed away he gave them to my grandpa. Going to try to fix one(or two:))

@madrafboy Год назад

Please please please do not go on about warm beer in the UK. This was a WW2 comment taken home by GI's. It really is not like that any more. OK rant over, excellent video and an honest review of quirky MG cars. Electrics was never a strong point with Lucas. As long as MGA cars were properly maintained they were surprisingly reliable.

@funkyfurballs1078 3 года назад

Wish my Europa had a "Miata like" gear box!

@richardjuday20 2 года назад

Gearbox... gearbox... analogy to the precision of a bolt-action rifle (per a later comment)... Well, don't forget that driving the MGA offers that ineffable experience of a expertly executed and precise double-clutch from third into reverse.

@shankarbalan3813 3 года назад

Happy open top sports car experience. Simple old naturally aspirated happy little car…

@hotchkissart Год назад

I think now the prices are up 10 to 20%

@1000isaiah 2 года назад

So you're saying the piece-mill boxes of random parts i bought as an "MGA" might be a bad idea? 😆

@Ficon 3 года назад

Checked to see if it was Sam or the NASCAR good old boy presenting. Sam, so watching now.

@wakjob961 3 года назад

IDK...leaving control of the radio to the passenger seems a bit sketchy ;-)

@tombob671 3 года назад

Thoughts on Lucas Electric?

@sarahhearn-vonfoerster7401 3 года назад

We don't like to talk about that 😒!

@jeffhildreth9244 2 года назад

As reliable as anything else and much maligned for no real basis except rumor and from American idiots who owned most of the Brit cars.

@jeffhildreth9244 2 года назад

@@sarahhearn-vonfoerster7401 You again with your usual misinformation and unfounded experience.

@mbrant4973 Год назад

Owned my unrestored B for 6 years, not 1 problem.

@hofthem 2 года назад

My first car. $80. and 14 years old. I'm 65 and my MG, Mini-Cooper, Jaguar, Sunbeam Tiger days are over. It's all you tube now.

@jeffhildreth9244 2 года назад

I'll be 76 in 10 days. I have a 64 and a 63 MGB.. and looking at a 1954 TF tomorrow. I have owned over 30 Brit cars.

@mbrant4973 Год назад

Dont see many Tigers anymore. Now were talking serious cash.

@baobo67 3 года назад

"Bought for one of two reasons" Oh? I say a third and possibly the biggest reason.They were a chick magnet. ...... Am I right? Who agrees?...... Great Video. Thanks

@fixedguitar47 3 года назад

Had a 71 MGB that threw a rod, but it was on a bike trail at 3am

@rsamano4434 3 года назад

Bromantic

@awalk5177 2 года назад

The floors are supposed to be marine plywood and should not be holding water as they should be sealed with epoxy.

@steveaguinaga3821 3 года назад

MGA... My friggin dream sports car.. Would it be heresy if a mercedes diesel motor was put in it?

@robbending3848 2 года назад

No, no and thrice no. You'll be asking if it's Ok to convert to electrickery next.

@jeffhildreth9244 2 года назад

Idiotic but not heresy.

@steveaguinaga3821 2 года назад

@@jeffhildreth9244 😳

@MattMatt77 3 года назад

... easy to work on... Should I go into detail how that's wrong?

@ACommenterOnYouTube 3 года назад

I went to the store today

@user-xq2zn8bu9q 8 месяцев назад

The driver infront doing 18 MPH is probably Welsh. They like to drive at a maximum of 20 MPH in Wales....nice & slow. 🐌

@alotl1kevegas860 3 года назад

My uncle owns a business restoring MG and classic cars in Arizona. Please check him out. "From The Frame Up"

@amandawatson5931 3 года назад

My dad rebuilt a MGB to mint condition, and sold it...

@jeffhildreth9244 2 года назад

A car is only mint once, when new and un-driven.

@a-kazebo-z5139 3 года назад

My high school sweetheart is always jealous of my first love,,,,,

@jeffhildreth9244 2 года назад

You mean Bruce ?

@blekenbleu 3 года назад

That engine is missing (or at least weak) on one cylinder. Frames can rust thru around door pillars. Transmission countershafts are very liable to excessive wear.

@sarahhearn-vonfoerster7401 3 года назад

He covered all of those details very clearly, but thanks for reminding us.

@joelonzello4189 2 года назад

Nice cars but too small for today's traffic. Friend had a 1959.

@mbrant4973 Год назад

Id be a little apprehensive in highway traffic in an A. My B does just fine. Wish I had the overdrive though.

@joelonzello4189 Год назад

@@mbrant4973 I saw one today on the Pacific Coast Highway in Encinitas. Gorgeous. Chatted with owner at a light....

@mbrant4973 Год назад

I've had a lot of "light chats" over the years.

@joelonzello4189 Год назад

@@mbrant4973 I like to give compliments or a thumbs up !