INTERIOR - Your Shop for British Classic Cars

CAR IDENTIFICATION MG A

Year	Model	Numbers manufactured
September 1955 to May 1959	MGA 1500cc	10101 to 68,850
September 1958 to June 1960	MGA Twin Cam	501 to 2611
May 1959 to April 1961	MGA 1600cc	68,851 to 100,351
April 1961 to June 1962	MGA 1600cc MkII	100,352 to 109,070

BMC 'B' Series Engine Use(1953 to 1981)

Model	cc	Prefix	BHP/RPM	Torque
M.G. MGA	1489	BP15GB,15GB	68/5200	82
M.G. MGA	1489	15GD	72/5500	85
M.G. MGA 1600	1588	16GA	80/5600	87
MGA Twin Cam	1588	BC16GB	108/6700
M.G. MGA 1600 Mk2	1622	16GC	90/5500 97

MGA Serial Numbers

Engine Number

The engine number is stamped on a plate secured to the righthand side of the cylinder block...or it is stamped on a plate secured to the rear of the engine behind the cylinder block. (Twin Cam)

Car Number

The car number is stamped on a plate secured to the top lefthand side of the dash panel

Gearbox Number

The gearbox number is stamped on the top of the gearbox casing adjacent to the dipstick

Body Number

The body number is stamped on a plate secured to the bulkhead between the righthand bonnet hinge and the fuse block.

Rear Axle Number

The rear axle No is stamped on the front of the axle tube on the LH side next to the spring seat.

Identifying the MGA

There are only five variations of the MGA. The 1500cc, 1600cc, MkII, Twin Cam and 1600cc MkII De luxe. The Coupés were a variation of the Roadster and were not differentiated by the factory numbering system as to body style. The Twin Cam, a major undertaking at the time of its introduction, was identified separately while the De luxe, the most elusive of MGA models, was not distinctly identified. There are reliable production figures for all models except the De luxe.

The three major MGA models may be readily identified by their tail-lamp and grille configurations as well as their engine displacement.

A 1500cc will have the familiar single Lucas tail lamp, the flush style grille and no shroud or boot lid emblems. Four-wheel drum brakes were fitted to this model only.

Very early 1500ccs had different style gauge faces, an example of which can be found in the factory service manual and drivers handbook illustrations. The door rails on the first few cars were entirely of wood as were the cockpit rear corners. There are few of these seen today. The 1500's did not have the starter hump on the passenger toe board or the windscreen mounted hood clamp. The turn indicators were switched through a relay.

1600cc is differentiated by the dual rear lamp with separate turn lamps, larger round parking lamps with flat lenses and a '1600cc' marker on the cowl and rear boot lid. Disc brakes on the front greatly improved stopping power. The starter position was moved with the resulting hump on the passenger toe board.

The 1600cc MkII received the closest thing to a face lift an MGA ever got. The famous flat grille was replaced with the 'pre-crushed' version. The MkI Mini rear lamps appeared horizontally below the boot lid and the vinyl covered dash and cowl and 1600cc MkII badges were added. The chrome trim and dash escutcheon from the Coupé finished off the dash. Seat belt anchors were added to the chassis. 1600cc MkII De luxe cars used the Twin Cam chassis with the push rod 1622cc engine. Check all parts carefully, as MGA's have not always enjoyed the respect they do now, and parts have been freely exchanged with little regard for originality. When re-wiring your car, be sure to order the loom that fits your body type, not engine type.

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