MG MGA (1955-1962): books - history and technology

MGA - The Revolutionary MG

The MGA truly marked a revolution in MG sports car design, with its appearance quite unlike any previous production car from the celebrated British marque.
Entering production in the summer of 1955, it broke with the time-honoured tradition of narrow-gutted, flat-sides, upright styling, with the distinctive large grille, exposed headlamps, separate wings and sharply cut-off tail that had serviced the majority of MG sports cars for well over thirty years.

Many die-hard MG enthusiasts of the time were understandably outraged, but the decision to break with tradition proved to be a good one: over 100,000 cars were produced over the model's seven-year lifetime.

This book, from celebrated author David Knowles covers:
- the circumstances that led to the momentous decision to amek such a fundamental design change;
- the production, publicity and evolution of each and every MGA variant from launch in 1955 to the end of production in 1962, with specification tables for each model;
- profiles of the people who had crucial roles in the development of the MGA
- and finally, the largely untold story of overseas assembly in Australia, Ireland, Mexico and South Africa.

The MGA

The definitive study of the MGA, for the author has gone back to factory records and to the people who worked on the car in the fifties, to find out how it was conceived, manufactured and marketed.
Here is the real story of the MGA's engineering, body styling and every aspect of the car's development and production - including MG's strategy to beat its competitors.

In seven years of production, there were major successes and sad disappointments. The MGA was the car that was "right first time" and though the Twin Cam variant was a nightmare for the factory, it is now the most sought after model.

This book tells how the sleepy Thames-side village of Abingdon became a mass-production centre for the MGA, how the MGA became one of America's best-loved sports cars and how the MGA has become one of today's classic cars, cherished by enthusiastic owners all over the world.

MGA - The Complete Story

Introduced in 1955 as a replacement of the TF Midget the MGA, hailed as the "first of a new line", marked the beginning of MG's most successful era. It was available in both roadster and coup forms and the MGA Twin-Cam, introduced in 1958, set new standards for affordable ohc-engined sports cars.

This book relates the full history of this enduringly popular car. Topics covered include:
- the complete history of all MGA versions;
- full technical specifications for each model;
- details of the cars' racing fortunes;
- and advice on buying and maintaining an MGA.

Original MGA - The Restorer's Guide to All Roadster and Coupe Models

Few classic British sports cars are quite so practical to own today as the MGAs built from 1955 to 1962. Strong mechanicals and solid construction mean that they tend to survive well, while excellent handling and reasonable performance make them very useable by modern standards.

"Original MGA" is the essential companion to these cars. Its aim is to reveal, in words and colour pictures, how all MGAs - including the rare Twin Cam and De Luxe models - altered in detail through the course of production.
Although one MGA may look much like another to the untrained eye, an amazing number of specification changes, major and minor, occurred over the years.

No stone has been left unturned during the exhaustive research which has gone into this book. Drawing from factory records, parts lists and catalogues, as well as the accumulated knowledge of respected restorers and dedicated enthusiasts, it provides the most comprehensive survey of the MGA ever published.

Accompanying the authoritative text are nearly 200 specially commissioned colour photographs showing every permutation of MGA specification in remarkable detail.
Painstakingly selected cars, such as a cherished one-owner-from-new Twin Cam with just 9000 miles on the clock, ensure that this book's illustrations present a unique portfolio of outstanding specimens of each MGA model. Indispensable for all owners, restorers, buyers and enthusiasts.

MGA & Twin Cam (1955-1962) - Brooklands Gold Portfolio

Brooklands Portfolio book about the MG MGA and Twin Cam models from the years 1955-1962. Describes the MG 1489cc, Coupé, EX181, 1588cc Twin Cam, Peco Supercharged, 1600, 1600 Mk II and Mk II Competition.

• The 56 articles, taken from contemporary British and American car magazines, provide much information about history, model changes and technology.
• Also driving impressions, tests, comparison tests, technical specifications, etc.

Click here to know more about the Brooklands Portfolio books

MG MGA - All models (1955-1962) - The Essential Buyer's Guide

Judged by many to be the most attractive MG ever produced, the MGA is not only good-looking, but also fun to drive, coping very well with modern traffic demands.

In this book you will find advice on choosing the right model, and discussion about potential ownership costs.
Practicality and comfort are considered, allowing you to assess suitability for touring, and issues of legality, originality and roadworthiness are also raised.

With information for a quick and easy condition evaluation, leading - if required - to a more serious one with a unique marking system, plus 100 colour photographs, this is a must-buy for anyone thinking of purchasing an MGA.