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

[@BruceBoschek]

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]

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

[@BruceBoschek]

@@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. 🙂

[@Buywarbonds]

You seem like a badass old dude

[@BruceBoschek]

@@Buywarbonds 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

[@terryorcutt8739]

Hahaha, love the Yaris jab at the end!

[@swanblake]

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

[@DarrenWalley]

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

[@baobo67]

"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

[@dennisbrown2571]

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.

[@billmulholland4140]

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

[@drewpierce2273]

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.

[@michaelgreco4813]

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]

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]

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!!

[@G1951-w1y]

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.

[@johnkosik7183]

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. :)

[@efath-bz8hv]

the mga is the grandaddy of the miata/brz

[@malcolmar]

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.

[@robertdavidson3090]

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.

[@earlbucklin8323]

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

[@smoath]

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

[@joeesposito5101]

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!

[@RichardMichaelOwen]

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.

[@andresd4464]

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

[@frankmoyer5822]

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.

[@MarkRLePage]

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

[@danopureblood7066]

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]

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

[@beegee22]

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]

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]

@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.

[@Dentropolis]

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.

[@kelseybaker5559]

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

[@UnrelatedNonsense]

Boy how far MG has fallen. They used to make beautiful sports cars. Now they make Chinese garbage.

[@darticulate8751]

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

[@tybennett65]

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

[@billmurrin7166]

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

[@awboat]

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

[@CarlosRodriguez-dd4sb]

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.

[@robertd.richter1990]

Had a ‘58, what a great car.

[@tvrduude]

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]

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

[@tracerloenan8020]

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.

[@AlexTrain5249]

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]

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!

[@anjdog2003]

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

[@alotl1kevegas860]

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

[@robertcallahan4065]

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

[@SaintMecha]

Now MG are chinese crappy city cars. 💔

[@sarahhearn-vonfoerster7401]

So sad 😞.

[@marcusmaddenov2451]

An MGA is a back road whomp banger extreme!

[@project4bangers]

My MGB is currently sitting in the driveway (as it does half the time) due to the fuel pump. Love it to death but man is she unreliable.

[@jez_stephensanotherapex5921]

Great insight; beautiful machine!

[@larryparish5984]

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]

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.

[@1000isaiah]

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

[@jettrink7510]

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

[@alhodge4051]

very informative..

[@MrSteveAugarde]

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...

[@oilcap4166]

Nice video

[@robwalker6167]

Great video. I just bought a 1600 Mk1 that has been in a barn for 5 years, my first classic car purchase. It's got a Speedwell head conversion that claims +20% power. However 20% of not a lot is even less so I'm not expecting ripping performance. Now I just need to free off the brakes and put in some fresh petrol...

[@hotchkissart]

I think now the prices are up 10 to 20%

[@walterholmes4609]

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.

[@a-kazebo-z5139]

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

[@jeffhildreth9244]

You mean Bruce ?

[@LuciFeric137]

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

[@WiseGuy02]

Haha Yaris drivers are the same the world over.

[@shankarbalan3813]

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

[@marial8235]

Such a pretty little car.❤

[@clivewinters7479]

A brilliant review! 🇬🇧

[@Greetings666]

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

[@johnpearson492]

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.

[@jordansernik]

My favourite car

[@madrafboy]

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.

[@HiNRGboy]

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

[@Mayomonster38]

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

[@terrykrall]

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

[@aperfectplace]

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

[@richardjensen2769]

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]

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]

Hail Lucas, Lord of Darkness

[@awalk5177]

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

[@rickchurch2460]

Excellent thanks

[@lesobliteres]

Just finished restoring my58 It was fabricated for uphill racing

[@sarahhearn-vonfoerster7401]

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!

[@americanpatriot2422]

MGs are outstanding and great cars. I collect MGBs.

[@mbrant4973]

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

[@Australia-ky7kx]

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.

[@caligijg]

thanks - excellent piece

[@dannywilsher4165]

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

[@brianbrozek4435]

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

[@gavinmurrell3415]

That'll be Old English White then

[@wakjob961]

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

[@hugh-johnfleming289]

What a pleasure to watch. Excellent production.

[@nikjames2965]

Pshaw.. If the MGA was a race car then the Morris Oxford was a super salloon

[@adrianoagliardi1450]

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

[@steveaguinaga3821]

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

[@robbending3848]

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

[@jeffhildreth9244]

Idiotic but not heresy.

[@steveaguinaga3821]

@@jeffhildreth9244 😳

[@hofthem]

This is a great video, no heavy metal music.

[@stevehughes2133]

Did I miss it? You never mentioned the coupe version.

[@amandawatson5931]

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

[@jeffhildreth9244]

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

[@JAYJAYJAY53]

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

[@joelonzello4189]

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

[@rsamano4434]

Bromantic

[@manuelmartin5844]

It's all about feeling

[@hofthem]

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]

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]

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

[@sobhi05]

Dam you Toyota Yaris, dam you!🤣🤣🤣

[@mattknight6691]

First

[@philroder4878]

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.

[@ajwhhis]

What a resource! Thank you

[@matsk57]

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”..

[@MGArowdie]

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.

[@YonngCedric]

567 Felicita Well

[@stephennickles7389]

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

[@juanxnaranjo647]

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.

[@tombob671]

Thoughts on Lucas Electric?

[@sarahhearn-vonfoerster7401]

We don't like to talk about that 😒!

[@jeffhildreth9244]

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]

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

[@mbrant4973]

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

[@LadyShanghai-wj1kh]

Get out of my car!

[@Ficon]

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

[@rickharper1497]

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

[@michaeljoesmith3977]

MOWOG

[@sblack48]

Would pouring warm beer on a sheep farmer really help? 🤪