August must be MGA Twin Cam month because we just covered a coupe here. But hey, the more the merrier! Here on craigslist is a different proposition altogether: an MGA Twin Cam bits ‘n pieces project, with a correct chassis tag from 1958 but titled as a 1960, with an asking price of $25,000. The seller purchased this car sight unseen from a woman whose dementia-affected husband was restoring it. Long story short, it turns out that the restoration consisted of transferring a spare twin-cam motor and transmission into an ordinary 1600 chassis. Miraculously, the seller managed to procure a correct chassis and body shell. The chassis stamping is discernable; it has been verified and registered by a marque specialist. These parts are crucial: the Twin Cam body included access panels in the fender wells and special curvatures to clear components placed differently in the engine bay versus the pushrod MGA; and on the frame, mounts for the steering rack and other bits were also distinct. Additionally, the seller has sourced the TC’s unique 7500 rpm tachometer. You’ll need to haul a trailer to Manvel, Texas to pick up this prize, remembering to have space for two cars plus parts in said trailer.
About a year ago, the seller – probably after kicking himself around the block for not inspecting the car before laying down money – infused the engine’s cylinders with Marvel Mystery oil and ran it. He reports good compression though possibly biased positively by the oil. Once the engine is resurrected, the new owner will have a slightly exotic piece of equipment, with an alloy crossflow head, hemispherical combustion chambers, duplex chains driving the cams and distributor, two hefty 1 3/4″ SU carbs, a finned aluminum sump, and 108 hp. Keeping this bit of kit running well is simpler now than when the factory was bumbling through its development: we understand and can fix its problems today.
Plenty of parts are included with the car, but whether every single item is available is unclear. Obtaining MGA parts isn’t difficult, but many items are unique to the Twin Cam – like the pedal box, brakes, clutch and master cylinder, fuel pump, and so forth. The owner does represent that the suspension components are the correct type.
Restoring this car will result in a mutt without a pedigree, but the new owner can at least enjoy the cachet of that exotic motor. Top-end values for nice MGA Twin Cam roadsters are around $50k to $80k depending on originality, colors, and the level of restoration. Gone are the days of six-figure results. What do you all think of the seller’s asking price?
A good project with enough spare parts to build a really good car. Do think the going in price is a bit much for the time and money it’s going to take to restore this one.
A Twin Cam – nice score! Price is a little high. It LOOKS Solid… but I would make sure that the floor (which is wood) is still intact and that the Steel channels to secure the floor are proper… If not – then plan on some steel / welding work. I would also check the FRAME to make sure that it’s solid without holes.
Could be a lot of bits are missing and all in the photos seem to need work. I think it’s over priced.
AS I have often said about what I and many consider to be such a beautiful body design as the MGA is- it is both a bargain and a bain. The MGA was a “Working Man’s Dream car” and traded well amoung the proloteriate like me. The car never had a large upper class following that keeps the vehicle’s restoration as a “Labor of love”, in that its eventual sale has proven not to meet or exceed the cost of proper restoration. STILL- a bargain! Advertized originally as “Smiles per Mile” this is still true. The twin cam at least may turn a profit–although, not likely as driveable as its pushrod pals. I say, buy an MGA, restore it, and keep it. Hardly any more satisfying, and affordable car out there for the beauty and the fun!
Thanx to the MGA the world got introduced and ready for the classic Cobra designed bodies and they lived on till today as top collector prizes!
I wish it was closer as I would have my friend, who built and still has a twin cam, look it over. If all of the TC specific parts are there then it is fairly priced. If you need another block, rumor has it that a lot of them were used as boat anchors when folks did not treat the engines properly. They do require a bit of pampering to get the most out of them.
It looks like it has an alternator. Hard to believe that is original. And the price high. ’58 titled as a ’60 would count me out.