While certain performance models of different automobile brands can bring and retain significant value, so can former racers that have a provenance or interesting story in their background. Here is just such an example, a 1959 MG MGA twin-cam coupe model, located near Delta, British Columbia and available here on craigslist for $38,000 U.S. Thanks to Roger for this tip!

The MG MGA was a British sports car manufactured between 1955 and 1962. The body styles included a roadster and a coupe. There were approximately 101,000 units produced across its eight-model year run and the majority were built for export. Of the total production, only about 2,100 were the vaunted twin-cam model and they were built between 1958 and 1960. What set this hot-rod version apart from more pedestrian MGAs were several features, including a 1.6 liter, in-line, four-cylinder, 108 HP, DOHC engine (later reduced to 101 HP), four-wheel disc brakes, steel wheels secured by knock-offs and an identifying “TWIN-CAM” badge located near the fender vent. Standard MGAs built during the twin-cam’s reign were powered by a 1.5 liter, 68 HP in-line four (’58-’59) or 1.6 liter 79 HP in-line, four-cylinder engine (’60).

Let’s cut to the chase, this twin-cam MGA is now twin-camless. The seller tells us that the twin-cam motor suffered engine failure a few years ago (not all that uncommon a fate for this motor) and a 1622 CC, inline, four-cylinder engine (probably a ’61 or ’62 vintage, good for 90 HP) now resides in the engine room. The wrecked twin-cam motor is included in the sale. The seller tells us that his MGA has a solid race pedigree across North America but gives no indication as to how it currently runs. The four-speed manual transmission is a close-ratio design and power to the rear wheels is via a limited-slip differential. Speaking of the differential, I find it curious that the seller doesn’t mention the twin-cam model’s four-wheel disc brakes – and identifying and valuable feature that sets this MGA apart from others.

Of interesting note is that the seller converted this MGA to RHD to prepare it for racing. I know these cars were built both ways but I would still think that to be an arduous task. Nevertheless, the interior has that road-course racer vibe going on full-tilt with its harnesses and roll cage. The red vinyl/leather (the seller doesn’t disclose which) looks great and contrasts beautifully with the black finish.

The exterior shows a car obviously set up for racing, note the glass straps across the rear window, straps secured to the trunk lid and the absence of bumpers. The body doesn’t show any obvious repair work performed as a result of an on-track mishap – it would be worth investigating that item further. I also note the absence of the TWIN-CAM badge that I referenced above. Maybe that’s an oversight but it seems to me that an identifying feature as such would be important to preserve.

A craigslist posting may not the best place to document this car’s racing history but I would like to know more about this MGA’s competitive past. The seller only mentions that it has raced across North America and calls out Vancouver and Sebring specifically. This is an interesting car with an interesting past and the seller wants an interesting amount of money for it considering that its most notable feature is no longer employed. So tell me, do you think it’s worth it as is, racing history et al, or does it really need the in-place, original engine to clinch a sale at this price?