Twinky: ’59 MGA Twin Cam
The MGA was introduced in 1955 as a replacement for the MG TF. It was a worthy competitor to the TR3 and Austin-Healey although they had the advantage of larger displacement engines. Even with a mere 1489 cc engine, the aerodynamic MGA sold over 13,000 cars in its first year. BMC engineers were at their wits end trying to get more ponies in the stable from that motor so development began on a twin-overhead-camshaft cylinder head. The Twin-Cam – aka Twink – introduced in 1958, produced an impressive 108 hp @ 6,700 rpm. But all was not rosy in the Cotswolds. There was a problem with the engine at sustained hi-speed leading to a succession of catastrophic engine failures. The Twink was discontinued in favor of a larger displacement motor. Well, there is good news and more good news for any Twin-Cam owner. Read More