Year, Make and Model – 1962 MG MGA Deluxe

Photos by Richard Lentinello.

It’s one of the prettiest sports cars ever made. Blessed with delicate, flowing lines, the MGA’s persuasive form is the reason behind its magnetic appeal.

In production from 1955 to 1962, the first MGA model was the 1500 roadster, followed by the 1500 coupe for 1956; both models were powered by the 1,489cc B-series four-cylinder engine. It produced only 72hp, but returned about 30 miles per gallon. Then, for the 1959 model year, MG offered a high-performance version called the MGA Twin Cam. Its engine was a twin-cam four cylinder that displaced 1,588cc, which developed a welcome 108hp. The racy-looking Twin Cam model was fitted with several distinctive changes that set it apart from the standard MGA 1500 such as Dunlop knock-off solid wheels, four-wheel disc brakes, a higher redlined tach and a different heater blower unit, plus the signature “TWIN CAM” badging on the hood.

For the 1960 model year, MG introduced the 1600 Mk I. It was essentially the same as the 1500, but sported an 80hp 1600 engine, front disc brakes, a “pushed in” grille and upright taillamps; some 31,501 Mk I’s were made. Then, for 1961, the MGA’s final year in production, there was the 1600 Mk II. This model had an even larger 1,622cc engine that made 90hp, and a close-ratio four-speed gearbox; just 8,719 were built.

The high-performance MGA Twin Cam remained in production until 1961, after which some 2,210 rolled off the Abingdon assembly line, which was quite low compared to the 58,750 1500s that were produced. But when the Twin Cam’s production ended, there were still so many of its distinctive components left over that MG decided, instead of scraping them, to install them on some of the 1600 Mk I and Mk II’s; thus was born the MGA Deluxe.

Although the MGA Deluxe was the only MGA model not given a separate identity, it has the distinction of being the rarest MGA ever made. A mere 82 examples were made using the 1600 engine, while just 313 of the more desirable Mk II Deluxe–which used the more powerful 1,622cc engine and close-ratio gearbox–were built. Today, the Deluxe is the most sought after MGA to own because it combines all the fine attributes of the Twin Cam model, such as its chassis, knock-off solid wheels and four-wheel disc brakes; but instead of the somewhat troublesome twin-cam engine, it has the ever-durable B-series engine, making it the one MGA that incorporates the best of everything.

Our feature car belongs to noted MG restorer and collector, Dr. Carl Meyer, a dentist in upstate New York. Besides being a rare MGA Deluxe roadster, this car is an unrestored original, and still sports its factory-applied black paint and red interior; even its convertible top and spare tire are original and in excellent condition, and it’s also equipped with the rare Derrington wood steering wheel.

“What I like most about this MGA is its original condition, and the fact that it has all its original tools, owner’s manual, top, side curtains, etc.” Meyer said “The interior is untouched, as are the seats and door panels, although there is some noticeable wear of the FurFlex door seals. The original vinyl scuttle is excellent and unique to the Mk II.

“Maintaining the MG’s originality is not that difficult,” he said, “if you service it and store it properly. Routine maintenance and driving it periodically simplify the task.”

This article originally appeared in the October, 2013 issue of Hemmings Motor News.

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