1960 MGA FIA Competition Roadster
Registration no. 696 CLL Chassis no. GHN/91842

Goodwood Speedweek: Important Collector's Motor Cars and Automobilia (Viewing restrictions apply)|17 October 2020, 13:00 BST|London, New Bond Street

1960 MGA FIA Competition Roadster
Registration no. 696 CLL
Chassis no. GHN/91842

*Built and raced by the late Ron Cody
*Successfully campaigned in the Equipe GTS series
*1,950cc B-Series engine (178bhp)
*Restored in 2015 and 2020

Footnotes

A successful outing for three EX182 pre-production prototypes at the Le Mans 24 Hours Race in 1955 provided perfect pre-launch publicity for MG's new sports car. Conceived as a replacement for the traditional T-Series MGs and launched in 1955, the MGA combined a rigid chassis with the Austin-designed, 1,489cc engine that had first appeared in the ZA Magnette. The overhead valve B-Series unit produced 68bhp (later 72bhp) at 5,500rpm on twin SU carburettors. Running gear was based on that of the TF, with independent front suspension and a live rear axle, but as far as its road manners were concerned the far superior MGA was in an entirely different league. Clad in a stylish aerodynamic body and capable of topping 95mph, the MGA proved an instant hit, selling 13,000 units in its first full year of production.

This FIA-specification MGA competition roadster was built and raced by the late Ron Cody and has competed in a number of race series over a period of approximately 20 years. During this time the car saw many victories in the Equipe GTS race series. This success led Ron to build, restore and race-prepare cars for other competitors to the same high standard, his engines being both very quick and reliable. Since the car last competed it has undergone a significant restoration, receiving a new livery of Rosso Corsa with Old English White striping. Most of the rebuild was carried out in 2015 with further works in 2020.

This MGA is powered by a 1,950cc B-Series engine producing 178bhp, notable features of which include an Arrow steel billet crankshaft; Carrillo con-rods; Burgess (special development) cylinder head; Piper (special development) camshaft; and a Weber 48DCO/SP carburettor. Other noteworthy features of this highly developed car include an MGB close-ratio gearbox; Quaife limited-slip differential; alloy front wings; new radiator with thermostatic fan; new electrical switches; new lighting wiring; and up-rated suspension incorporating Koni telescopic dampers. Requiring little more than an FIA date-compliant seat and harness to complete it, '696 CLL' is eligible for numerous race series in its current specification but can easily be modified for other purposes if so required.

Saleroom notices

Please note the correct year for the vehicle is 1961, not 1960 as catalogued. Please note that with the current engine, the car would not be eligible for FIA papers. The car is not currently to FIA specification as catalogued and does not come with FIA papers as this were not necessary for its most recent race outings.

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