• Period competition history
• Rare and desirable UK-delivered RHD Twin Cam example
• Enthusiastically campaigned throughout its life
• Well-documented history
• Stored and maintained as part of an important collection since 2012
• Remaining in lovely condition

Immensely popular though it was, the MGA faced stiff competition from the larger-engined Triumph TR3 and Austin-Healey 100/6. Coaxing more power from the standard engine was becoming increasingly difficult, so development concentrated on a twin-overhead-camshaft cylinder head for the B-Series block. Conceived at Cowley by BMC engineer Gerald Palmer and introduced in 1958, the new engine did not disappoint, producing an impressive 108bhp at 6,700rpm. Considerably faster than the stock MGA, the Twin Cam could comfortably exceed 110mph, and to cope with the increased performance Dunlop disc brakes were fitted all round and Dunlop centre-lock wheels adopted. A high price discouraged sales however, and the model was dropped after just two years. Production totalled 2,111 cars, a mere 360 of which were sold on the home market, and today the Twin Cam is one of the most sought-after of post-war MG sports cars.

This car, chassis number 'YD1/1580', left the factory on 16th March 1959 for delivery to Leeds dealers Isaac Swires & Sons Ltd. Just over one month later the car was competing in the first of the two Tulip Rallies that it would contest in the hands of owner Harry Mainz, co-driven by R Vicat-Cole, a member of the famous artistic family. Although not a true 'works' entry, it was numbered in sequence with the factory cars, the Gott/Tooley car ('SBL 707') being numbered '28', John Sprintzel/Stuart Turner ('RMO 101') number '29' and this car number '30'. This is illustrated in a period photograph contained in the history file together with a letter from MG Competitions Department staff member, Bill Price. The file also contains the original Tulip Rally timing and results books from 1959 and 1960 plus the car's original buff logbook that documents the registration number change from 'XWU 285' to 'JRD 333'.

Around 1985 the car was purchased by Mr Paul Channon, a well-known motor racing personality and garagiste who held the BMC agency for Bournemouth, and rebuilt by him (see photographs on file). Mr Channon had raced and hill-climbed his AC Cobra for many years and required a car suitable for historic rallying. He rebuilt the MGA to a high competition standard with special camshafts and 9.9:1 compression pistons, sourced from well-known Twin Cam expert, Peter Wood, plus three-point harnesses, Marchal spotlights, Halda Tripmaster, etc. From 1986 to 2005 Mr Channon competed in 46 rallies with much success, achieving 25 class wins, eight 2nd in class and four 3rd in class, including nine top three overall finishes (and only two DNFs).
This period competition Twin Cam was bought by the current owner in Belgium in 2012, residing in an important collection. Passing the technical inspection there in 2013, the owner's intention was to road register the car in Belgium, which never happened. The car has hardly been driven, indeed, less than 100 miles in over 11 years. Dry-stored in the best conditions like the rest of his collection, the car has been carefully started up again by the collection mechanic just 2 months ago after a long period of storage. We're advised the car runs very well and is exactly how the owner bought it in 2012, remaining in lovely condition.

Competition prepared yet easily tractable enough for everyday road use, this very special MGA remains in beautiful condition and would be the ideal candidate to compete in any historic rally. It comes complete with and old FIA-document, HSCC and VSCC papers, plus RAC logbook, current Belgian 'demande d'immatriculation' and it's old (cancelled) UK V5.

Interested parties should note that should the car remain in the UK, it will be issued with a UK V5C with an age-related number plate. The original registration JRD 333 could be applied for with the DVLA but is not guaranteed.

Please note that this vehicle is from outside the UK. Our customs agents, CARS UK, will manage all post sale customs administration. A fee of £350+VAT will be charged on the buyer's invoice to administer both import or export customs movements. If the buyer also chooses to ship with CARS UK, this will be quoted separately. If this vehicle is to remain in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the reduced rate of 5% on the hammer price. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance formalities. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department.