When, in 2008, the MGCP joined the MGCC-UK at the encouragement of Member No. 12 / Victor Rodrigues, it soon began to be contacted by Registers of some MG models, especially the MGA. This Register, with over 6,500 units around the world, centralises the information it can obtain on the specifications and properties of all surviving MGA models, with a particular interest in the De Luxe and Twin Cam versions.
That's how, with the help of the A. M. Almeida import records, we were able to add information, identify and contact some of the few current owners. We're talking about the 12 MGA Twin Cams that entered Portugal in 1958 and 1959, with the 1st and 2nd being destined for José Lampreia and António Peixinho respectively. The 12th ended up in the hands of Mr Mário Melo who was kind enough to lend it to us so we could exhibit it at the 3rd edition of MOTORCLÁSSICO at the Cordoaria Nacional in Lisbon. And exhibiting seems to us the most appropriate term because with its Double Overhead Camshaft engine, one for the intake valves and the other for the exhaust valves, it captivated attention and satisfied curiosity.
The production of the MGA considered to be - FUN TO DRIVE, PLEASING TO THE EYE, A ROMANTIC'S RACE CAR - was a resounding commercial success during its 7 years of production only overshadowed by the MGA Twin Cam which was a commercial failure with only 2,111 units produced (1,788 roadsters + 323 coupés) and of which Abingdon was not proud.
Even in competition, it took time to make a name for itself and others besides António Peixinho defined it as: ‘A very special MGA whose engine only worked with special spark plugs, consumed aeroplane petrol and broke down at 6,900 rpm’.
However, today it has its place in the history of the MG Brand and is a much-loved Classic.
In the Salon, many commemorations produced exhibitions such as those relating to:
- 70 Years of Alpine, Citroen DS and Fiat 600
- 50 Years of the Portaro
We also highlight:
- Celebrating the 40th anniversary of Ayrton Senna's first F1 victory
- An exhibition dedicated to the Second World War
- The Motor Talks organised by Adelino Dinis
- The launch of the book ‘IPA - The Automobiles of Porto de Mós’ by Mr Barros Rodrigues
- A visit from Emerson Fittipaldi, who had come to look after the exhibition ‘The Fittipaldi Collection’, now at the Museu do Caramulo.
