Born for Le Mans: The Story Behind Our 1959 MGA Tribute
The MGA's story began not simply on Britain's roads, but on the world's most famous endurance-racing circuit.
In 1955, MG took three experimental EX182 competition cars to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, using the event as an opportunity to test and showcase the design that would soon become the production MGA. Among them was car No. 64, driven by Ted Lund and Hans Waeffler.
Powered by a 1.5-litre version of MG's new B-Series engine, the little green MG faced a formidable field of larger and more powerful machinery. Yet it survived the full 24 hours, completing 234 laps and more than 3,100 kilometres, to finish 17th overall.
The result was significant. These were not simply modified road cars; the EX182s were development machines that helped demonstrate the potential of MG's new sports-car design. Just a few months later, the production MGA was unveiled, carrying many of the same fundamental design principles that had been tested in competition.
The MGA was therefore born with racing in its blood.
More than six decades later, that connection with Le Mans provided the inspiration for a very special car now at The Forge.
1959 MGA 1600 Roadster – Le Mans Tribute
Just arrived at The Forge is this exceptionally presented 1959 MG MGA Mk1 1600 Roadster, finished as a carefully considered tribute to the pioneering MG racers of 1955.
Originally supplied new to California in July 1959, this genuine 1600 Roadster spent much of its early life in the dry climate of the American West before returning to the UK around 2006. What followed was an extraordinary 11-year restoration and rebuild, undertaken with the aim of creating a car that captured the spirit and appearance of the early Le Mans MGs while remaining enjoyable and usable on the road today.
Finished in Dark Jaguar Racing Green, with period-inspired detailing, refurbished alloy wheels and excellent brightwork, the car has the unmistakable presence of a 1950s competition MG.
The restoration itself was carried out by marque specialists using dedicated body jigs to ensure accurate panel alignment and fit. The Californian shell was particularly valuable during the rebuild, with the chassis requiring no structural repairs. Beneath the car, the exceptionally clean floors and chassis reflect the quality of the work throughout.
Inside, the cabin has been completely retrimmed in red, with matching carpets and sound insulation. An Astrali wood-rim steering wheel, supportive bucket seats and colour-matched dashboard add to the period competition character, while a new wiring loom has been installed throughout.
The original 1,600cc B-Series engine has been retained but sympathetically upgraded for improved performance, reliability and usability. The specification includes an unleaded cylinder head conversion, uprated camshaft, oil cooler, twin 1¾-inch SU carburettors, bespoke three-into-one tubular manifold, stainless-steel Maniflow exhaust, electronic ignition, high-torque starter and electric fuel pump.
The suspension has also received sympathetic upgrades, including slightly negative-camber front wishbones and adjustable Spax rear dampers, giving the car a more planted feel while retaining the traditional character of the MGA.
Importantly, this is not an over-modified car. The upgrades have been chosen in the same spirit as many period competition improvements – enhancing the driving experience without losing the qualities that make the MGA such an appealing classic.
The attention to detail extends throughout the car, from the beautifully presented engine bay and neatly trimmed boot to the exceptionally clean underside. An extensive history file accompanies the car, including invoices, receipts, photographic records of the restoration and a Heritage Certificate confirming its factory origins.
Following completion, the MGA covered very few miles and made its first show appearance in 2022, where it was awarded first place in a pre-1960s classic class.
A tribute with genuine MGA heritage
This car is, of course, not an original 1955 works EX182. Rather, it is a tribute to those pioneering cars and to the competition heritage that helped shape the MGA itself.
That distinction is important – and it is also what makes the story so appealing.
The original No. 64 went to Le Mans to prove what MG's new sports car could do. This 1959 MGA has been built decades later to celebrate that same spirit, combining the elegance of the production MGA with the purposeful appearance and character of its racing ancestors.
After an 11-year restoration and with virtually no mileage since its completion, this is an MGA ready for its next chapter.
For those who appreciate the history behind the car as much as the car itself, it is a particularly evocative way to experience the MGA – a road-going tribute to the little MGs that went racing at Le Mans and helped give birth to one of Britain's most iconic sports cars.
