1961 MGA 1600 Coupe
Syd Enever’s aerodynamic MGA design gained a fixed-roof coupe variant in 1956, roughly one year after the roadster’s debut. The coupe represented a more civilized interpretation, incorporating wind-up windows, wrap-around front and rear glass, and lockable doors (features typically associated with saloon cars).
Despite carrying a roughly 100-pound (45 kg) weight penalty compared to the open model, superior aerodynamics allowed the coupe to cross the 100 mph barrier.
Only 2,771 examples were built during the 1600 production run, making it considerably rarer than its roadster counterpart.
The 1,588cc B-series four-cylinder produced 80 horsepower at 5,600 rpm through twin SU carburetors, with Girling disc brakes at the front managing the increased performance. Rack-and-pinion steering maintained the direct feel of earlier T-series models, while independent front suspension combined with a live rear axle provided familiar handling characteristics.
Production concluded in May 1962 when the MGB arrived, ending a manufacturing run that totaled just over 101,000 MGAs across all variants. The coupe’s refined nature made it particularly suitable for extended touring.
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