Gentleman Driver
Perhaps, it was all about destiny. When Maurizio purchased this beautiful MG A noticed that the BMIHT (British Motor Industry Heritage Trust) certificate reported as a date of construction the 21-09-1960 and as the day of shipping to the USA the 23-9 -1960, and the interesting thing is that the second one corresponds exactly to his date of birth. To this we can add that MG are the initials of the name of his partner Maria Grazia, so it was just written.
Maurizio, who already had other classic cars like a 1967 Porsche 911 T and a 1940 Chevrolet Sedan De Luxe, wanted to own an English classic and we clearly say that his choice has been grade A. The 1960 MG, as said of American origin, has been painted by the previous owner in the traditional British Racing Green with beige interior, while originally was black. Not being an expert mechanic, he also confesses his initial mistrust regarding British cars, often accused of unreliability, and luckily was able to disavow these slanders, also with the collaboration of his friend Peppino Cipriani, trusted mechanic. Maurizio says: “I haven’t made modifications or extraordinary works but simple routine maintenance. I personally believe that classic cars do not have to undergo big works but only a good and conservative lifting: the car must be kept with care but should also show the signs of aging (like wrinkles of a beautiful lady, who despite her age shows her beauty)”. He is fascinated by the beautiful and soft lines of the car, appreciating the excellent drivability, especially in the beautiful areas of Langhe, Roero and Monferrato, and the ups and downs of the country roads are ideal to enjoy it at its best, perhaps with the hair in the wind. There are some strange details such as the lack of doors handles, so you need to slide the windows down and then pull the little rope inside. To our question: “Where do you want to drive your MG?”, Maurizio answers with one special place in mind as to drive it in the native Country of the MG, where lawns are green like it.
The MG A was born in 1955, replacing the antiquated T Series. Its design dates back to three years thanks to the work of Syd Enever. A new frame was necessary to make the driving position lower. The name of the project was to be UA, but was later called MG A. The engine used was a new B-series type created by BMC, which enabled a lowering of the bonnet to the benefit of aerodynamics and of the lines, certainly pleasant and appealing , with a long bonnet, doors coming down in the back, pronounced fenders and a thin tail, chromed bumper and wheels, along with a typically British interior who completed the work. In 1958 the engine gained an aluminum head and a better compression, being able to develop 108 hp. It was also provided with four Dunlop disc brakes, flagship of the British era, while wheels on the Twin Cam were made out of steel. The 1959 1.588cc standard version had 79.5 hp and hence was born the MGA 1600. The aesthetic differences from the previous model were minimal. In 1961 the engine capacity was increased to 1,622cc, making it appear a more relaxing car at high speed, but the adoption of some cosmetic changes went to weigh a little ‘the beauty of the original design. In 1962 it went out of production.
Models: Brunilde Bonechi, Giusy Picariello