By the time Le Mans came around the design of what would be known as the MGA had effectively been finalised, the race itself being little more than a useful opportunity to check that everything was as it should be. Conceived as replacement for the traditional T-Series MGs, the MGA combined a rigid chassis with the Austin-designed, 1,489cc B-Series engine that had first appeared in the ZA Magnette.

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Initially this engine produced 68bhp at 5,500rpm, though this was later raised to 72bhp at the same revs to further improve performance. Running gear was based on that of the TF, with independent front suspension and a live rear axle, but as far as its road manners were concerned, the far superior MGA was in an entirely different league. Clad in a stylish aerodynamic body and capable of topping 95mph, the MGA proved an instant hit, selling 13,000 units in its first full year of production.

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Attractive, stylish and guaranteed head-turner anywhere, the MGA is among the most desirable and driveable of classic post-war sports cars. They are also exceptionally user friendly, being cheap to run and easily maintained by the home mechanic, with ample spares and service back-up provided by an extensive network of specialists.

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This wonderful MGA is certainly not your average open top sports car though. Expertly prepared by Litre Classics to compete in the most challenging races, this MGA won First in Class at the Le Mans Classic in 2018. The car had been previously fettled by Oselli in 2018 and was the subject of an earlier restoration.