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MG MGA - MGA – A poor man’s Healey?

While I am happy with my 60 Roadster I have always lusted after a big Healey – is that the same for you guys? I could not afford one when I was a student and still cannot now without upsetting the boss and also I don’t want to get rid of the A!
A good condition MGA roadster in Australia is $US19-23,000 whereas an excellent condition Healey 3000 Mk 3 is $US60,000 may explain it.
The upside of the A is that they are not bad looking, are cheap and easy to fix, other owners are very friendly and helpful, Barney’s web site, this BBS and our local MG club.
Mike
Mike Ellsmore

You could always just paint your MGA like mine!

http://uk.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/wine_lines/detail?.dir=27b8&.dnm=b053.jpg&.src=ph

Richard.
Richard Ross

Mike - similar situation for me. Before I bought my 1960 MGA 3 years ago I made a list of cars I would like to own and scored them on various attributes. When I scored with my heart the E type and Healey came out ahead of my beloved A. I spoke to a few Healey owners at shows while I was weighing up the idea. One owner settled it for me - he said that he had enjoyed putting the Healey together and loved its looks but driving it was a pig. He said that he had to fight it all the way - this was confirmed in an article I read by someone who had driven a Healey on a tour of Wales. He stated that he was knackered after just a couple of hours driving. Apart from the fact that Healeys and E Types are more than double the price of a good MGA - the A is so relaxing and fun to drive. Cheers Cam
Cam Cunningham

"Drives like a pig.", "Truck-like."

Comments I've heard about the Big Healey.

But they are wonderful and I still want one. I know where there's a one owner, bought from the factory one sitting in a garage where it was pushed 10+ years ago when the clutch went. I can't afford to offer what it's worth and I can't bring myself to try and "steal" it from him.

Derek Nicholson

The first time I reenlisted in the Navy (way back in 1965) I got a reenlistment bonus of $1440 and promptly headed for the closest sports car dealer in the Mountain View, CA area.

There were two used cars there...an MGA and a Healey. The Healey was my first choice but it was $100 more than the MGA so I settled for the MG. I've always sort of regretted it but it wouldn't have mattered which one I had bought...I ended up going to Vietnam and leaving the car with my sister who promptly wrecked it.

Gene Gillam

Hi folks. I currently own an MGA 1500 roadster, but in the past, I have owned two Healey 3000's While the Healey's had big engines, overdrive, and lots of power, they had many VERY serious problems and shortcomings. The frames were made of thin and weak sheet metal, which rotted out horribly, usually in highly structural areas. (Rear outriggers that support leaf springs and body mounts as a few examples) Healey's had extremely marginal ground clearance, which meant scrubbing off mufflers, and exhaust flex pipes with great regularity. (expensive) Engine heat was unbelievable and unbearable. I once had my crepe rubber shoe sole melt and stick to the D/S floorboard DESPITE additional Asbesdos under the floorboard! Access to change the bottom radiator hose or to replace the clutch slave cylinder was horrendous, as was pulling just the transmission. Doing these simple jobs were almost impossible, and EXTREMELY frustrating! Additionally, Healey doors closed by themselves due to the angles they were hung at, and would not (could not) stay open by themselves! Very inconvenient when trying to load items for transport! Loading items for transport meant moving the seatback forward, which inevitably would hit the steering wheel mounted hornn button. Of course the horn would sound loudly any time loading cargo was attemted. ( Not appreciated by neighbours in the wee hours) Healeys had steel fenders, but aluminum tubs. This bi metal contact set up electrolytic corrosion that was extremely damaging to the fender mounting flange area of the aluminum tub. Try repairing this thin sheet Aluminum, especially when this area shows when painted! Healey's did not handle near as well as the MGA's, and had tons of unstoppable, unfixable rattles, creaks, and scuttle shake, that made driving a real annoyance. Frankly, if someone offered me a nicely restored big Healey in exchange for my currently decrepit looking MGA, I would refuse without a second's hesitation. While Healey's did have a few redeeming qualities, (speed and looks) these assets are not enough to entice this individual to endure a Healey long term. Just my 2 cents worth, Glenn
Glenn

I've also heard from a professional British car mechanic to whom I expressed my lust for a big Healey that the Healeys are very prone to mainenance issues vs. an MGA. Parts are also a good deal more expensive. I think I'll keep my MGA.

M.D.
'57 Coupe
M. D.

I also suffered from "Healy Envy" but have taken steps to cure the problem. I chose an MGA for the style and also because it's an MG. I found a 'basket case' body and frame, no running gear except for the rear springs and rack and pinion. Too far gone for a restoration, but perfect for an engine swap. It's now full of inline 6 cylinder and 5 speed. I'll have the power of the big Healy with the style and sturdy frame of the MGA. My web site has a few small photos of 'Project Poor Man's Healy' as I christened it several years ago. http://www.planetkc.com/bkyoung/
Bill Young

Although I'd kind of like the power of the big Healey, I MUCH prefer the MGA in every other way...including looks!

When reading these responses, remember that this IS an MG enthusiasts forum. As with a recent thread comparing the virtues of the MGA with those of the Triumph TR3, I suspect you'd get quite different responses if you asked the same question on a Healey enthusiasts forum.
Andy Bounsall

Bill, with that drivetrain you've got to get at least a catalog from clifford performance. They make some excellent performance accessories for that block and are probably THE experts on 6 cyl performance.

http://cliffordperformance.net/
.

I've always wanted a Healey but I would not sell the MGA to get one. The general bodylines of the Healey are gorgeous, but I greatly prefer the interior of the MGA as well as the simplicity of the outer lines and trim. I've also never heard anyone say that a Healey will outmanuever an MGA which is another strike in my opinion.
Steve Simmons

I was lucky enough to have a Healey for 1 full summer while the owner was overseas and I have to say I loved it. I actually found the drive okay but I think I just took it for what it was and didn't compare to anything else. The overdrive was a big plus as it made long haul effortless and of course the exaust note..!

I wouldn't part with my A though, no way. It's beautiful lines are just way too pleasing to the eye. Like several others have said, it may well not have been my first choice and in fact I hope to add one or two more oil leaks to my garage (S1 E Type + something else depending on cravings!) but the A is going nowhere!

In some ways I wish I had held out to find a twin cam as with what I've got into it I could have bought a nice one but so be it, the A stays!

Roy.
R. Maher

Don't get me started! The title of this thread offends me the Healey is a rich spoiled brats A.
The A design predates the time when MG lost it's autonomy. Upon being forced under BMC MG was forced to stop development on the A and throw together the MG TF so Mr Healey wouldn't have a nicer better looking car competing head to head with his pig. Corporate politics at BMC sucked for MG.
The Le Mans TD UMG400 of 1951 and the EX175 prototype of 1952 predated the TF. BMC finally allowed the A to be re-engineered with standard BMC parts and go on sale in late 55.
If someone gave me one of those cars I'd be forced to find a fool with more money than sense to buy it and help fund my MGA addiction.
R J Brown

I am currently restoring a 1964 Healey 3000 model BJ8. This is the last of the breed and had several nice features solving several of the mentioned faults. That said, restoring this car is a nightmare compared to doing my 62 roadster and 60 coupe. Due to the semi unibody design it is very prone to rust. I am having to replace almost all the bottom 6" of the car not including the frame (car sat outside in the sonw and rain for 10 years). Prices for parts seem to run about 30% more than a A. No rack and pinion steering. I hope the performance is worth the effort. I can't see ever getting rid of my roadster!

John
John Progess

If money were no object, I would prefer a Twin Cam, just love those wheels-
gary starr

I agree with Cam and Glenn, I had an new '60 MGA that I loved but traded it for a new '63 Healey. I liked the power, overdrive and extra interior room of the Healey. BUT, driving it was a constant fight. The handling was not at all friendly like the MGA. I also had to reroute the tail pipes out the side to keep them from dragging on everything. I hated that car and got rid of it a year later.

An MGA is fun to drive, looks great, and handles better than any car I have ever had. A Healey makes a great show car or trailer-queen but for me--I would rather DRIVE my MGA!!

Jim
Jim Ferguson

Andy, I took your advice and listed this thread on the AH hundreds and thousands BBS. We will see if we get any reaction - they don't seem to be great communicators!
Mike
Mike Ellsmore

After considering an affair with a TR3 I've settled into a long abiding love for the A.

The only thing that would turn my head at this point is an XK 120, but the odds of me coming up with the $85,000 necessary to keep that lady in the style she has become accustomed are quite slim.
Tysen

So why not put a V8 in an A?? Others have with great success. I am in the process of doing so also. All the power (and more) of a Healy with the same great handling. Most of the stuff just bolts right in. I am using a Rover 3.5 with a T5. Wanted to use a factory B V8 overdrive but opted for the T5 as it results in little transmission tunnel modification. The only frame mods are to the angled braces that extend from the front cross member to the "goal post" area. Some convertors have cut the goal post--some have not. Not cutting the goal post puts the engine in the same position as a B V8 setup, weight balance should remain close to the original A 4 cylinder weight balance. I am not "hot rodding" the car, but retaining all of the original look right down to the dash and swithches. So I still will have the simplicity and vintage feel of the A with more power. Hope to finish in about 1.5 years.
James Johanski

James, the T5 fits in an MGA very easily but using a 60 deg. V6 would give you lots more engine bay room and similar power and weight to the 3.4 Rover. Worth considering.
Bill Spohn

having driven A-H 3000,and 100,for a long time,yes 3000
is very hot and hard to"push" though turns,but the grunt from that motor!cant help but go though a overpass and bang a gear down mash gas and grin from that exhaust note,pure music..the 100 to me is a different car.handles good,great balance,good power.a lot more like an A.and if i ever finish my A,i think i just talked myself into a 100 for my next project...if i live long enough...cheers,c
c callaway

I enjoy this forum a lot - although I don't usually post. But with this topic I suppose I should chime in. I have an MGA, a MGTD, and a 1965 Healey 3000 BJ8. They all are fun. They all are a blast to drive. And they are all very different.

With the MGTD, the "thrill is back at 55MPH". No worries, no hurry, -- and it is at its best when crusing around town. The MGA is elegant, loves the open road, and feels great. But the Healey -- Oh my. The sound of that exhaust, the punch from that engine, the solid feel on the California Freeway. It is truly a point and squirt kind of car. Find a hole in the traffic, push down the pedal, and then notice that traffic was doing 80 and all that wind noise is because you are doing 100. As has been mentioned, not all Healeys are equal -- and the final model (the BJ8) addressed many of the previous models shortcomings.

I would never want to get rid of my MGA. It is a great balance of all the things that make British cars special. But sometimes there is no substitute for the Healey.

Ray Feeney
Ray Feeney

Here's my experience... enhanced I'm sure by the passage of 35 years: I traded my 62 MkII and $200.00 for a "step up" to a 63 Healey 3000 (the first model with roll up windows). Both cars were in pretty poor condition by anyone's assessment except for that of a 17 year old's. For me back then six cylinders, overdrive, dual exhaust, roll up windows and a back seat... well... OK jumpseats but they did lower my insurance since the company considered it a four seat economy car-- the trade up was thrilling. "Drove like a pig"... this car was raced at some time and the steering rack was shot. It wandered down the road giving the appearance of a DUI 24/7. It only had one shock absorber that worked and so it floated in what I can only describe as a cork on the open sea. After replacing the worm drive in the steering rack with one from an Austin Princess and replacing 3 shocks from a doner Healey things improved substantially. I discovered that a previous owner had set up the car to fit regular tube shocks. Cool! So I added an extra shock to each wheel. I absolutely screamed around corners in that car with no body roll at all and thought compared to the MGA that it drove like a brick on wheels. Power? Sure. Using the overdrive to downshift with a little chirp from the tires was fun to hear. The ease with which the top was put up was amazing. Open road driving was much better and way faster. But, like the rest of you the MGA was in my blood and that is what is in the garage today.
David Holmes

Bill Spohn, I think you suggested that to me before, and you are correct about the power but what the v-6 lacks is torque and that is what the 3.5 V8 has in abundance. So the car should handle like a 4 cylinder but accerlate like a Healy--no wait---way better than a Healy.
James Johanski

I guess this is all in the eye of the beholder but I feel it is a bit of a insult to call an A a poor man's Healy. Unless the Healy is called a poor man's series 1 E-type and the Jag is a poor man's Ferrari. I'll go one better and say that the Ferrari is a poor man's Aston Martin DBR1 in my book since I truly lust for one of those. FWIW, I sold a very nice series 1 E-type to finance the purchase of one of my MGAs. It is a very special A and I have no regrets.

Frank
Frank Graham

James, I don't know where you are getting the idea that the V6 of the same displacement lacks torque. The Camaro 3.4 and the Rover 3500 are within 1 ft-lb of each other.

Both engines in tuned state will benefit similarly as will different versions with higher BMEP (as the Rover SD1, the GM transverse minivan alloy head engines) but we are not talking apples and oranges here.

The GM V6 offers the same power and output in a smaller package - shorter, which is important in the MGA, and narrower, which is handy in any swap.

The other thing you should ask is why you would want more than a couple of hundred ft-lbs in a 2000 lb. car in the first place unless you intend to go drag racng ;-)
Bill Spohn

Interesting article in the current Classic Motorsports magazine compares, and ultimately rates, various late 50's/early 60's sportscars based on styling, handling, maintenance cost etc. TR3 was rated number 1 (doesn't the editor of CM drive one of those?) and the MGA was rated number 2. The Healey did pretty well, but was rated poorly on styling, of all things!

Regards,
M.D.
'57 Coupe
M. D.

An MG is an MG and an Austin Healey is an Austin Healey. You can think of the MGA as a poor man's Healey if you wish, if styling is all you are thinking of. But even then, they are only relatively similar. Driving one is not much of an even exchange for driving the other, however.
Bob Muenchausen

My love affair with MG's began years ago and very nearly involved Big Healey's. I can honestly say that a 100-6 got me the sickest from the tremendous amount of heat rushing in. The owner hadn't placed the tunnel cover on correctly and heat poured in during the summer months. I had a 59 A and really enjoyed it, but it lacked the power. However the walk around was as inspirational as the Healey was. So pound for pound the MGA was a better car to have for looks/value. My 68C has the power to handle the AH, and is a more comfortable car for touring, my 63 Sprite is a street legal go cart and keeps me in the Healey club.

I'll take an A thank you.
MWhitt

And like Frank, I had a series one Etype coupe when I had my C. I sold the E and kept the C. I really liked the Etype, but I really love that old C.
MWhitt

Having had the opportunity to own both the "original" Austin-Healey, a 1953 100, and two 1961 MGAs, the concept that "an MGA is a poor man's Austin-Healey" is somewhat insulting.

I have been fortunate enought to own a number of fairly high performance "sports cars" or "grand touring" cars. Classic Mustangs, a Chevrolet Corvette (427), a Fiat 124 Spider and a BMW 2500 (when stationed in Germany).

Friends, and dealers, have been kind enough to allow me the use of other "exotic" cars like the Porsche 911 and the Pantera. Fine cars, all of them. But, I do not intend to replace any of my current fleet with one of them.

My 1961 MGA, purchased when I needed transportion while back in the US, from my friend Jim Townsend who decided to take his Corvette to England, is being restored for my younger daughter when she finishes her double doctorate. My 79 MGB LE is my current daily driver. My 68 GT is "MY CAR" and will be back on the road, after a floor replacement, next month. My other 79 roadster is being restored to driving condition and will have a chrome bumper conversion as part of this process. It, and the GT, will be painted the same color, a dark blue with a little metalic in it, somewhat darker than Bob M's 68 GT. The two roadsters may, after my death, be purchased from the family. The GT will be willed to my oldest grandchild. Both of my daughters have grown up in an "MG Household" and will understand such things.

To those of us who have had the opportunity to own all of these cars, the concept that "an MGA is a poor man's Austin-Healey" is an insult. Many of us, myself included, have had the opportunity to own both of them. Most of us, including myself, have taken the time to study the history of the cars, have taken the time to do our own work on the cars and have made a value judgement about them. As Pat Moss once mentioned, "The Big Healey is a real pig in the wet".

Those of us who have owned both, normally, prefer the quite delightful, well balanced, often modfied, MGA. Not having been "poor" in either terms of wealth, nor in spirital, nor in historical values, I would not trade my "restorable" MGA for a fully restored Austin-Healey 100, 100-6, nor 3000. Nor would my daughther forgive me should I do so.

Les
Les Bengtson

M.D., I read the article also,it was a good one.I loved the comment about if Ferrari were to build an MGA the result would have been an ALFA Giulietta.
wc wolcott

I like the looks of the Healey, but I think I have the best of both worlds. I restored my '57 MGA from two very rusty, junk parts car. I installed a 215 Buick V8 with a Borg Warner T-5, MGB suspension front and rear with a MGB mater brake cylinder. The MG is all stock on the outside so nobody knows it's a V8, untill I start it up.It handles great, and It's been on the road 5 years and has over 15,000 miles. There was an E-type convertible at a car show I went to Sunday that had a 427 Chev in it. It was a very nice car, I don't think I will race him.

Lyle
Lyle Jacobson

To me, the Series III Healey's are now so over priced that they are approaching the price of a far better car and that is the Series I Jaguar E-Type. The Healey in comparison to a Series I E-Type loses on all counts. Therefore the best of both worlds if you're fortunate enough is to own a MGA and early E-Type. The MGA and E-Type are very distinct cars with wonderful and distinct characteristics such that you would never tire of either! Just a biased and experienced opinion.
Don Tremblay

This thread was discussed between 31/08/2006 and 12/09/2006

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