August must be MGA Twin Cam month because we just covered a coupe here. But hey, the more the merrier! Here on craigslist is a different proposition altogether: an MGA Twin Cam bits ‘n pieces project, with a correct chassis tag from 1958 but titled as a 1960, with an asking price of $25,000. The seller purchased this car sight unseen from a woman whose dementia-affected husband was restoring it. Long story short, it turns out that the restoration consisted of transferring a spare twin-cam motor and transmission into an ordinary 1600 chassis. Miraculously, the seller managed to procure a correct chassis and body shell. The chassis stamping is discernable; it has been verified and registered by a marque specialist. These parts are crucial: the Twin Cam body included access panels in the fender wells and special curvatures to clear components placed differently in the engine bay versus the pushrod MGA; and on the frame, mounts for the steering rack and other bits were also distinct. Additionally, the seller has sourced the TC’s unique 7500 rpm tachometer. You’ll need to haul a trailer to Manvel, Texas to pick up this prize, remembering to have space for two cars plus parts in said trailer.

About a year ago, the seller – probably after kicking himself around the block for not inspecting the car before laying down money – infused the engine’s cylinders with Marvel Mystery oil and ran it. He reports good compression though possibly biased positively by the oil. Once the engine is resurrected, the new owner will have a slightly exotic piece of equipment, with an alloy crossflow head, hemispherical combustion chambers, duplex chains driving the cams and distributor, two hefty 1 3/4″ SU carbs, a finned aluminum sump, and 108 hp. Keeping this bit of kit running well is simpler now than when the factory was bumbling through its development: we understand and can fix its problems today.

Plenty of parts are included with the car, but whether every single item is available is unclear. Obtaining MGA parts isn’t difficult, but many items are unique to the Twin Cam – like the pedal box, brakes, clutch and master cylinder, fuel pump, and so forth. The owner does represent that the suspension components are the correct type.

Restoring this car will result in a mutt without a pedigree, but the new owner can at least enjoy the cachet of that exotic motor. Top-end values for nice MGA Twin Cam roadsters are around $50k to $80k depending on originality, colors, and the level of restoration. Gone are the days of six-figure results. What do you all think of the seller’s asking price?