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MG MGA - Number of MGA's Built by Color?

I asked about this on another site, but no one responded directly to the question:

Does anyone know how many MGA's were manufactured according to the original colors offered? I'm really trying to identify the number of red cars, but a list of all would be great.

Does this info even exist?
Nick Kopernik

Nick

No idea about the original production records. I guess they could be worked out with access to the the paper records held at the Gaydon Heritage Centre. The Dutch MGA group have complied colour data within their databases of cars world wide that are registered with them. Picture attached.

Pity they did not colour code their pie chart better.

Steve


Steve Gyles

The Dutch register of MGA's shows the current car color, I believe. Many have been repainted of course. Or does that database collect the information from the VIN number, I'm not sure....
George G.

I have the numbers of mga twin cams produced in Abingdon in each colour, but not for the pushrod cars, which of course are the majority.
Even if you have the factory records it will not include the CKD cars assembled and painted in other countries in quite large numbers.

Mick
M F Anderson

Appreciate all of the responses. I kind of expected that original production stats by color may be somewhat lacking. Maybe I'll take this topic on a long term project and see what comes of it!
Nick Kopernik

Might be worth a chat with the archivist at the Gaydon Heritage Centre.

Steve
Steve Gyles

I can't tell you how many were made of each of the originally offered colours.
What I can tell you however is that here in Australia, at least 80% of them are now red!! The rest are BRG, and a very occasional white or black.
Such a shame to have lost the original variety of period shades of greens, blues and greys.
Same for the MGB.
Attached is a photo of a typical Australian MG run done recently by three mates. Just wait till you see the whole club!


T Aczel

I noticed that almost every drivable A being sold on Ebay was painted red. I toggled over to Hemmings and also saw many red cars for sale (there may be some crossover ads). A very unscientific review of the ads with pictures of cars which did not seem to require a respray indicated that 69% of Ebay cars were red and that 41% of cars on Hemmings were red; additionally, NAMGAR stats indicate that 31% of registered cars are red. Red seems to dominate!
Nick Kopernik

Also known as "resell red"...lol!
George G.

On the practical side.... red is easier to see at night. I'd never own a black, dk blue or dk green car again.
MAndrus

He, that's a picture I took at Zandvoort racing circuit, what was it... 1974 or 1975 ☺
Rutger Booy

1975 it was. Here's another one


Rutger Booy

I have to say that I would never be seen dead in a red car. Hate it. I guess my love of BRG is from the 50s when I used to watch the 12 hour race practice at Goodwood while on summer holidays at nearby Eartham. I fell in love with the BRG D-type Jaguars on the circuit and so a romance began.

It's what makes the world go around. Thank goodness we all like different colours.

Steve
Steve Gyles

Steve,
I would hate to see you upset.

So if anyone ever gives you a Ferrari in Italian Racing Red for Christmas, just call me and I will take it away for you! :-)

Colyn
c firth

I contacted the BMIHT and received a response that they do not have production stats by color, but that they would make all records available in their reading room. Not sure what the records may entail, whether they be individual build sheets or some computer generated output, but it appears that without a fair amount of effort, color build statistics will not be documented any time soon. So, if there's a hardy soul in the UK that would like to be buried in paperwork vs. driving their MGA, let me know and I will forward the e-mail I received from the BHIHT!
Nick Kopernik

You can't always choose the colour of your car - I spent quite a while looking for a white or red MGA - but couldn't find the right one ( either poor condition or too expensive) - then I ended up with my Black one that was for sale just 20 miles away and in perfect conditon at the right price- not a good colour for night time driving MAndrus - but then I rarely drive at night.
Cam Cunningham

Of all the red MGAs made, 127% are still on the road.
David Breneman

This thread was discussed between 03/02/2016 and 08/03/2016

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