1955-1980: MGB and MGA

MGA - 1955-62

• Number produced: 101,081
• Price new/now: £940/£25,000
• Engine: 1.6-litre 4cyl, 80bhp 0-60mph/top speed: 13.3 secs/98mph

Replacing the successful TF was never going to be easy, but MG delivered in style when it revealed the stunning MGA at the 1955 Frankfurt Motor Show. Featuring an all-new chassis, a sleek, modern design and roadster and coupé bodystyles, it was an instant hit, with 13,000 finding homes in the first year. And by the time production ended seven years later, over 100,000 had been sold – most in exports.

Under the rakish body was the same 68bhp 1.5-litre B Series engine that had debuted in the Magnette saloon. Buyers wanting more pace had to wait for the 1958 Twin Cam model – built with motorsport in mind, this had a 108bhp 1.6-litre engine and four-wheel disc brakes.

The beautifully restored car in our pictures is a 1600, which replaced the 1500 as the entry-level model in 1959. Using an enlarged 80bhp 1.6-litre engine, it promised better acceleration and could hit 100mph.

Even now, more than half a century after its launch, the MGA is thrilling to drive. It’s hard not to smile as you settle into the low-slung seat, while the huge, wood-rimmed steering wheel feels great.

Press the starter button, and the four-cylinder engine rasps into life. The unassisted steering is heavy at low speeds, but becomes surprisingly light and direct once you’re moving. And while most modern city cars are faster in a straight line and through corners, the MGA’s responsive throttle, beautifully weighted gearshift and balanced handling help you make the most of the limited performance. Yet it’s the gorgeous looks and sales success that secure the car’s place in our top 10.

MGB 1962-80 (RV8 1992-95)

• No. built: 513,276
• Price new/now: £690-£1,925/From £4,500
• Engines: 1.8-litre 4cyl (1962 Roadster); 3.5 V8 (1973 MGB GT V8)
• Power: 94bhp; 135bhp 0-60mph: 12.1; 7.7 secs
• Top speed: 108; 125mph

The MGB is undoubtedly the most famous MG ever. Plus, it’s the most popular, as more than 500,000 were built during the 18-year production run. Even today, it remains a familiar sight on British roads, as many have survived in the hands of classic car enthusiasts.

It replaced the MGA in 1962, and proved an instant hit with its clean lines, 100mph performance and sporty handling. Although it’s shorter than the MGA, the MGB has a roomier cockpit, with the clever design allowing for larger and more comfortable seats. The driving position is low and close to the road, with long footwells.

The soft-top is a bit fiddly, but it folds into an area behind the seats and can be covered by a tonneau. Power comes from the engine found in the MGA, albeit bored out to 1.8 litres. This sends 94bhp to the rear wheels via a four-speed synchromesh gearbox, and takes the B from 0-60mph in 12.1 seconds.

The light and rigid monocoque construction means a thrilling driving experience, with a responsive throttle and accurate handling. Many thought this experience would suffer when the MGB GT coupé arrived in 1965, but despite being heavier, this more aerodynamic car was faster – and it even outsold the roadster in the UK.

To add to the appeal, MG introduced a 135bhp MGB GT V8 coupe. This car’s 3.5-litre engine weighed the same as the smaller 1.8, and delivered searing pace. But aside from the addition of pedestrian-friendly rubber bumpers in 1974, the MGB barely changed during its 18-year production run. And while the Abingdon factory closed in 1980, the MGB wasn’t dead yet. It returned in 1992 as the RV8 – a car designed to cash in on the roadster craze sparked by Mazda’s MX-5.