MGA Twin Cam Owner Seeks Information
A 1600cc twin cam coupe left the factory on February 21st, 1959. It was Orient Red with red interior, black seats with red piping, and grey carpets. A LHD model exported to North America.
The current owner is Francois Schnyder living in Etoy, Switzerland. He is trying to get some history on this car while it was in the US for over 30 years. He has contacted NAMGAR, but unfortunately this car was not registered with NAMGAR, as far as we can tell.
The car has chassis (VIN) number YM3/1381, engine number 16G/U/910, and body number 61857. In 1989, the car was exported from the US to France, and a workshop there did a partial restoration at which time the car was repainted black.
There is some evidence that a car like this might have been used at Sebring as a track safety car.
If you recognize this car, please contact Francois Schnyder directly on email. He will be most grateful to hear from you.
Comment by: Francois P Schnyder
I would like to add Ed Sass adviced me to contact the Texas Department of Motor vehicles. My request has been transmitted to their Open Records Division. I do not know if I will get access to their data base.
C. Dean Kring also told me I won a rally during his stay in Calgary conducted by the Calgary Sports Cars Club. They are holding old documents as the Club has been founded 60 years ago. I should also ask the Calgary MG Car Club to see if they have some records about the former US owner if YM3 1381.
Finally the history of YM3 1381 is now clear from 1988 date of it return in Europe.
Comment by: Peter & Anne Tilbury
Francois,
Good to hear from you. Please send the photo to web@namgar.com and we will add it to the article, and circulate it in Texas.
Regards,
Peter and Anne.
Comment by: Francois P Schnyder
I have received a photo of the car Orient Red when it arrived in Europe dated 16 May 1988 with “antique plates” Texas LXW 524. I may transmit the picture to the NAMGAR if that help for finding dates about its Texas’ period. My email is available as a member !
Comment by: Peter & Anne Tilbury
Comment received from Francois on December 30th:
Jim Alcorn of Auto Vintagery La Jolla CA kindly gave me some valuable informations about the history of my twin cam coupe. With the great and efficient support of the Houston MG Car Club and the Texas MG Register I have found that YM3 1381 was purchased by a former US owner in California while he was living in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He drove the car from California to Canada and then back to Texas when he returned to the US several years later. This gentleman also was among the first members of the Houston MG Car Club in 1971. I am still looking for some more informations about my car at the beginning of its US period 1959 possibly in California.
I appreciate any support or assistance to discover new element about this splendid automobile !