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MG MGA - ID plate info

Hello all; Considering the purchase of a 60 A-so far only able to get a quick look in a crowded garage. Looks nice from what I can see-engine number on tag is 16GA/U/4308 which seems to be a 1600 of correct vintage.Is there any info of value gained from ID tag-16GAU7953 ? Seems that MGA tags are a bit more complicated than my old TD's.Have learned from the archives about the other numbers and their locations-will look for them on next visit. Thanks Dan Craig
D.R. Craig

It looks like both those numbers are engine numbers.

From the Moss MGA Catelog:
Engine numbers:
15 for 1500 cc
16 for 1600 cc
G for MG
B for 1500 series
A for 1600 series
C for 1622 series
U for center gearshift
L for low compression
H for high compression
5 or 6 digit number for serial number

1600 cc MG 1600 series center gearshift serial number 4308

The car number plate should be on the heater shelf near the wiper motor. The 1600 numbers should start with GH N(for tourer) or D (for coupe) L (for left hand drive) none for righthand drive 2 for 1600MKII (none for 1600) followed by the car number.

For example, my 1600 car number is GHNL75236.

Don Carlberg

Don Carlberg

Thanks Don Suspect a renumbered ID plate-looks even cruder than usual. I guess I really need further info to check originality. Appreciate the help Dan Craig
D.R. Craig

No engine numbers are used on the ID Plate of the 1600 MGAs. Some very early 1500s did have them stamped. The lower space on the plate will have printed,"see engine." You might be able to read the chassis number off the frame cross-piece in front of the right hand seat. Here in CT if you don't have the correct VIN, you're in deep-do-do.
David Werblow

Do you have a picture of the ID tag on the car? Post it here and many can read it for you.
Some states used the engine number to title cars years ago.
This car may have been titled with the original engine number then had an engine swap.
Some states will issue their own number, like when I built a trailer from stock, if no other number is available.
R J Brown

Sorry no pics of tag. I'll bet you are correct about the title using the engine number-my TD is that way. If that be the case,engine swap or perhaps title games have occurred. Seems chassis number is the most helpful for accurate ID? Thanks for the help-need more data and a better look before I make a commitment on this one. Dan Craig
D.R. Craig

Recommend you compare the chassis number on the frame (see Barney's site http://mgaguru.com/mgtech/buying/buy101.htm#chassis_no) with the stamped tag. the numbers should match.
Russ
Russ Carnes

This thread was discussed between 30/12/2007 and 01/01/2008

MG MGA index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGA BBS is active now.