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The 1955 MGA was MG's first departure from the pre-war styling of the T series, and it was an amazing leap forward. The MGA was a beautifully streamlined car, based on a 1951 Le Mans design, and was a big winner for MG in the US. It's aerodynamic lines and greatly updated technology firmly established MG as a manufacturer of modern sports cars. It was attractive and timeless, one of the first and still one of the best of the modern 2-seater roadster designs. The 1600cc model debuted in 1959, and the MGA was finally replaced by the MGB in 1962.
For all those waiting anxiously for a 1/18 MGA, Revell has finally come through. This model is a very competent replica. The lines are faithfully represented. Doors and bonnet open and the fit is pretty good. Unfortunately the boot does not open - this seems to be a Revell trademark. The doors are very nicely hinged - no doglegs! (Yea!!). Lots of pleasing chrome accents such as parking lights, engine louvers, side mirrors, gas cap and luggage rack. Wire wheels are somewhat plastic in appearance, but the chrome caps are a nice touch and the front disk brakes are clearly visible in good detail behind. The engine is gorgeous for a Revell - hoses, detailed twin carbs, lots of individually painted features, and several information plaques that are replicated in fine detail. All that's missing is the wiring.
I don't want to end on a down note, so I'll get my main gripe out of the way now. This car comes with a removable plastic ragtop, which is great. However, Revell has provided 2 large slots on the deck behind the seats to keep the top in place, which is something of a distraction for those of us who would rather display this model topless. Since rainstorms are rare in my display case, I don't see much need to keep the top up. Oh well, moving on… The interior is nice, although perhaps a little plain. But here's my favorite feature of this model, and another reason I'm giving it an enthusiastic thumbs up - the dash. This is definitely an example of 2003 modeling technology - the gauges are sharp and readable, the steering wheel is great, and the radio and other features are very well done.
To sum up, this is delightful model that was much too long in coming, and I'm thrilled that it's finally here!
(05/20/2003)
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