Sticking with our avenging theme, here we have a battle between two TV stars. One you will be rather aware of – Emma Peel’s Lotus Elan – but the other you probably won’t be. John Steed’s first female partner in crime-fighting darted about in an MGA, ultimately proving to be the first pairing of legs and wheels to grace teenage dreams in the 1960s.
So, Cathy Gale or Emma Peel – I mean – The MGA or the Lotus Elan? Time to don the road test catsuit and clink that champagne glass; it’s a rather racy Clash of the Classics.
The Looks
Oh my god, both look fantastic. Each holds a lovely shape with smooth curves and perky front ends. It’s almost impossible to choose between them, together these stunners work with supreme chassis lines and clasp an appearance that not only turns your head, but also leaves you with your tongue out.
Careful now, it is the cars we are talking about here.
The Power
B-Series engines can feel unsporting with the MGA, while fragile Twin Cams can often prove to be tricky customers, but that doesn’t stop them. By the time MG tweaked the A into a road-going rocket, a top speed of 115 mph was achievable thanks to 108bhp – also propelling the car and driver from naught to 60mph in 9 seconds.
However, Cathy Gale’s MGA was a 1956 MKI, leaving her with a lowly 72bhp. She could still crack 100mph, just, with a standstill to 60mph dash in 15 seconds. It might sound lethargic, but back in 1961 very little could outrun the little MGA.
Emma Peel’s Elan is a younger car, so it was undoubtedly going to be faster. Arriving just as the MGA production run came to an end, the Lotus Elan could strike 60mph in 8.5 seconds with a top speed of 115mph from 105bhp. Nothing could out run Emma Peel during her tenure in the cat suit when behind the wheel of her Lotus.
The Handling
Besides holding good looks and nifty power units, these beauties are also epic handlers. In comparison to modern equivalents they may appear sloppy, but back in the early 1960s the Lotus Elan and MGA reigned supreme.
There is very little in it, but the Elan is the best handling car, not just out of the two, but also from the time period.
The Interior
Both aren’t exactly what you would call commodious, but the MGA offers more room for driver and passenger. The Elan is cramped and described by many as ‘flimsy’, a tad harsh perhaps but there is no getting away from the fact there is no head room with the roof up.
The Lotus and the MG both ooze charm with their interiors, the MG slightly more minimalist than the wood draped Elan, but the MGA is our favourite place to sit.
Living With Them
You could use these cars, if they are in good condition, as everyday transport. They aren’t going to be the most economical and chances are you may very well face the elements more than you would care to, yet parts and advice are easy to source.
Clubs exist for both cars and will take you under their wing to ensure you and your cars are taken care of.
Summary
Is there a winner? There sure is – we are going to go with the Lotus Elan. Thanks to its later development you can go faster and grip better. There might not be as much room to move around as there is in the MGA – but Emma Peel clinches it over Cathy Gale in the battle of the motors.
We wouldn’t say no to an MGA though…
You can find bowler hat loads of Lotus Elans here.
We also have a rather lovely selection of MGAs for sale too.