Solved - NEH 2380: Kevlar-bodied MGA replica with Toyota engine by Composite Engineering, Concord MA - 1990

[Carnut]

What is this exactly and when and where was it built - for 1 point?:

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[Carnut]

Experts?

[targhediferro]

is it a MG A coupe, whose roof has been cut?

[nicanary]

Is it one of the replicas built by Composite Autobody in New England? My source says around 1996, and possibly a Toyota twin-cam motor.

[Carnut]

is it a MG A coupe, whose roof has been cut?

I don't think it actually has any MGA parts except an original 1960 chassis!

Is it one of the replicas built by Composite Autobody in New England? My source says around 1996, and possibly a Toyota twin-cam motor.

As this is indeed exactly what it is.
It does have a Toyota MR2 twin-cam engine, Corolla 5-speed transmission and MGB rear axle and brakes. Its body is made of Kevlar, using moulds taken from a genuine MGA Coupe.  I believe it was actually contructed around 1990, and remains unique.

Well done!

[nicanary]

You have to ask WHY? Glass fibre would have been soooo much cheaper. Perhaps he had enemies with guns.

[Carnut]

You have to ask WHY? Glass fibre would have been soooo much cheaper. Perhaps he had enemies with guns.

Or he could have bought an MGA!  Plenty around...

[woodinsight]

I'm just wondering if there was more than one built.
My source tells me that the car was built first in the early 1990s by Composite Auto, Concord MA before production switched to Vantage Motorsports, Cambridge MA. Apparently these MGA recreations were offered in kit and turnkey forms.