This section covers the MG badges and model-identification emblems fitted to the MGA, the chrome octagonal MG badges, the model-specific badges for the Twin Cam, 1600 and 1600 Mk II variants, and the various small fixings required to mount them correctly. Period-correct badge specification is essential for concours restoration: the factory fitted different combinations of badges depending on the MGA variant, and retrofitting the wrong badge is a common period-incorrect mistake.
Three-piece MG octagonal badge
The MGA 3-piece octagonal badge is the chrome-plated die-cast MG badge fitted to the boot lid on all MGA variants (1500, Twin Cam, 1600, 1600 Mk II, De Luxe). It consists of a thin octagonal chrome surround, separate chrome "M" and "G" letters, and the body-colour background formed by the boot lid paintwork showing through between the letters. This badge design is shared across the MGA range, the same three-piece assembly on all variants, and also appears on the grille of the car. The MG octagon is MG's oldest identifying symbol, dating back to the earliest MG cars of the 1920s, and its continued use on the MGA ties the car visually to the marque's sporting heritage.
Model-specific badges, Twin Cam, 1600, 1600 Mk II
Twin Cam, 1600 and 1600 Mk II cars carry an additional model-name badge below the MG octagon on the boot lid, and matching badges on the front shroud behind each air vent. These badges are die-cast and chrome-plated with a grained finish centre bar carrying the respective model title: "Twin Cam", for Twin Cam cars. "1600", for 1600 Mk I cars (the grained centre bar extends beyond the numbers at each end on 1600 vents, unlike the Twin Cam). "1600 Mk II", for 1600 Mk II cars.
The 1500 has no additional model-name badge, only the MG octagon is correct. Fitting a "1600" or "Twin Cam" badge to a 1500 is a common period-incorrect mistake on restored cars and is easily spotted by knowledgeable owners.
MGA 1500 badge
The MGA 1500 badge is stocked for cars where this badge is being fitted as an owner's preference, the factory 1500 cars carry only the MG octagon on the boot lid, so this item is typically fitted as a period accessory or for non-standard identification rather than as strict factory-original specification.
Badge fixing hardware
Badge retention uses a combination of push-on fixes, spring nuts, and small self-tapping screws. Push-on fix (rectangular, for 2/32" slot) is the push-on retention clip for badges with rectangular mounting prongs. Spring nut (spire, flat, for No. 6 screw, zinc) is the spring nut that engages with the threaded mounting studs on the back of badges and receives the securing screw from behind the panel. Self-tapping screws (No. 6 x 1/2", pan head and raised countersunk) are the small self-tapping screws used for badge mounting where a push-on fix or spring nut is not appropriate. No. 10 UNF recessed pan-head screws (3/8" and 1/2" lengths) are stocked for additional small-fixing applications.
Ordering considerations
Match the badge specification to the car's variant for factory-correct restoration: 1500 cars: MG octagon only on boot lid (no additional model badge). Twin Cam cars: MG octagon + "Twin Cam" badge below (boot lid and front shroud air vents). 1600 cars (Mk I): MG octagon + "1600" badge below (boot lid and front shroud). 1600 Mk II cars: MG octagon + "1600 Mk II" badge below (boot lid and front shroud). For each replacement badge, confirm the condition of the existing mounting holes in the panel, enlarged or corroded holes will not retain spring nuts or push-on fixes correctly. When rebuilding or repainting the boot lid or shroud, the badge retention holes should be drilled to the correct dimension for the replacement fixings.