Adding a Desmo over-taking mirror to the windscreen frame without drilling or the aid of any additional brackets.
A neat solution for mounting a rearview mirror on a MGA roadster
When MG unveiled the MGA in 1955, it was nothing short of a revolution. Out went the MG TF, a charming but antiquated throwback to pre-war design, and in came a fresh, modern sports car with flowing, full-width bodywork and a dramatically lower driving position. The MGA looked fast even standing still—and it delivered on the promise. With sharp handling, eager performance, and undeniable style, it struck a chord worldwide. In fact, the majority of production—around 80%—crossed the Atlantic to satisfy America’s growing appetite for affordable British sports cars.
But while the MGA’s design was a leap forward, some practical details left room for improvement. Take the rearview mirror: a small, rectangular unit mounted on the dashboard, adequate in the 1950s but far from ideal for today’s busier roads. Unsurprisingly, owners soon sought extra visibility. Wing-mounted mirrors became a popular option, though drilling into that graceful bodywork has always been a point of hesitation for purists. Clip-on mirrors for the Coupe offered a less invasive solution, while some owners even went as far as drilling into the door tops.
Now, however, there’s a clever alternative. For Roadster drivers in particular, a neat windscreen-frame mounted mirror provides a period-appropriate, reversible upgrade—delivering both safety and peace of mind without compromising originality or risking rust.
Desmo 263 type classic rearview mirrors
Photos: Phil Parmenter
Fitting Details
Phil Parmenter describes the fitting: “We utilise one of the 4 holes in the half-rounded part of the window frame (2nd one up). The mirror mounting base plate is a half-rounded concave shape, so fits perfectly. I have used the screw found in the frame for the upper screw. The bottom screw is just a dummy screwhead that I glued into the hole. The whole thing looks as though it was made for the car and is very simple to fit. No problems in any respect with hood and sidescreens on or with hood down. The mirror has been on about 7 years and gives no trouble and is easy to adjust from inside car.”
IMPORTANT – the length of the new screw (2BA) is critical. Too short, and you strip the thread in the brass insert tapping strip. Too long, and you risk cracking the screen.
Use this screw to secure mirror
Thanks
A big thank you to Barney at MGAguru.com – home of the MGA with an Attitude. A great source of information and tips for keeping your MGA on the road. Thanks to Phil Parmenter for the photos and original idea.
Please note
All articles and guides are provided only for the interest of classic and vintage car owners. Much of the information presented will be old and it may be that since the period source material was created, better solutions have been found. A certain level of mechanical and/or electrical knowledge will be required in undertaking work as described in these articles, and anyone unsure of their abilities is advised to seek professional assistance.
Vintage Supplies Ltd cannot be held responsible for any breakages and injuries that may occur, while working on a vehicle following any guides provided. With older vehicles being exempt from MOT checks, responsibility for vehicle safety and legality rests entirely with the owner.
