Mort:
I've only seen the green color on Metro engines so far, but it is feasible that an MG Magnette engine could have snuck into the production line if there was a shortage as it had similar specifications. I doubt if an MGA engine would have been used originally, as the MGA engine did not have provision for a mechanical fuel pump, and had a tach drive take off which would be an expensive extra.
The original primer and interior color of the blocks was reddish, so this may also be what you are seeing.
Just as a counterpoint. I have seen MGB blocks that had originally been painted Austin Green, probably from the Austin 1800 program.
The original olive green color was also used on the earlier Sprites and Midgets and is available in spray cans under Moss # 220-580. The MG red engine paint is #220-540.
Hope this helps
Kelvin Dodd
Global Sourcing Engineer
Moss Motors, Ltd.
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