Lot details Registration No: 5241 NC Chassis No: GHD99862 Mot Expiry: May 2006
Introduced in Autumn1955, the MGA married a proven chassis design derived from its TD/TF predecessors (independent coil and wishbone front suspension and live rear axle) to the new B-series four-cylinder, pushrod-ohv engine first seen in the Magnette saloon. Borrowing cues from the Abingdon factory's successful EX182 prototype racers (fifth and sixth in class at that year's Le Mans) its wonderfully elegant styling ensured strong sales on both sides of the Atlantic. Continually updated, the MGA range was joined by Coupe and 'Twin Cam' variants in 1956 and 1958 respectively. Prompted by the latter's performance advantage, the standard pushrod model received a capacity increase to 1588cc and front disc brakes in May 1959. Equipped with a four-speed manual gearbox and rack and pinion steering as standard, the resultant '1600' MKI was reputedly capable of 100mph plus.
Supplied new by Joseph Cockshoot (Manchester) Ltd on 16th March 1961, this particular example was purchased by the current owner from its first keeper (a friend of his) on 13th May 1990 with a mileometer reading of 69,592. Thoroughly stripped before being treated to an extensive restoration "to as near to its original specification as possible" over the next twelve months, mechanical work included an engine rebuild (+0.030inch rebore and new pistons etc). Though, the gearbox and differential were found to need little more than an oil change (the synchromesh on third gear is said to be weak but this has apparently not worsened in the last fourteen years). Bodily, the car benefited from four new wings and a repaint. Used for various European trips (the small ding in the bonnet is courtesy of an Italian Persimmon fruit tree!), it gained a Kenlowe electric fan in 1993 (73,185 miles) and an unleaded cylinder head conversion from Peter Burgess Automotive Engineering the next year (80,045 miles). Described as being in good overall condition, it comes with the original bill of sale, driver's handbook, workshop manual, service parts list, jack, starting handle and sundry minor spares. Currently showing less than 93,000 miles (unwarranted but believed genuine by the vendor), this two-owner MGA is featured several times in the respected book "Original MGA" by Anders Clausager.
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