1961 MG A 1600 Roadster

Lot details
Registration No: 700 DXW
Chassis No: GHN2/102315
Mot Expiry: May 2007

Launched to an enthusiastic public and press in 1955, the streamlined MGA featured styling which was as modern as the preceding TF had been antiquated. First seen at Le Mans in 1951, the new body style on a separate chassis clothed a twin-carburettor 72 bhp version of the 1489cc B series engine with independent front suspension and rack & pinion steering. Possessing good performance and excellent handling characteristics which made it more than a match for the theoretically faster Triumph TR2, the MGA was an instant success both at home and abroad. BMC were not slow to develop the car and in October 1956 an aerodynamically superior Coupe model was launched, followed by the very rapid Twin-Cam in 1958 and then in 1959 the 1489cc engine was replaced by a pushrod version of the Twin-Cam 1588cc unit. Uprated once again for the final production year to 1622cc and 86bhp and now referred to as the MGA 1600 MK II, the MGA had survived the potential market threat of the somewhat softer 1959 launched Sunbeam Alpine and was still considered modern when replaced by the more refined and less hard-edged MGB in 1962.

Offered for sale here today is an original right hand drive 1961 MGA 1600 MK II in Old English White with black leather trim and contrasting white piping. Originally exported to South Africa but returning to the UK in 1971, we are told that this car was subject to a full restoration in the 1990s and then treated to a bare metal respray in 2004. At the same time new leather seats, carpets and trim panels were fitted and the wheels reconditioned. Complete with a tonneau cover and chrome luggage rack a large file of receipts, restoration photographs and a heritage certificate will be available in the document office for inspection and the car shows 62,700 miles on its odometer which is believed but not guaranteed to be correct. Described by the vendor as ‘very good all-round’ and ‘drives beautifully’ this MGA is said to be ‘ready to drive anywhere’.