Lot details Registration No: 202 XVD Chassis No: GHN85811 Mot Expiry: Sept 2019
- 1 of only 1,334 1600 MKI Roadsters made (including the De Luxe models)
- Kept by its previous keeper for 42 years who commissioned the MG Improvement Centre of London to undertake an extensive cosmetic and mechanical restoration during the early 2000s
- More recently treated to a new radiator grille, replacement fuel pump, fresh tyres and re-wiring etc
Introduced in Autumn 1955, the MGA Roadster married a proven chassis design derived from its TD/TF predecessors 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 (5th- and 6th-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.
Finished in Red with Black upholstery and a White roof, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in `very good' (engine, gearbox, bodywork, paintwork and interior trim) or `excellent' (electrical equipment) condition. One of just 1,334 `home market' 1600 MKI Roadsters made (as opposed to the 23,668 which went to America), the MG belonged to its previous - and only recorded - keeper for forty-two years. Initially serving as his everyday transport, the two-seater was later dry stored before being entrusted to The MG Improvement Centre of London during the early 2000s. Fitted with all new steel wings and given a bare metal repaint, it also received new springs, dampers and front discs etc. The engine was overhauled and converted to unleaded, while the electrical system was switched to negative earth and uprated with an alternator. The restoration was completed circa 5,000 miles ago but more recent work has seen `202 XVO' benefit from rewiring plus a new radiator grille, fresh battery, replacement fuel pump and new tyres. Offered for sale with original owner's handbook and MOT certificate valid until 23rd September 2019.
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