Interested parties please note that the title has been corrected to 1959 MGA 1600 MKI as it previously stated MKII
HIGHLIGHTS
Restored and reupholstered MGA
Original right-hand drive example
Five-speed gearbox conversion
Fully rebuilt with photographic record
South African import, now in the UK
THE APPEAL
The idea for the MGA came from the 1951 Le Mans 24 Hour race and a special streamlined body created for George Phillips’s racing car, designed by MG engineer and stylist Syd Enever.
Enever’s streamlined body was developed for a purpose – namely to provide the best possible aerodynamics in an era when such things were still considered a dark art. So, while streamlining was the first priority, the fact that it looked sensational was a happy serendipity.
What followed was a demand from MG owners for a car that looked like the Le Mans racer, and thus the MGA was born. Today, it’s one of the Octagon brand’s most collectable models, and with good reason.
This one is a very late Mk I, which means a 1,588cc engine and disc brakes, while it also has a five-speed ‘Type 9’ gearbox conversion for greater cruising ability and nicer gearshift. Having had a full rebuild, it’s a charming thing, presented in lovely condition.
The seller has completed all of the import and duty paperwork relative to the car so there are no additional taxes to pay, while the DVLA NOVA notification and original South African registration document are included.
Vendor is also happy to help the buyer register the car in the UK if that’s where it remains after it is sold - the process is very simple and costs £55 to complete.
The cabin of the MGA is cosy and narrow, with a low-slung driving position that gives it the aura of true sports car.
It’s in fine condition, with replacement carpets and retrimmed black leather upholstery. The dials and gauges are all original and the car still has its optional speaker grille and bold four-spoke narrow-rimmed steering wheel, which is often replaced by a sports item. It’s nice to find one that’s original.
It’s equipped with a leather gear knob, while in the boot there are two brand new door side frames, still sealed within their packaging and ready to fit. A full tonneau cover is also provided.
The MGA looks fantastic in British Racing Green, and the dry climate in which it has lived for over 50 years has done wonders to preserve it.
It has been repainted at some stage and still looks great, indeed the vendor describes it as the most outstanding shell they have ever seen. It presents very well with an excellent paint finish, no dents or corrosion to be seen and good chrome and trim. The wire wheels look the part and are equipped with period-style Michelin rubber, also in good order.
It appears to be extremely solid underneath and has been wax treated for further protection.
While the real appeal of an MGA convertible is wind-in-the-hair fun, there’ll be times where you need the roof, especially in the UK. The hood on this car is fully functional and the mechanism is in fine order, while the fabric is in excellent order and appears to have been recently renewed.
Under the bonnet you’ll find BMC’s venerable B-Series engine, as found in almost every MG built between 1954 and 1981.
As a 1959 car, originally this would have been fitted with a 1600 five-bearing engine, displacing 1,588cc and giving it a top speed of 100mph – a true old-school sports car, however now fitted with an uprated 1800 MGB engine and matted to a five-speed manual gearbox, this is a real drivers car! The five-speed transmission conversion used the reliable Type 9 transmission, common to the Ford Sierra. It’s a well-known and highly effective conversion that gives it much better cruising ability than a standard four-speeder.
Twin SU carbs give it a great soundtrack. It starts on the button, settles to a smooth idle with no timing chain rattle and doesn’t emit any excessive smoke. Plus, if it does ever go wrong, most B-Series parts are available off-the-shelf from the many MG specialists there are out there.
We were able to conduct a short test drive and can confirm it showed no apparent faults, with good oil pressure and a steady coolant temperature.
This is a really charming example of the MGA in what the vendor describes as "outstanding" condition. It looks a million dollars and has smart interior to match the gorgeous British Racing Green bodywork.
But as well as having loads of show car potential, it’s also tremendously usable – great-to-drive and with the added advantage of five gears. It’s a real gem of an MGA.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
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1959 MGA 1600 MK II Roadster
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