1960 MGA 1600

Photos provided by the seller

HIGHLIGHTS

 • Restored in early 2010s
 • Used daily by current owner
 • Dry climate rust-free car
 • Comprehensive mechanical overhaul

THE APPEAL

In a lot of respects, the MGA 1600 is the pick of the MGA range – notably quicker than the 1500 and both more reliable and less complicated than the Twin Cam.

Other than the engine, the basic design of the MGA 1600 remained unchanged from the 1500 but the engine capacity was increased from 1,489 cc to 1,588cc, giving an extra 6bhp. The marginal 99cc increase gave a 10% rise in power and a meaningful 17% increase in torque, which resulted in a noticeable improvement in acceleration and the top speed was raised past the all-important 100mph barrier as well. Braking was dramatically improved by the introduction of disc brakes at the front and better rear drums. 

There were suspension changes on the 1600, too, with slightly stiffer springs and uprating of the front lever-arm shock absorbers, but more noticeable were the cosmetic and detail improvements to the body.

This one has a fascinating story to tell and is a great, mechanically excellent car. 

THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK

 • Restored in early 2010s
 • Shipped from Italy to Canary Islands in 2016
 • Maintained by local classic car specialist since
The MGA was restored in Italy just over a decade ago and has been the current owner’s daily transport ever since. When he moved to the Canary Islands in 2016, he took it with him. He has had it maintained annually by a local classic car specialist. 

The MGA was restored by classic car specialists AUTO RETRO in Rome in the early 2010s and the engine fully rebuilt, while the body was stripped, repaired and painted to a high standard.

There are a number of invoices from the Danny Guerra Workshop in Corralejo, Fuertaventura, since, where the car has been given a major annual service. 

THE INTERIOR

 • Retrimmed in quality black leather
 • Original dials and painted dash
 • Full tonneau included
The interior is smartly finished with original-spec black leather seats and a four-spoke Bakelite steering wheel, along with a body-coloured painted dash. Many of the parts were acquired from renowned British car specialists Moss Europe and are of excellent, premium quality. 
The carpets are in good order, as is the hood, and there is a full tonneau cover should you wish to leave the car unattended with the roof down. 

THE EXTERIOR 

 • Irish Blue
 • Restored and repainted some years ago
 • Well looked after ever since
 • Chrome wire wheels
 • No damage or visible corrosion
Restored in Rome around a decade ago, the MGA still looks fabulous today in its Irish Blue paintwork, with no damage or visible corrosion. 
The underside is reported to be as good as it is on top, and the chrome wire wheels are in great condition. The vendor says it is in very good order. 

THE MECHANICS 

 • Runs well with no known issues
 • Uprated cooling fan 
 • Suspension renewed
 • New valves, guides and rocker arms
 • New fuel lines
 • Carburettor overhauled
The MGA drives really well, says the owner, who has used it as his only car and daily transport since 2016. 

And so it should. The brakes and most of the suspension have been overhauled, the engine fully rebuilt, the valves and guides renewed again more recently. It has had new brake discs, pads and brake lines (complete with booster), along with new fuel pipes and the carb was fully overhauled

SUMMARY

This is a great example of an MGA that is proven to be reliable having been someone’s daily transport for the past eight years. In addition, all of the original parts removed or replaced during the restoration were kept and the owner is happy to pass them on, should someone ever wish to restore the MGA back to the exact condition in which it left the factory. 

If you’re in Europe, or even if you own a holiday home in the Canaries, this is the ideal acquisition – or it could be imported to the UK with minimal complications.

Potential buyers should note that the seller is willing to travel to Europe with car to deliver if the buyer covers the cost of travel. 

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Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.

As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.

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Vehicle specification
  • Year 1960
  • Make MG
  • Model MGA 1600
  • Colour Irish Blue
  • Odometer 89,285 Miles
  • Engine size 1588
Auction Details
  • Seller Type Private
  • Town Fuerteventura, Canar…
  • Country Spain
Bidding history
30 bids
  • re•••• €29,400 30/05/22
  • Ar•••• €29,200 31/05/22
  • Ar•••• €29,100 30/05/22
  • re•••• €28,750 30/05/22
  • Ar•••• €28,500 30/05/22
  • re•••• €27,600 30/05/22
  • sa•••• €27,257 30/05/22
  • an•••• €27,000 30/05/22
  • sa•••• €26,507 30/05/22
  • sa•••• €26,027 30/05/22
Message C&C Auction Team

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