1962 MGA 1600 MK II Roadster

Highlights

Fully restored MGA
From rust-free dry climate
Original RHD car
Photographic record of works carried out

The Background

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 Mk II, which means a 1,600cc engine and disc brakes. It’s a genuine right-hand-drive car originally sold to Australia and was fully restored there to an exceptional standard. It was reimported to the UK by the vendor in 2016 and is still in truly exceptional condition – well worth of showing.

THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK

Manufactured in May 1962
Imported to the UK in 2016 and fully registered with DVLA on UK plates
Tax, MOT and ULEZ exempt
Despite exemption, it comes with an new MOT valid through to October 2024
British Motor Heritage dating certificate and build records
Photographic record of the car’s rebuild, showing through bare metal strip-down and rebuild
Tailored MG logo car cover included

THE INTERIOR

Retrimmed in red leather
Factory-spec four-spoke steering wheel
Carpets renewed
Fantastic overall condition

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 the seats sympathetically retrimmed in red leather to give a delightful, original appearance. 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 wooden MG gear knob, while there’s a single DIN housing to the left of the dash to incorporate a radio and all the correct wiring to the loom.

THE EXTERIOR

Restored condition
Repainted in original Old English White
Immaculate brightwork and trim
Chrome knock-on wire wheels

The MGA looks fantastic in Old English White, and the dry climate in which it has lived for over 60 years has done wonders to preserve it – it may have been fully restored, but the photographic record shows it was remarkably sound to start with and most of the panels are original.

It has a truly excellent paint finish and immaculate chrome and trim. The chrome wire wheels look the part and are equipped with quality Pirelli tyres rubber, also in good order, while the underside is superb.

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 in as-new condition, with no clouding to the rear screen. It also has a red tonneau cover should you wish to fit it.

THE MECHANICS

1.6-litre B-Series
Four-speed manual
Disc brakes
New refurbished fuel pump
2 new batteries have been fitted in October 2023

Under the bonnet you’ll find BMC’s venerable B-Series engine, as found in almost every MG built between 1954 and 1981.

Because this is a 1962 Mk II, it comes with the uprated five-bearing 1600 engine, displacing 1,622ccc and giving it a top speed of 100mph – a true old-school sports car.

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.

The vendor reports that the steering, brakes and gearbox are all in good order and the car has just had a refurbished second-hand fuel pump fitted.

SUMMARY

This is a stunning example of the highly desirable MGA Mk II in absolutely lovely order. It looks a million dollars and has a smart interior to match the beautiful, impeccably well-restored Old English White bodywork.

This is a show-standard, collector-quality car in a fabulous colour scheme, and in truly superb condition throughout.

BEFORE YOU BUY

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