Description
From its flowing design and new chassis to its 1489cc B-series engine, the MGA marked a significant step forward for the Abingdon marque when it was launched at the 1955 London Motor Show. More than 70 years later, it still embodies all the qualities of a classic British sports car and inspires a dedicated following among enthusiasts.
The MGA continued to be developed throughout its production run, gaining a 1588cc engine and disc brakes along the way, before the ultimate 1622cc MkII version was introduced in April 1962.
It was not only a huge success in the all-important export markets, but also contributed to the marque’s long competition history. Nancy Mitchell became European Ladies’ Rally Champion in 1956 and 1957 driving MGAs and Magnettes, and the works Competition Department ran MGAs in the Sebring 12 Hours between 1959 and 1962. A 1600 MkII also won its class in the 1962 Monte Carlo and Tulip rallies.
This delightful MGA is a very late MkII and was built in February 1962 – not long before production came to an end. It was originally a left-hand-drive North American export model finished in Old English White with Black trim and sold new to California, but it was imported back into the UK in 1989.
By that time, it was still complete and highly original but needed a full restoration. This was carried out during 1991 and ’92 by Abingdon Classic Cars and the process included converting it to right-hand drive. The owner kept the car for more than 20 years and had the engine rebuilt during 2008 – a process that included boring it out to 1800cc amongst a raft of other upgrades – as well as fitting an uprated gearbox.
The MGA was acquired by its current owner in January 2023 and that year they embarked on a comprehensive mechanical overhaul, and event preparation works in order to prepare it for long-distance rallying and touring which included the fitment of the all-important Brantz Trip Meter along with all of the other event specific items that are required. Replica Dunlop disc wheels were fitted, and in total more than £50, 000 was spent before it took part in the 16-day ‘Badawï Trail to the Last Oasis’ event that passed through Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Oman. The work clearly paid off because it had no mechanical issues and finished third in class – testament to the reason for the thorough rally preparation that we offer.
The following year, a new engine that had been prepared by Aldon Automotive was installed and a further round of mechanical work was undertaken. The MGA was then entered for the ‘Peaks of the Andes’ rally across south America, visiting Chile, Argentina, Bolivia and Peru – and once again demonstrated perfect reliability dialled in to the car by RPS.
In 2025, after completing the Scottish Malts, the car’s brakes, clutch and gearbox were all overhauled, meaning that this well-sorted and very pretty MGA is now being offered for sale ready to tackle its next long-distance adventure.
The car is currently with Rally Preparation Services sister Company, the RPS storage facility and available for inspection.
All viewings and test drives welcomed by appointment at Rally Preparation Services.
All enquiries please contact us on using the button below or telephone +44(0)the details below
