Description
1961 MGA MkII Coupe, in understated Dove Grey paint. Prepared for European regularity rally use.
This MGA Coupe benefits from a variety of upgrades, all easily reversed if wished.
Currently fitted with a free revving 3-bearing 1860cc MG Motorsport MGB engine, fast-road Peter Burgess lead-free head and cam, and a Maniflow large-bore exhaust; the car outperforms an MGA Twin Cam but has none of the infamous reliability issues. The car also has a Highgear T9 5-speed gearbox (21mph/ 1, 000rpm) fitted for comfortable cruising at motorway speeds. The original 1622cc engine and overhauled 4-speed gearbox come with the car on a pallet and can be refitted.
The car was purchased by me in 2020 after a search for a car suitable for entry into the Tour du Peloponnese, an event which involves driving to Greece and back as well as a 600 mile drive around the island once there. Driving through France and Italy was a breeze thanks to the car’s long legs (Milan to Hampshire in 16 hours!) and, despite the model’s reputation for overheating, the car coped easily with Greek temperatures. Prior to my ownership it was subject to a body-off restoration and comes with photo documentation and a Heritage Certificate. After three successful trips to Greece and back the car is now for sale to fund a pre-war car purchase.
Appreciating that not everyone wants the ‘café-racer’ look (despite the admiring comments it receives at car meets!) but many want an MGA Coupe which is able to keep up with modern traffic, the car has been stripped of its stickers and the restored red leather seats have been refitted ready for regular use. The only concessions to its recent history observable are safety related. The custom-fabricated roll protection behind the seats (which is removeable) gives proper anchor points for four-point harnesses rather than the inadequate fixed seatbelts that were the factory option. The car is also sitting on minilite-style wheels and wider modern rubber as befits its greater performance, though again, these can be readily swapped for the original hub-capped steel wheels which accompany the car if preferred.
Kept as part of a collection of classic cars and maintained by my regular mechanic the car is offered for sale following a switch towards pre-war cars. The car will be serviced before sale.
Notable features:
Engine and transmission upgrades as described. Original items supplied with the car.
Underslung oil cooler
Uprated front brake discs and pads
12v (single battery) electrics (negative earth) with in-car isolator
Kenlowe thermostatically controlled cooling fan
Hi torque starter motor
‘Distributor Doctor’ distributor
Replacement rear springs
New clutch and clutch release puck
Recent Maniflow full exhaust replacement
Rebuilt twin SU carburettors
Currently fitted with minilite type wheels and Dunlop Blue Response tyres and accompanied by 2 sets of original steel wheels. TR6 ‘Dunlop Style’ wheels and Avon CR6ZZ tyres are also available
Moto-lita steering wheel plus spare original steering wheel and boss
Original MKII grille for refitment if wished
Luggage rack and Lucas period fog/ driving lights
Robinson Race Cars FIA removeable roll cage and side protection bars
Large history file
There is much more to this car’s specification and more parts available which warrant viewing. It has been a versatile and reliable car covering a wide range of uses that I have put it to and it has proven itself again and again.
