Description
Make: MG
Model: A
Year: 1960
Code | Type: MK1 ROADSTER
Engine: 4 cylinders
Displacement: 1, 600 cc – new engine
Fuel system: 2 SU carburettors
Power: 80 bhp
Mileage: 74, 000 miles
Gearbox: 4-speed manual
Equipment: Soft top, side screens, luggage rack, tonneau cover
Condition: Excellent
Paint colour: Red
Availability: Immediate
Warranty: 3 months – engine, gearbox, axle at our workshops, extension possible
History
MG passed into the post-war era under the control of the British Motor Corporation, whose president Leonard Lord preferred for several years to prioritise commercial development of another brand, AUSTIN, to create the new AUSTIN-HEALEY marque. The launch of the new MG A would not be approved until 1954, following the collapse in sales of the venerable MG TYPE 1.
In ten months, the technical team designed the new car (sporting roadster variant of the 1953 MG Magnette ZA saloons, with a post-war fresh look) building on work begun in 1950 when stylist Sydney Enever (1906-1993) (promoted to chief engineer in 1954) had developed for the Le Mans 24 Hours (1951 and 1952) a prototype UMG 400, based on the MG TD, but with more modern lines that they deemed easily adaptable to a production model.
A new chassis was adopted, wider and lower, allowing a body with smooth lines. The adoption of a chassis with outer rails further from the TD lowered the driving position. The chassis was stiffened notably with a boxed cowling roof arch. The rear axle is rigid and the front suspension is mounted on pivots with leading-leaf dampers acting as upper wishbones.
101, 321 MGA were produced from 1955 to 1962, until its succession by the MGB.
From autumn 1955, MGAs were exported to the United States. Their speed (100 miles per hour or 160 km/ h) and affordable price ensured their success with American customers then keen on small British roadsters. 80% of MGA production was exported to the North American market in total.
From May 1959 to April 1961: MGA 1600
Chassis numbers: 68851 to 100351
The 1600 visually differs from the 1500 with its disc brakes, and the “1600” badge beside the front ventilation openings, and on the rear boot. The most visible identification features are:
- At the rear, the separate indicators mounted above the headlights, the unit thus extended in height,
- At the front, under the headlights, a larger block than on the 1500 divided into two parts, with indicators on top and parking lights on the bottom (depending on country, the “indicator” part could be white or amber).
Description
We offer for sale this superb 1960 MGA roadster MK1 with a 1, 600 engine, finished in red with a black interior and matching carpet. The car is equipped with a very nice brand-new black vinyl soft top and side screens as well as a tonneau cover.
The upholstery is in perfect condition. The dashboard is very clean, everything is operational, all gauges work, the dashboard paint is flawless.
The wheels and tyres are new. The car starts very well and is very responsive to drive; braking is effective. The openings close well, the doors align with the coachwork, showing a car in true alignment. The windscreen is in very good condition, everything on the dashboard works. Easy to use, the seating position on board allows you to stretch your legs and sit at the wheel of a real roadster.
The underside is very sound, the wooden floors are excellent, the side members are perfect. The car has undergone a restoration with a complete underside treatment, replacement of battery tray supports, everything treated, protected and reassembled with meticulous attention to detail.
Mechanically, the car has undergone a full mechanical restoration, with a rebuilt engine block. The engine runs beautifully; two SU carburettors feed the 1600 which is ready to cruise. Heating, ignition, braking, everything is operational. The car is in the break-in phase.
The MGA is registered on a classic vehicle registration certificate, MOT OK.
Our opinion
A timeless line, a magnificent car with ease of use and readily available parts for maintenance.
