Highlights

Evocative and stand-out Alamo Beige over red colour combination
Comprehensive older restoration that has held up very well
Very usable and presentable Mk1 1600
1600 Mk1 considered by many the most desirable of MGAs
Former Classic & Sports Car cover star
Thick history file showing restoration and investment
Original RHD car

The Appeal

The MGA offered buyers a beautifully styled, highly capable entrant in the burgeoning post-war two seater sports car market. For aficionados the ‘sweet spot’ in the car’s development is the Mk1 1600, which combines accessible power with the aesthetics and reliability of the early cars.

This beautiful 1959-built, 1960-registered 1600 Mk1 is attractively finished in the particularly fetching Alamo Beige over red leather. It is an older restoration in very good, solid and presentable condition, making this car ideal for use and enjoyment.

The History and Paperwork

First registered on 14th April 1960
Heritage Certificate confirms:
- Built 7-8th December 1959
- Despatched by the factory on 11th December 1959
- Originally supplied in Iris Blue with black interior and blue roof and disc wheels
Thick history file includes photographs of the body-off, strippd-down restoration by the then owner in what appears to be the 1980s
Old tax discs, MOTs and invoices included in the file
Featured on the cover of Classic & Sports Cars magazine in September 2002 including multi-page article on this car
1994 Invoice from Oselli for parts totalling over £1,000 for engine rebuild work
Converted to Alamo Beige (colour code BG9) over red during restoration
Alamo Beige over red leather was a factory option when this car was built
The car is MOT and tax exempt and the last MOT expired on 23rd May 2019 with no advisories
The car has covered only 520 miles since the last MOT test
Between 2006 and 2019 it was used sparingly, covering less than 3,000 miles

The Interior

Beautifully detailed older restoration in fine condition with light patination
MGA interiors are amongst the nicest of the era with wealth of detailing
Factory correct red leather bucket seats in good condition with light signs of use
Red carpets in cabin and boot in good condition, indicating older refurbishment
Covered spare wheel in boot
Some chips and marks across body-coloured dashboard but not unsightly
Smiths dials in generally good condition, some chips on circumferences
Red dashtop roll in generally good condition but with a couple of nicks to note
Door cards correctly factory styled and in good condition albeit with light scuffs
Centre armrest
Smart side screens in red vinyl with Perspex wind deflectors
Very original interior including radio blanking plate with MG logo
Stylish factory fitted four spoke wheel with telescopic column

The Exterior

Evocative combination of pretty Alamo Beige bodywork with whitewalls highlights just how stylish these cars are
Shapely, uncluttered styling with no door handles to enhance the aerodynamic profile
Mk1 cars are particularly sought after for their classic detailing such as the rear lights and grille
This is an older restoration that is deteriorating slightly in places and shows signs of use, but does not appear significant
Chromework in very good condition with no visible pitting
The body has a few chips and marks, such as on the nearside rear light plinth and door edges, but is not unsightly
Smart Atlas whitewalls
Refurbished hood mechanism with, we are told, a new hood too
Some marks under the bonnet including chips on the inside edge and rust stains
Poor paintwork in passenger door inside edge
Chip on B post on driver’s side and marks on inside edge
Tiny areas of corrosion and chipped paint on both sills below the door aperture
Glasswork complete and in bright, good condition
Factory badging and decals present and in good condition
Stylish rear luggage rack

The Mechanics

1,588cc 79.5bhp 4cyl engine with twin carburettors
Engine appears to have been rebuilt in the mid-90s based on invoice for Oselli parts
Engine number 16GA-U 12640
4spd manual gearbox
Extensive history file
MOT records show very sparing use since 2006 and just 500 miles since 2018

Summary

The pretty MGA is one of post-war British motoring’s crowning achievements, an aerodynamic shape that was also practical. The Mk1 1600 is particularly sought-after and, like all MGs, backed by unrivalled parts supply and owner support.

This delightful Alamo Beige 1600 is an older, comprehensive restoration that has clearly been used sparingly and with care. In very usable condition it is surely one of the most distinctive classic two-seaters we’ve offered for sale in some time.

Notice to bidders

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*

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