Highlights
- Very rare Mk1 1600 RHD Home Market coupe
- Original engine with upgraded 5spd gearbox
- Professionally tested and serviced in July 2022
- Extensive maintenance records including
- Cylinders rebored and carbs rebuilt in 2016
- Very usable touring car or weekend classic
The Appeal
Just 838 RHD 1600 Mk1 Coupes were built for the Home Market and this is one of them. These cars are popular with event, rallying and touring enthusiasts because of their structural rigidity, practicality and all-weather usability. Many, like this one, have received sympathetic upgrades to lean further into this purpose.
This 1960 car, finished in original Chariot Red, features its original engine but has been upgraded to a 5spd Ford manual gearbox to improve long-distance driving. It is in great condition and has been very carefully maintained. Recent work has included a cylinders rebore and carburettors rebuild. It is said to run and drive exactly as a good MGA should.
The history file attests to the meticulous nature of its keepers, including handwritten notes of maintenance from 2015 to 2020. The vendor acquired the car in 2022 when a complete check over and full service was undertaken at 12,800 miles. It is now showing 13,244 miles. In the intervening time it has been carefully garaged.
A great opportunity for event enthusiasts to acquire a good example of these rare RHD Home Market cars.
The vendor says:
“The engine runs beautifully. Suspension, brakes and steering are completely reliable.
Handling is just like the MGA I owned in 1977/78.”
History and Paperwork
- First registered 1st July 1960
- BMIHT certificate confirm despatch date of April 1960
- Certificate verifies this as a UK RHD car with original engine
- Acquired by current keeper in July 2022
- Professionally tested and serviced on 25/07/2022 at 12,800 miles
- Summary of recent work below
- Detailed maintenance records with highlights in photos
- These include handwritten notes of maintenance 2015 to 2022
- Old MOTs as shown
- Invoice for gearbox replacement in 2017
- Last MOT in June 2020 contained no advisories and showed 12,331 miles on test
- Original log book as shown
- Varous receipts from 1980s, 90s and more recently
- Always garaged by current keeper
- Due to the five digit odometer the displayed mileage may not be accurate
Recent maintenance highlights:
March 2016 at 9,635 miles
- Cylinders rebored
- Carburetors rebuilt
- Unleaded head fitted
- MGB filter conversion
- Oil cooler installed
August 2017 at 11,250 miles
- 5-speed gearbox fitted
- Electronic ignition installed
November 2017 at 11,464 miles
- New front brake calipers and pads fitted
April 2018 at 11,562 miles:
- New front wishbone arms and springs installed
September 2018 at 11,824 miles
- Oil and filter changed
June 2020 at 12,332 miles:
- Axle oil changed
July 2022 at 12,800 miles:
- Professional check over
- Full service
The Condition
- Smart factory-correct red paintwork in good condition for age
- Due to age of car buyers should expect minor imperfections
- Bodywork and underside appear in good order which vendor confirms
- Base of driver’s door shows light corrosion but not significant
- Panels fit well including doors, boot and bonnet
- Chromework in good order with bright finish
- Fitted with rear luggage rack
- Small area of delamination to windscreen on passenger side corner as shown
- Steel wheels in good order with classic-style Michelin tyres
- Black leather interior with white piping in good, lightly patinated conditon
- Light scuffs to driver’s door card as shown
- Black carpets in good condition through car
- Fitted with correct four spoke sprung steering wheel
- Seats show light wear to bolster and some sheen to bases
- Vendor advises than instruments are in working order except as noted
- Speedo reads approximately 25% too low following the gearbox replacement
- Fuel gauge shows half full regardless of actual fuel level
The Mechanics
- 1,588cc 4cyl engine
- Twin SU carburettors
- 5-speed Ford Sierra manual transmission
- Original engine number retained
- The vendor states that the engine runs "beautifully"
- Suspension, brakes, and steering described as "completely reliable"
- Cylinders professionally rebored in March 2016
- Carburettors rebuilt in March 2016
- Unleaded head fitted for modern fuel compatibility
- MGB filter conversion and oil cooler added for improved reliability
- Electronic ignition installed for better starting and performance
- New front brake calipers and pads fitted in November 2017
- Front suspension refreshed with new wishbone arms and springs in April 2018
- No reported running or driving issues
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