Highlights

Full restoration over more than two years, with the car completely dismantled down to the bare bodywork (bare shell)
Originally an American export model, now fitted with a wiring loom compliant with European specifications
Registered in France via a French historic registration document (carte grise de collection)
Valid MOT/technical inspection until June 2029

The appeal

With its sleek, streamlined shape—decidedly more modern and radical than the T models that came before it—the MGA brought MG firmly into the modern era, and has since become a safe bet on the collector-car scene on both sides of the Channel. For many, it was the first real sign that car design had entered an entirely new world—and it swept the great British sporting flagship into a new decade, without holding back.

This 1961 example was bought in December 2019 from a body-shop/atelier in Strasbourg, as a wreck, and then underwent a complete restoration, from underneath to above, over more than two years. From new, it was an American export model: the car was fully stripped—bodywork, chassis and mechanical components—before being meticulously rebuilt. The engine, braking system, exhaust system, fuel supply and wiring loom were all renewed, while the bodywork was resprayed in Old English White, an authentic period MG colour.

Now this lovely machine is coming to auction, waiting for its happy new owner—no doubt they’ll find a superb, satisfying classic there.

Key information

Odometer: 296 miles (shown; the speedometer was replaced during the car’s rebuild)
Country of registration: France
MOT/technical inspection status: technical inspection valid until June 2029
Technical specification: 1,600cc four-cylinder petrol engine, four-speed manual gearbox
Documentation file: registration documents and a set of workshop manuals

The detailed spec sheet

Body, chassis and mechanical components fully dismantled, then rebuilt during the restoration
Bored engine to +0.20 oversize
New clutch fitted
Complete replacement of the braking system with new components
All hoses and pipework replaced
New exhaust system fitted
New fuel tank installed
Original carburettors replaced with a twin-choke carburettor
New radiator installed, with the addition of an electric cooling fan
New wiring loom compliant with European specifications
New windscreen fitted
Treated chassis with wax protection for cavities
Floorpans replaced with new marine plywood panels, in line with the original specification
All chrome trim pieces are original
Both dyed-green sun visors are present
New carpets supplied by a UK parts supplier
Seats re-upholstered by a professional trimmer
Seller reports the hood/soft top to be in good condition
A faulty rear damper was identified during the technical inspection, then repaired before the certificate was issued
Speedometer and rev counter absent when purchased, then replaced; speedometer calibrated in miles

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to Car & Classic’s general terms and conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller, meaning consumer rights arising from European consumer protection legislation do not apply. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s general terms and conditions.

✓ We ask that non-refundable fees are paid if you are the successful bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our FAQs and general terms and conditions for the specific fee amounts.

✓ This vehicle is “sold as is”, on a “as is, where is” basis and without any warranty. The photos and descriptions are provided for guidance only and it is standard practice to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle before purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer’s deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final offer price or bid amount, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want to make sure the transaction runs smoothly—just as you do—and that’s why cars and motorcycles registered in the United Kingdom and listed for sale on Car & Classic are subject to an HPI check to confirm they show no insurance-database markers for damage or theft, and that they are not subject to any financial charge—so you can bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off following a total loss claim at the time the advert is placed on Car & Classic, and we provide category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) to help. The presence or absence of a label does not, however, guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always useful to carry out a full vehicle history check before making an offer on it.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle removal or delivery. Importing vehicles may involve additional customs duties and import taxes. If you’d like, we can recommend a third-party transport company to help you. For more details and to speak to the team, email auctions@carandclassic.com.