When it was launched in 1955 the MGA brought the diminutive Abingdon firm into the modern era. Its svelte, streamlined design reflected the era’s obsession with jet-age aerodynamics while the peppy engine delivered just enough performance to make this small, light car great fun.
The original 1500cc engine was enlarged in 1959 to create the more powerful, but cosmetically virtually identical MGA 1600. The extra power of these later cars comes in useful in modern motoring.
This attractive, matching numbers 1961 MGA 1600 was restored around 16 years ago. Since then it has been with the same owner and used regularly but sparingly. It even includes the rare aluminium hard top included in the sale, though it requires some restoration work. This car would look good at any classic car show, but its not so perfect that the new owner can’t really enjoy the intrinsic fun of this most popular of two-seater classics.
The History and Paperwork
Same owner since 2006
First registered on 30 May 1961
Restored around 16 years ago
Last serviced two months ago
Matching numbers car
The Interior
Dark blue leather seats with white piping
Blue dashboard in good, complete condition
Soft top and side screens in good condition with side windows
The simple, non-nonsense MGA interior is a lovely, evocative place to be. The interior of this car reflects an older restoration and a car that has been used sparingly. The dark blue dashboard appears to be in good, unmarked condition with correct knobs still displaying their white markings and an undamaged dash top roll.
The seats are trimmed in matching dark blue leather with white piping and have no rips, tears or obvious wear. The door cards and matching side screens bag are also in good condition.
The soft top was new when the car was restored around 16 years ago and has been little used since as the car lives in a warm climate. The photographs indicate that it is in very good condition having held its colour well with all three windows clear and unmarked. It provides a good, clean fit to the front screen and over the centre of the car.
The Exterior
Older restoration
Attractive off-white paintwork in good, generally unmarked condition
Chrome wire wheels in very good condition
Brightwork appears original and only lightly aged
Aluminium hard top requiring some recommissioning
The combination of off-white paintwork and dark blue interior seem to work particularly well on this car. They are understood by the Seller to be factory correct.
The Seller states that he bought this car in 2006 just after it had received what he describes as a ‘ground up’ restoration. The car has only been used sparingly since and always dry stored, which may explain why the paintwork and brightwork have held up so well. The lovely chrome wire wheels were new when the car was restored and have been maintained well, retaining their shine and what appears to be unblemished chrome.
The bodywork appears straight from the photographs and the brightwork is complete and correct. Both doors need to be correctly re-hung, which is a common MGA fault. The car is supplied with a rare aluminium hard top painted black. As the photographs show this would benefit from refurbishment, including refitting the rear window. The photographs show paintwork damage on the battery tray caused by a historic brake fluid spill, but there appears to be no deterioration of the metalwork.
The MGA is a separate chassis design and as such it is important to check the underlying chassis, the sills, boot floor and chassis cross member as well as front and rear wings and valances. The photographs indicate that this car has held up very well in the 16 years since its restoration, indicating the limited use, dry climate location and careful storage.
An older restoration such as this one combines the peace of mind of all that work with a gentle patina of age. The signs of minor wear – there are a few small stone chips around the car – seem to give this car character that fresh restorations often lack. They also make it very useable – it’s good enough to display at shows but isn’t so perfect that it cannot be enjoyed.
The Mechanics
1588cc 80bhp MG engine
Matching numbers car
Last serviced two months ago
Four speed manual gearbox
The engine in this MGA is the more powerful 1600 version, which gives the car useable power for modern traffic. This B-Series motor is generally robust, usually only requiring regular maintenance, which the Seller says this car has received.
The Seller states that it is a matching numbers car and it is currently showing 11,752 miles. Although there is no paperwork to support this, he believes that this figure is correct.
The history prior to the Seller is unknown and unfortunately little history is provided with the car. The Seller bought it in 2006 following a restoration and states that he has only needed to undertake regular, scheduled maintenance during that time, last servicing it just two months ago.
Summary
The MGA is a great, useable classic sports car. It represents a refreshing, but equally practical alternative to the MGB and benefits from the same enthusiastic club and parts support.
This pretty MGA comes from a dry location and its older restoration gives it extra charm and character. There is scope for the new owner to make cosmetic improvements, or it can be enjoyed as it is.
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.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
