*Please note that this listing has been updated as further information has come to light*

Highlights

Extremely rare Mercante aluminium body
Fascinating original documentation
Owned by one family since 1976

The Appeal

There aren’t many classic British sportscars quite as rare as this MGA-based Mercante, which is fitted with an aluminium body over a tubular steel frame. Using the chassis, engine and running gear from an MGA1500, the first owner fitted this fantastic aluminium body and registered it as a Mercante in 1960.

It has been in the same family since the second owner bought it in 1976, being owned successively by three siblings: the current owner and his two sisters before him.

Now presented in need of some recommissioning, this will make a great project for someone who wants to return an extremely rare car to the road.

The History and Paperwork

Manufactured in 1960
Thought to have been assembled by its original owner
The first owner sold the car to the present owner’s sister in 1976
It was then sold to the owner’s other sister in 1982
Their brother, the current owner, then purchased the car in 1991
Said to have been running until it was registered SORN in June 2020
Road Tax and MOT exempt
Comes with its valuable registration number: 123 MPL
Comes with a copy of the MGA 1600 driver’s handbook
An origin edition of MGA Special Tuning factory booklet also accompanies the car
BMC workshop manual and parts list
Handwritten service records
Photographic record of a cylinder head overhaul in 2005
Extensive invoices for parts and servicing

The Interior

Simple yet stylish sporting interior
Diminutive bucket seats
The seat covers are well worn, and have been repaired with tape in places
The carpets have been well used but remain complete
Vinyl covered door cards with small storage pockets
Plain wooden dashboard
Two spare steering wheels included
A full set of instruments are fitted, and said to be in working order
The switches are all present and correct
A spacious rear compartment allows plenty of luggage to be carried
There is a spare wheel supplied with the car, along with a jack

The Exterior

The Mercante body sits on a tubular steel frame, mounted to the chassis, with aluminium body panels on top
The original chassis and running gear are said to be in sound condition
There is a little rust on the steel frame
Aluminium body complete and in generally good condition
There are a few areas of bubbling to be seen in the paintwork, particular near the wheel arches
Scratches and blemishes commensurate with age
The car runs on steel wheels which have been resprayed
It comes with weather equipment, including a convertible roof frame with an unused hood
The tonneau cover requires some attention to its fixings
Side screens are present but require refurbishment
Standard MGA items included in the sale include doors, bonnet and boot, which are said to be suitable for refurbishment, and feature aluminium skins

The Mechanics

1500cc BMC B-Series engine
The cylinder head was overhauled in 2005 and converted to run on unleaded petrol
In 1991 a significant suspension overhaul was undertaken with new parts fitted including front coil springs, rear leaf springs, track rod ends, front hub seals and much more
A new wiring loom was purchased in 1995
The brakes, including master cylinder and all wheel cylinders were refurbished in 2005
There is an extensive history file with plenty of invoices for parts purchased over the decades
A photographic record of work carried out accompanies the car, along with a hand written service record

Summary

In all, this is a fascinating and extremely rare example of the Mercante, which certainly deserves to be revived, and is sure to be a talking point wherever it goes.

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.

UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.

A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.

All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.