Description
Welcome to Martin Howey Classics and my advert for an extremely rare 1961 MGA Mark II. The model ran for just over a year, replacing the earlier 1600 car. Although 8198 were built, only 377 were produced for the home market in RHD. This is one of them. What is more, it has been made all the better via the fitting of a 5-speed box!
There were several marked differences between the earlier MGAs and the Mark II, perhaps most noticeably of all the somewhat weird (some say) rear light arrangement. Gone were the vertical clusters that had been there for years and, in their place, appeared Mark 1 Mini lights positioned horizontally. Other important changes saw the 1588cc engine up-rated to the BMC 1622 unit with an improved cylinder head giving the car 90 bhp. The rear axle was also improved with the diff tweaked and now allowing lower revs at cruising speed. The front grille was given a recessed look with other changes including a fabric covered dashboard and chrome surround to the radio speaker.
With the obvious exception of the earlier and mega rare twin cam model, the Mark II was hailed as being the best driving MGA produced.
This delightful old girl has a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate stating original colour as Chariot Red with red trim. Both remain in place to this day. She was despatched for "Home Sales" on August 28, 1961. Details of equipment state "Wire wheels and miles per hour speedometer." Her VIN number is GHN2/ 102774.
By the way, as mentioned, she is Chariot Red. In my book, that means really, really red. As red as a ripe tomato. And not orange-tinged like most of my photos.
This is a very pretty MGA, on the button and ready to go. As ever, you will find my cars priced amongst the very best value classics in the UK. I have been doing this professionally now for almost 30 years and believe in finding and re-homing as many as I can while keeping my margins to a minimum. Hence my high volume of sales. You would find it incredibly difficult to find a Mark II roadster - and an original home market car at that - for a better price than this!
The vehicle comes with an enormous history file, but one section jumped out at me and I shall paraphrase some of the info here for you. It was typewritten back in 1981 (Yes, 45 years ago) by a major consulting automobile engineering company, a member of the International Federation of Automobile Experts.:
"The vehicle has undergone a very expensive, no money spared restoration. Completely stripped down and using a considerable amount of new parts and panels. Interior re-trimmed and re-carpeted. Bright work re-chromed as necessary. New metal wings fitted.
"It is rare to see a restoration of this type with money no object. In our opinion, the vehicle is a prime example and in outstanding condition."
Ten years later, this rare Mark II sold for £14, 000. Judging by its speedo readings, it has done a mere 5, 000 or so miles since then and remains in superb order throughout!
