Highlights
- One of only 1,334 home market RHD roadsters
- Just three keepers with current one since 1983
- Always garaged and sparingly used by current keeper
- Engine rebuilt approximately 20 years ago with oversized pistons and rings
- Seats fully restored in black leather with powder blue piping
The Appeal
For aficionados of MG’s aerodynamic A, the car than fundamentally changed Abingdon’s fortunes, the one to have is the Mk1 1600. These cars got more power and Lockheed disc brakes yet retain the delicate styling, particularly the rear lights, that Syd Enever intended.
These cars were caught up in the post-war ‘export or die’ drive, so most were US-bound LHD cars. To meet demand, many have returned and been converted to RHD. This very pretty ‘baby blue’ Mk1 1600 is different - it is one of the 1,334 home market RHD roadsters. In the intervening 66 years it has had just three keepers, the current one since 1983.
Since purchase we’re told that it has always been garaged and has been used sparingly. The condition show in the photos supports that. It is in good order. There are a few points picked up in the images, but nothing that detracts from the overall looks. The smart black leather, piped in light blue to match the paint, was partially restored some years ago. The hood kit was replaced in 2018. Under the bonnet is the correct 1,588cc B-Series 79.5bhp engine, which we are told was rebuilt 20 years ago. The seller tells us that it has been barely used in the intervening time.
This is a lovely A that is crying out to be used and enjoyed. Its provenance, colour scheme and condition stand out from the crowd.
The vendor says:
“Really pretty little fun car in lovely condition Had very little use in the last 20 years been totally wasted.”
Key Information
- Mileage: 82,335 miles indicated
- Rare UK supplied car from new
- Country of registration: United Kingdom
- Technical inspection status: MOT exempt
- Technical specs: 1,588cc B Series engine, 4spd manual
- Paperwork: Numerous receipts for work carried out over the years, magazines, V5C
The Detail
- Pretty and factory correct home market RHD ‘baby blue’ Mk1 1600
- Paintwork and bodywork present well with some points to note in photos
- These including bubbling to rear valance of car under boot
- Some cracks in paint on sill and some chips to note on panel edges
- Light scuffs to note to wheel arch
- Underside as shown
- Steel wheels with matching spare and Falken tyres
- Interior has been partially retrimmed in black leather with smart blue piping
- Black carpets in good condition
- Fitted with factory four spoke sprung Bakelite-rimmed wheel
- Reportedly little driven since engine rebuild 20 years ago
- Paperwork for the engine rebuild cannot be located
- New black hood kit fitted in August 2018
- Supplied with vinyl tonneau as shown
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.
✓ Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalised, or heritage vehicle registration is not included in the sale of a vehicle.
