1960 MGA 1600

Highlights

• Five-speed gearbox conversion

• Previously restored

• Excellent retrimmed interior

• MOT and road tax exempt

• A fine 50s sportscar 

Overview

Departing from MG’s previously square-edged design philosophy, the MGA made a splash when it was introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1955. Its flowing lines gave it an up-to-date 1950s style which impressed potential customers, along with the four-cylinder B-series engine under the bonnet. Over 100,000 MGAs were built during the model’s lifetime, with such a relentless focus on export markets that fewer than 6,000 stayed in the UK.

The car we see here is a later model, the 1600, with engine capacity having been increased to 1,588 cc. This gives it a good turn of speed, which has been improved further by a five-speed gearbox which allows for comfortable motorway cruising. The Type 9 gearbox fitted is from a Ford Sierra, a common source of ‘boxes for this type of conversion. 

Finished in bright red paint with a beautifully trimmed interior, this car has previously been restored and remains very presentable. The black leather upholstery is beautifully piped in red, and there is a full set of weather equipment: hood, tonneau cover, and side screens. 

There is a sizeable folder containing invoices for parts and servicing in recent years, although little is known of the car’s early life. And despite having seen little use in the past few years, it is said to be in generally good mechanical condition. 

So if you’re looking for the perfect car for sunny summer Sunday drives, then this MGA is ready to whisk you away with the pleasant burble of its engine providing the accompaniment. 

History and documentation

• Registered 12 Sep 1960

• Document binder containing invoices for parts and servicing

• Collection of old MOT certificates and tax discs

• Although the car is exempt from road tax and MOT requirements, it has been tested regularly

• Current MOT expires 4 Apr 2025

• Little is known of the car’s early history 

• V5 present in owner’s name

• Current owner since 2020

• He tells us that it's been stored in an air chamber and avoided driving it in the wet wherever possible
• Reluctant sale for health reasons

• Five registered former keepers

• Copy of Enjoying MG magazine containing an article about this car  

• A box of spare parts comes with the car

• HPI clear

• London ULEZ compliant

Interior

• The interior of this MGA has previously been retrimmed, and remains in excellent condition throughout 

• Black leather upholstery with red piping 

• Only very slight creasing to the leather on the driver’s seat 

• There is a scuff on the driver’s seat bolster

• Matching black carpets with red trim

• The carpets retain a good pile

• MG-branded rubber footwell mats 

• Black leather door cards with small storage bins 

• Wood-rimmed steering wheel

• Smiths gauges with chrome bezels

• Dashboard-mounted rear-view mirror

• Lucas pull switches 

• Cable-operated door latches 

• Heater with screen demist function

• A 12V socket has been fitted 

• Fitted tonneau cover 

• Spacious boot for the size of the car 

• Full size spare wheel

Exterior

• Low profile and rounded lines make this an attractive sportscar

• Finished in an attractive shade of red with chrome trim

• The vendor estimates that the car was resprayed around 12 years ago 

• The paint retains a good shine and deep colour

• Generally the body panels are well presented, with no notable dents 

• There are a few minor blemishes 

• Some cracks and small areas of bubbling in the paintwork

• The red piping has faded in places

• 15-inch steel wheels with polished chrome hubcaps

• The wheels are painted silver, and remain free from scuffs and chips

• The Vredstein tyres are said to be in practically new condition 

• The chrome plating is highly polished throughout 

• Lucas headlights clear and bright

• Chrome windscreen surround

• Weather equipment includes a soft top roof — stowed behind the seats when lowered — and side screens, which the owner says they have never needed to use

• The underside looks as clean and tidy as you might expect for a car of this age 

• Silver-on-black numberplates

• Chrome wing mirrors mounted on the windscreen pillars

• Luggage rack mounted on the bootlid

Mechanical

• 1,588 cc four-cylinder engine

• Twin SU carburettors 

• Said to have produced 79.5 bhp when new 

• Top speed 96.1 mph, 0-60 mph in 13.3 seconds, as tested by The Motor in 1959

• 5-speed Ford Type 9 gearbox fitted 

• Rear-wheel drive

• Engine bay clean and tidy

• Auxiliary electric radiator fan fitted 

• Original chassis plate, with contact details including by telegram

• On the underside there are no significant leaks that we could see

• The exhaust appears to be in good condition

• In Apr 2021, the car received a new camshaft, followers and cam chain

• In May 2022 the brakes were inspected, cleaned, and adjusted, and the valve clearances were adjusted 

• In Apr 2023 the brakes were inspected and cleaned again

• The MOT in Apr 2024 notes an imbalance in the rear brakes, and slight play in the offside lower trunnion 

• The seller tells us that a battery conditioner has been used for the past two years, while the car was not being driven regularly

• It is reportedly slightly hesitant to start after a period of inactivity, which the seller notes may be due to an old battery

• The engine is said to sound smooth and pulls away well

Summary

Faster than most 65-year-olds, this MGA also looks younger than its years thanks to its resprayed paint and retrimmed interior. A thoroughly good-looking little car which we’re sure would see you welcomed with open arms at any classic car show. We reckon you’ll have good fun on the way there and back, too, and it would make a fabulous companion to transport you for Sunday lunch.

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Fairford, Gloucestershire.