1960 MG MGA 1600 roadster, great running vintage convertible classic sports car

Description

MGA 1600 roadster, 1960

Excellent looking and running classic sports car

Very straight body, all four fenders removed so that new fender welting could be installed installed, new door seals, new door seals, new chrome end caps, professionally painted in deep MG BRG green (base coat, clear coat) acrylic and hand wet sanded and buffed to a show finish. Chassis and wood floors look to be in very good condition, has new dust shields and gaskets in the fender wells, the photos show how straight it is and the depth of color. Really looks fantastic.

Fitted with a recently rebuilt early MGB engine......what is nice about this installation is that the engine is visually almost identical to the original 1600, even has the same tach drive, connected to the original MGA mechanical tach, off the back of the block. Yet with 98hp, offers far more performance than the original 83hp A engine, probably will be more reliable and is certainly more flexible. And remember, while the first MGA twin cam engines were rated at 108hp, later (and far more reliable) twin cams were 100hp....not very different from this car.

I did a compression test....145-150 psi compression in every cylinder, runs 80 psi oil pressure when the engine is at full operating temperature, zero smoke cold or hot. It really doesn't get much better.

Seats were just redone, new interior panels, new carpets, new seat belts, dash was painted body color (as original) and all of the original gauges work. Top appears to be fairly new (plastic window seems close to perfect...top material is a bit wrinkled in the photo due to being folded for a while, but it should stretch out perfectly in warm sunlight) and has new side curtains.

The disc brakes work well, steering is precise, excellent ride and handling, good exhaust system, spotless rustfree trunk floor, has a new jack and brass knock off hammer, engine bay is very clean and painted in body color, has a premium style air cleaner, bumpers and overriders look close to new, same with the chrome knock offs, no rattles, no odd noises, transmission is virtually silent and has excellent synchromesh action, quiet differential, and the rest can be seen in the photos.

Valves just adjusted, SU carbs tuned and balanced, fresh oil and filter, suspension just lubed, has a reprint of the original manual, and ready to drive anywhere. (when painted, mirror holes were filled....car comes with two proper Lucas style wing mirrors and I would be happy to install them anywhere a buyer wishes)

This is a sensational driving MGA and, with 98hp, disc brakes, and wire wheels, a wonderful overall compromise for an English classic sports car. Cruises nicely at 80 or more mph, should hit around 105 mph flat out, and doesn't miss a beat. And while ANY good MGA drives nicely, they are typically a bit underpowered. But not this one.

And while most eBay sellers don't seem to know the importance of oil pressure ('gee, I never look at the gauge') or compression ('what's that?'), there are no more important indications of an excellent engine. And, in both of these, it is about as good as it gets. And, note, the image of the oil pressure shows the photo was taken when the engine was at full operating temperature.

It can cost $60-70,000 or more to perform a thorough restoration on an MGA and I am not purporting this is one of the best available. But it was disassembled for paint, expensively painted, nicely detailed engine bay, dash, and interior, has full weather equipment, disc brakes, and wire wheels. All in all, a great 'driver' certainly worthy of being displayed at a local show.

Car is being advertised in a variety of publications and is available for immediate sale and I reserve the right to end this auction at any time and for any reason. I can assist in transportation anywhere in the world and can also offer temporary storage. It starts instantly, runs flawlessly, and will leave most MGAs in the dust.

Also have a new alloy crossflow cylinder head, new intake manifolds, and new twin 40 DCOE Weber carbs I would consider selling, independent of the sale of this car. Have the same set up on my 1965 MGB and the difference in performance is breathtaking. Also looks rather exotic.

Car available for immediate sale and advertised elsewhere. Hence we reserve the right to end the auction at any time and for any reason. Car is sold ‘as is’ with no warranty or guarantee whatsoever. Has full paperwork for legal registration anywhere. We can assist in transport anywhere in the world and can deliver it on our truck within, say, 300 miles. Glad to store the car in a safe, insured spot until arrangements are made. Terms: 20% deposit with 48 hours and full payment within seven days. W/transfer or check is fine. If you have any questions, the best way to ask is to call me at 203-377-6746 during business hours.

It starts instantly, runs flawlessly, and will leave most MGAs in the dust.Thank you for looking and good luck bidding.