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Curated Auction

1959 MG MGA 1600 Roadster

At a Glance

5-Speed Gearbox | Engine Overhauled in 2022 | Five Decades of History | Well Maintained | Long Term Ownership | +£8,000 Spent in Last 4 Yrs

  • Mileage~42,492 on the clock
  • Transmission5-speed Manual
  • Engine1.6-litre
  • LocationChristchurch

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more

CURATED AUCTION

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SEC
CURRENT BID£1,000
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AUCTION LIVE

ENDS IN: 56 Days 12 Hr 51 Min 51 Sec

CURRENT BID

£1,000

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Video #2

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy
Editor and Photographer

A cherished, fully sorted classic roadster offering pure driving joy and history.

The MGA marked a dramatic evolutionary leap for MG, sweeping away the upright styling of the T Series in favour of a sleek, aerodynamic body that captured the imagination of post-war sports car enthusiasts. Engineered with a low centre of gravity and a wide track, it delivered sharp handling and genuine sporting prowess that quickly made it a formidable contender on tracks like Le Mans and Sebring. Yet beneath its competition-bred athleticism lay remarkable grand touring credentials, offering surprising cockpit comfort, dependable BMC mechanicals, and relaxed cross-country pace. This brilliant balance of open-air excitement and long-distance usability cemented the MGA as a defining British roadster, establishing a golden template for accessible performance cars for decades to come.

Introduced in 1959, the MGA 1600 brought essential performance and safety upgrades over the original 1500 model, transforming the roadster into a far more refined and capable machine. The enlarged 1588 cc B Series engine raised output to 79.5 bhp, delivering noticeably stronger low-end torque and a higher top speed for effortless overtaking and relaxed cruising. Crucially, MG fitted front Girling disc brakes as standard, providing vastly superior stopping power and eliminating the brake fade associated with earlier all-drum setups. Paired with subtle restyling cues such as distinctive 1600 badging and separate front indicator lenses, these improvements gave the car an ideal balance of classic charm, sharper handling, and modern usability.

Finished in Old English White over a classic black interior, this 1959 MGA 1600 is accompanied by a detailed history file spanning 46 years. Cherished by its current owner for the last 12 years, the car has benefited from over ~£8,000 in recent investment, including a complete engine overhaul and a five-speed gearbox upgrade. Solid and remarkably original, it boasts exceptional provenance with just two dedicated owners across the last four and a half decades.

This listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting Keith the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Video #2

Meet the owner

The MGA is a real pleasure to drive and just right for pottering around the New Forest.

Keith, a long-standing member of the local MG Owners Club, I have found the roadster to be an ideal car for club runs and social events - it is what I truly call a proper Club Drivers' Car.

Sadly, age is creeping up on me, and my back is no longer as appreciative of longer outings in the roadster. Reluctantly, I have decided that the time has come to pass my cherished MGA on to a new custodian.

Keith will be happy to answer any questions about the car in the comments section below.

Keith
Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER
EXTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Exterior

It has exceptional structural integrity, featuring honest bodywork and a solid chassis.

Wheels and Tyres

The 15” painted steel wheels present positively with light wear and smartly finished centre hubs. 

The front and rear of the car is fitted with Maxxis Tyres with the 165/80 - these are date coded from 2021. All show even tread and appear to have plenty of life left. 

Please take time to review the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior, wheels, and tyres so you can make your own assessment of their condition. Tyres are a key safety item, and you should consider replacing any that are cracked, perished, unevenly worn, or over 10 years old.

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Bodywork

The exterior looks very good overall, with no discernible corrosion or structural panel damage. While panel alignment is generally flush, there is slight misalignment around the passenger door shut lines; nonetheless, all doors and covers open and close smoothly without sagging or binding.

Structurally sound throughout, the car’s floorpan, chassis rails, and suspension mounts remain in very solid condition. This structural integrity extends to the front boot floor, engine compartment, and inner wheel arches, all presenting in reassuringly good order.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

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Paint

The Old English White paint maintains a consistent hue throughout, though expected surface wear, light stress fractures, and older touched-up chips are visible across the shell. Most notable is a surface crack on the nearside front wing, which has remained completely stable since Keith acquired the car in 2014.

Minor bubbling is also present beneath the paint on the rear lid. However, buyers seeking a pristine cosmetic finish can take comfort knowing these minor defects sit atop a structurally sound base and reflected in the reserve set.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

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Glass and Trim

The headlights and windscreen are in good shape with decent seals.

The taillights are fully intact, though the lenses and bezels show signs of age.

Mild surface wear on some of the chrome trim matches the car's overall condition, and the securely mounted bumpers feature areas of natural patina.

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INTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Interior

Smartly presented and well cared for, the interior is clean and remarkably original throughout.

Seats and Carpets

The leather-faced black seats feature white piping and show light, age-appropriate creasing, free of major damage aside from minor bolster wear on the driver’s side.

The carpets are clean, present well, and show no signs of moisture.

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Dashboard

The body-coloured dashboard is in good condition, topped with presentable padding.

All dials, controls, and switches are neatly presented and reported to function properly.

The door cards and surrounding interior trim remain in solid shape throughout.

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Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel displays light cracking and wear on the boss, though it doesn't detract from the cabin's overall presentation.

The gear lever is in great shape, reflecting the car's recent 5-speed transmission upgrade.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO
Video #2

Mechanics

Exceptionally well maintained, the car benefits from the added bonus of a Hi-Gear Engineering five-speed transmission.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine starts effortlessly, with the fuel pump priming smoothly before the motor fires within a few revolutions. On full choke, it settles into a smooth idle, free from rattles or mechanical noise. Once running, the dashboard warning lights extinguish, oil pressure holds strong at 60 PSI, and the exhaust remains completely smoke-free under throttle.

The engine bay presents exceptionally well, reflecting a high standard of meticulous maintenance. The engine underwent a £2,000 overhaul in 2022, which included fitting an unleaded MGB head, new big-end bearings, and a fresh oil pump. An auxiliary BL electric fan is also installed as a preventative measure. There were no signs of historic leaks on the driveway, and the car remained completely leak-free throughout our visit.

The original four-speed manual transmission has been upgraded to a new Hi-Gear Engineering five-speed unit, complete with a new clutch and propshaft. As a result, the gearbox operates flawlessly.

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Suspension and Brakes

The suspension was fully refreshed as part of the 2022 overhaul, which included new shock absorbers all around. The car corners effortlessly and handles road imperfections smoothly.

The brakes bite evenly and firmly without squeals or giving unwanted feedback. The front Girling disc brakes help stop the car in a predictable, straight line without drama.

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The Drive

The B-Series engine family was introduced by Austin in 1952 as a durable, OHV cast-iron power unit for ordinary family saloons. The MGA was initially powered by the 1.5-litre block, followed by the complex Twin-Cam version, before settling on the favoured 1.6-litre unit with twin 1.5-inch SU carburettors in 1959. Earning a stellar reputation for being over-engineered and exceptionally reliable, it remains one of BMC's most celebrated powertrains.

The 1.6-litre B-Series engine feels punchy and eager from low revs, pulling smoothly across the rev range without flat spots or pops on deceleration. It didn't need to be worked hard to make swift progress, a flexibility enhanced by the five-speed gearbox. On the open roads of the New Forest, its effortless cruising ability really showcased the MGA’s long-distance appeal.

The open-air sensation of speed is delightfully amplified, making 50 mph feel genuinely thrilling through smooth, sweeping curves. Handling remains completely predictable with positive road grip, paired with sharp steering free of wobbles or knocks. Engine oil pressure stays stable on the move. Keith has systematically addressed all mechanical needs during his ownership, leaving the MGA as dependable as it is enjoyable to drive.

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Electrics and Other

The side screens are in good condition and function smoothly, showing only mild age on the Perspex.

The soft top is straight, easy to operate, and fits well, while the included tonneau cover is clean and presentable.

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Video #2

History and Paperwork

It comes with over 300 invoices and receipts dating back to 1980.

First registered as a Home Market car in 1959, the MGA made its way to Germany in the late 1960s, likely in the hands of British service personnel, before being officially registered as a right-hand-drive vehicle in Berlin in 1968. It remained in Germany with a dedicated enthusiast in Hamburg who treasured and maintained the car for over 35 years. His ownership is backed by invoices dating from 1979 onward, showing a total expenditure exceeding 16,000 DM. Throughout his long-term stewardship, the car was extensively enjoyed and well maintained.

Acquired by Keith in 2014 while working in Germany, the MGA was brought home to the UK upon his retirement in 2016. Over his 12 years of ownership, Keith invested more than £8,000 in the car. This work included a complete engine overhaul, running gear maintenance, regular servicing, and the installation of a purpose-built five-speed gearbox.

The car is accompanied by an extensive history file containing over 300 invoices and receipts. This documentation spans five decades, ranging from German records for mechanical upkeep to photographs of the five-speed gearbox prior to its installation. Additionally, as an officially recognised historic vehicle, the car is both road tax and MOT exempt.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment of the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bids, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History
Key Details
  • Model MGA 1600 Roadster
  • Transmission 5-Speed Manual
  • V5 Reg. Date 01-02-2016
  • CC 1588
  • Mileage ~42,492 on the clock
  • History Since 1980
  • Colour Old English White
  • Interior Colour Black
  • Interior Trim Vinyl/Leather
  • Chassis # GHN78815
  • Engine Rebuild 2022
  • MOT Exempt Yes
  • Road Tax Exempt Yes
  • HPi Clear Yes - All Clear
  • Tyre Brand Maxxis
  • Tyre Age 2021
  • LHD or RHD RHD
  • Visited Yes
  • Sale Type Private
  • Owned ~12 Years
  • Key Feature Impressive Provenance
  • Vehicle Registration 218 UYP
  • Driver’s Side Right
  • Fuel Type Petrol
  • Body Type 2 door Convertible
  • Auction ID 3957
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Video #2

All Images

Exterior

Interior

Mechanics

History and Paperwork

All Videos



Vehicle Location

Christchurch

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    Auction Bidding

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    1959 MG MGA 1600 Roadster
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    Auction Ends Thu 17th Sep at 8.00pm
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    Insurance Quote


    Average annual insurance premium for a MGA like this is £TBC via our trusted partner ClassicLine.
    GET AN INSURANCE QUOTEAnd get 10% off when you mention us.

    *Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid Summer 2026.

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    Vehicle Location

    Christchurch

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