Introduction
Darren Rungasamy
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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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.
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I'M INTERESTEDAsk Questions
Hi.
In most of the photos of the drivers side, the door shut doesn’t seem well aligned at the rear. Has there been any damage to the door or structure around the door to cause this?
Thanks
Hi, you are right the door could be realigned. There is no damage to the door or surround. It has been like it since I bought it 12 years ago, it has never worried me.
Given the quality of the old restoration and the patina of the paintwork, I have preferred to maintain the bodywork as it was when I purchased it. Quite frankly it has not changed in the course of my ownership.
Conversely, I have ensured that all mechanical aspects of the MGA are in tip top condition.
Hi I am bidding on your MGA can i ask is it a MX5 gearbox? also the paint looks a bit dull in lustre ( not very glossy) was it just the light on the day or is that the case?
Hi, the gearbox is less than 1 year old and was supplied by Highgear Engineering (they also supply the MG Owners Club spare parts department). The gearbox is based on the design of the old Ford Sierra 5-speed gearbox, it is a newly manufactured gearbox. This is a common adaptation to MGAs and MGBs, also to Triumph TRs. Highgear are based in Derbyshire, they produce an adapted bell housing, cross member and prop shaft for each specific model.
As for the paintwork, as mentioned in the description it was restored many years ago and so has an aged “patina”. In other words, it is not over shiny unlike many cars that have been recently resprayed. Nevertheless, it has stood the test of time remarkably. It’s part of the character of the car.
Vehicle Location
Christchurch
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