1960 MG MGA 1600 Coupe |

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1960 MG MGA 1600 Coupe

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Mileage~2,504 on clock
Transmission4-Speed Manual
Engine1.6-litre
LocationSawbridgeworth

AUCTION CLOSED

1960 MG MGA 1600 Coupe

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Introduction

Darren Rungasamy

Editor and Photographer

The MGA's agility and dynamic performance makes it an elegant and rewarding classic to drive.

The MGA was born out of MG’s return to competition after a ~20-year gap. In 1955, three pre-production vehicles tested the new MG's high-speed reliability at Le Mans, with promising results which piqued the public's interest. The MGA's smooth flowing lines and marked improvement over previous MGs in regards to safety and refinement resulted in unprecedented demand for the MGA in the US, and production was prioritised towards exports.

The coupe, which debuted shortly after the roadsters, transformed the MGA's appearance by adding even more visual flair with its wraparound front and rear windows and a purposeful, poised stance. It also turned out to be a better touring vehicle for longer distances. Now fitted with lockable doors and wind-up windows, the MGA coupe provided a family car refinement with a genuine sporting touch.

In 1959, the final version of the MK1 was upgraded to use the new B Series 1.6-litre engine, mated to a front disc brake set-up to help manage the stopping power. Minor cosmetic details were also incorporated. The MGA 1600 is often a sensible choice for a balance of flexibility and performance; it also gained a reputation for reliability, ease of maintenance and parts availability.

This is a one-owner MG MGA 1600 coupe finished in Old English White with a red leather interior. It is a matching numbers car and has the bonus of a long MOT for peace of mind. It comes with its current V5 and has seen an undocumented historic restoration to a high standard.

This listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting John 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.

Meet the owner

John has an eye for British sports cars, and this one-owner, a well-restored / one-owner MGA is representative of his stock.

The last registered keeper bought the car new, and appeared to have used the car regularly until 2017.

The car has seen a light recommissioning and MOT since it's been in John's hands, but it would be advisable to go through the car's electrics and mechanics to ensure usability.

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

John

Vehicle Owner

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Exterior
Interior
Mechanics
History
All Images

EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

This car has seen an older restoration and is complemented by its positive finish.

Wheels and Tyres

The 15” centre-lock wire wheels are in excellent condition, with tight spokes and decent spinners.

The front and rear of the car are fitted with Firestone tyres, with the front showing a spec of 155/R15 - they are likely to be over 20 years old but appear to be in good shape with even tread.

Please take a look at the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior of the MG and a closer look at the wheels and tyres to make your own assessment of their condition.

Bodywork

The underside of the car presents positively; the chassis is in good shape with mild signs of age noted on the edges of the floor pan. The engine bay, door wells, wheel wells and boot floor are clean.

The exterior is smart, with a decent panel fit and acceptable shut lines. All doors open and close without obstructions. There are a few blisters noted across the finish, several under-paint bubbles were spotted on the front and rear wings, driver's door and boot lid.

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.

Paint

The Old English White paint finish has decent coverage, with a good lustre catching just mild swirls in the sun. There was very little in terms of paint chips, just the occasional light surface scuff. The lower extremities of the panels show minor signs of age, and a small paint crack was noted just below the nearside rear window.

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.

Glass and Trim

The glass is in good order with decent seals.

The lights and lenses display positively, the headlamp bezels have minor pitting, but the rest of the bright work, including both bumpers, looks good.

The rear curved corner panes have mild scratches.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

The cabin retains its original specification and has been finished to a high standard.

Seats and Carpets

The seats are in good condition and offer plenty of comfy support.

The carpets are clean, with minor signs of age in the foot wells - there were no signs of dampness.

Dashboard

The dashboard is cleanly presented with decent switches and controls - all appear to operate as they should.

There are no issues with the headlining, door cards or the rest of the interior trim.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel presents well with no issues noted on the gear lever.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

Its appeal lies in the simple mechanics and a back-to-basics driving experience.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine starts up without problems. It was a little sluggish for the cold start process, but once running, it idled sweetly with no unwanted noises or vibrations.

The dashboard warning lights all remained off.

A little smoke was noted from the exhaust when cold, but as the engine warmed up, the car remained smoke-free. The engine starts up from warm immediately and is free from any excessive fumes.

The presentation of 1.6-litre engine is positive, with decent hoses and ancillaries and shows evidence of good maintenance and care.

The gearbox operates as it should, selecting gears with minimal effort, and there are no issues with the clutch.

Suspension and Brakes

The ride is compliant, dealing with the road surfaces with no notable issues.

The suspension components appear to be in good shape.

It slows down and stops without any drama, and the front disc setup goes some way to add reassurance - no grinding or fade was noticed.

The Drive

The MGA is an engaging and relatively nimble experience for a car of its era, and it felt secure and tight on the move. The engine warmed up quickly, and after the initial hesitancy for the engine to catch, it came to life, and the B-series engine was lively. It sounded smooth with a gutsy pull and a pleasant, even engine tone, fed through the twin semi-downdraft SUs. The steering was proven to be tight and smooth with no significant signs of play.

There was a little cabin noise, a few rattles, but at 30 mph, we didn’t notice any knocks or bangs from the wheels. The car brakes without pulling to the sides, and there was no negative feedback; the front discs were free of vibrations and said to have a good feel.

The handling was even and confident out on the drive, and the ride was smooth and free of bounce. There are no reports of problems with the engine overheating or oil pressure problems. It stayed at around 60 PSI during the drive.

We left the engine running for 10 minutes, with no ill effects as seen on the gauges.

Electrics and Other

The MG appears to retain much of its originality and factory spec fitting.

A useful luggage rack and Draper scissor jack will be included in the car.

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History and Paperwork

A matching numbers car, that's had one registered owner from new.

First registered in July 1960, it had been owned by its first owner since new, having spent all of its life in south-east Cornwall. It has undergone an undocumented older restoration, obviously finished to a high standard and believed to have been kept in long-term dry storage before being obtained by John in recent months.

The chassis number corresponds to the car being a genuine home market 1960-built 1600 model, and is a matching numbers car.

The car is road tax and MOT exempt and comes with a current V5 and has an advisory-free MOT to July 2026.

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From Trade Classics:

This is an auction on behalf of a trade seller and normal auction rules apply, i.e. there is no warranty, no return policy and bids are binding with more info in our terms and conditions.

We’ve carried out our usual seller checks, including verifying photo ID, the V5C, and an HPI check. This confirms the car has not been stolen, written off, or has any outstanding finance. Please note: This check does not include mileage verification.

We’ve summarised the car based on the seller’s information above. As always, we go to great lengths to photograph and film the car in high-resolution detail so you can make your own informed assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So grab a cuppa, relax, and enjoy reviewing everything in this listing.

Viewings are welcome for all our listings. Please get in touch to arrange a time - we just need to speak with you first and receive valid photo ID before confirming.

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

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
07-08-2025	MOT	2,500
25-05-2017	MOT	1,003
26-05-2016	MOT	17
01-04-2015	MOT	99,800
25-02-2014	MOT	98,946
18-03-2013	MOT	98,403
12-03-2012	MOT	98,084
21-03-2011	MOT	97,592
22-03-2010	MOT	97,254
10-03-2009	MOT	96,219
29-02-2008	MOT	94,587

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Key Details

ModelMGA 1600 Coupe
Transmission4-Speed Manual
Reg. Date26-07-1960
CC1588
Mileage~2,504 on clock
ColourOld English White
Interior ColourRed
Interior TrimLeather
Chassis #GHD86264
Engine #16GAU 18115
MOTYes Exp. 06-08-2026
MOT ExemptYes
Road Tax ExemptYes
HPi ClearYes - All Clear
Former Keepers0
Tyre BrandFirestone
Tyre AgePre 2005
LHD or RHDRHD
VisitedYes
Sale TypeTrade
Owned65 Years
Key FeatureOne Registered Owner
Vehicle Registration9781 DA
Driver’s SideRight
Fuel TypePetrol
Body Type2 door Coupe
Auction ID3125

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All Images

History and Paperwork

All Videos

Vehicle Location

Sawbridgeworth

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Auction Closed

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This car didn't meet its reserve price and may soon be available as a private sale - please contact us for more information or let us know if you want to be notified when a similar car comes to market.

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Seller : JohnHa

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2 Comments

JohnHa

Seller

9 months ago

Hi, Previous maintenance records have been misplaced by the previous owner and as a rule I do not forward on previous owner’s contact details as I believe it to be improper practise. I hope you understand. Thanks John

ossie

9 months ago

I see no previous bills etc . Was this a sale from probate ? And if so can we contact the previous owner ie you provide the contact info ?

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Vehicle Location

Sawbridgeworth

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