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Closed Auction- Unsold

1960 MG MGA 1600 Roadster (Mk1)

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  • Mileage~108,514 on clock
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine1.6L
  • LocationLambourn

AUCTION CLOSED

1960 MG MGA 1600 Roadster (Mk1)

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Introduction

Darren Rungasamy
Automotive Editor, Photographer and Consigner

If its styling doesn't bowl you over, then the perky performance and agility will.

Considered the most agile and lively of MGs, the sleek streamlined styling of the MGA betrays its T-Type roots, combining mechanical simplicity with the universal appeal of open-top motoring. Only 6,000 of the approximately 100,000 produced MGAs were sold brand new in the UK, a time when export markets were regarded as more significant than domestic consumption. Genuine RHD MK1 cars, particularly in 1600 open top form have long become one of the most prized of the MGAs. Propelled by the robust 1588cc B-Series BMC engine with twin H4 type SU Carburettors, the engine note, road handling, and driving position all simply add to the car's inherent appeal.

This 1960 MK1 is presented in the appealing Dove Grey colourway and the rich deep tones of the red cabin. Restored close to its original spec in the mid-'90s the car has only covered ~8;000 miles with ~£15,000 worth of spending since then. It retains its original 1960 logbook and comes with a British Motor Industry Heritage certificate to authenticate its originality.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting James 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

I have fond memories of past MG experiences, a car that truly matches my expectations.

Buoyed by his father's and uncle's MGs in the past, James has always felt a natural inclination towards the brand. Having also owned an MGB, James seeked out a Dove Grey MGA with a red interior and after a fairly lengthy search it resulted in finding this previously restored example from a private buyer in the Peak District in the spring of 2022.

James acknowledges that he hasn't used the car as much as he would have liked to, and due to changes in his situation that resulted in relocation, he has made the painful decision to sell the vehicle.

James
Vehicle Owner

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Exterior

Resplendent in Dove Grey, the presentation of the car simply adds to its appeal.

Wheels and Tyres

The wire wheels are in very good condition, with minor evidence of age on one of the rims. The spindles are tight. The 2015 Continental tyres show a healthy amount of tread and the car also comes with a spare wire wheel.

Bodywork

The car has benefitted from a restoration in the mid-90s, with successive owners ensuring that the presentation remains intact.

The panels are free from blemishes, with no dents.

The car looks structurally strong, with minor signs of age noted on the lowest section of the front arches and sill bases.

The chassis, inner wings and engine bay all appear solid.

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

Paint

The Dove Grey paint has been well applied, with no evidence of runs or thin coverage. The sheen is even and glossy and the car shows evidence of indoor storage.

Being picky, there are a handful of minor door edge chips, but overall free of damage.

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 hi-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 front screen is in good shape with no damage, the side screens are fully functional perspex sliding items.

The chrome work is excellent throughout.

Interior

The snug and original cabin is surprisingly easy to get comfortable in and transports you back to another time.

Seats and Carpets

The seats are in good shape, with a lovely amount of patina showing some minor wear but free of rips or damage.

The car is fitted with a pair of seatbelts.

The carpets are tidy, having been a relatively recent fitting and the boot is also fully carpeted - all are dry and free of wear.

Dashboard

The attractive dashboard is nicely presented, with minor observations of wear, but the chrome trim and bezels all look good with some minor signs of age. There are no issues with the state of the controls. The speedometer may need re-calibrating but all other functions work. The heating is effective. The door cards and the inside of the hood are in good shape.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel is free of significant cracks, with minor wear noted.

The gear lever is a Ford item and shows a similar amount of wear.

Mechanics

Durabilty and proven mechanics are amazingly effective in keeping the car usable.

Engine and Gearbox

Starting up with no hesitation, the engine idled without any shudders or unwanted noises. No warning lights were flagged up on the dashboard, with the initial condensation clearing up fairly quickly. The car has been fitted with a 5-speed gearbox, as part of its mid-90s restoration and the clutch performed well with a healthy biting point reported by the owner.

The engine presents very well, with some signs of age but displays evidence of maintenance along with decent hoses and ancillaries.

Suspension and Brakes

The suspension coped with the country lanes admirably - the ride was true, with notably tight cornering. There wasn't much in terms of body roll either, the car is naturally at home on the B-Roads.

The brakes were well and truly tested on several steep downhill inclines, and James felt very confident with them, as the car ably slowed progress down, with no ill effects.

The Drive

We were treated to a long pleasurable drive in James' car, and the benefits of the 5-speed gearbox were clear to see, as the car cruised at its happy spot at around 50mph. The area was particularly hilly, so its hill-climbing abilities were also noticeable. The stainless steel rear silencer and healthy carburettor set-up added to the roadster's sense of occasion. The oil pressure and engine temperature remained in check during the 30-minute drive, with no issues in terms of warm-starting or gear changes.

Electrics and Other

The car's canvas top, tonneau cover and side screens come with the car, all are in good condition. A battery isolation switch will be replaced in time for the new owner's handover. The original twin 6V batteries have been replaced with a single 12V item.

The engine also has been fitted with an electronic fuel pump. One last point James mentioned is that the radio is not connected to an aerial.

History and Paperwork

Theres enough invoices from reputable specialists to conclude that the car has been well looked after since its restoration.

This MG has a large file of invoices which can be broken up into two distinct eras, one batch for the mid-90s restoration and subsequent maintenance and repair bills. In addition, the car comes with its original 1960 logbook, a British Motor Industry Heritage certificate to confirm its UK home market build status, and a transcript of an article written for 'Enjoying MG' magazine in which the previous owner documents a memorable trip to Europe and back in 2012.

Work carried out over the last 10 years includes a complete clutch kit, electronic fuel pump, carb rebuild, Ford 5-speed gearbox conversion and installation, stainless steel silencer and as well as evidence of regular service and maintenance items, amounting to almost £9,000. Previous invoices tally up to the excess of £6,000 with evidence of restoration invoices prior to this. The car comes with a selection of tools, spare oil, a repair manual and its old starter motor.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a HPi check on the vehicle.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and 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 on 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 bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
27-03-2018 MOT 108,252
05-04-2016 MOT 107,737
03-03-2015 MOT 107,619
27-06-2013 MOT 107,606
14-03-2012 MOT 103,773
03-06-2011 MOT 103,592
11-05-2010 MOT 103,424
30-04-2009 MOT 103,083
14-04-2008 MOT 102,374
30-03-2007 MOT 101,814
05-05-2006 MOT 100,628
30-08-2005 MOT 100,589
28-08-1998 MOT 100,480
06-08-1997 MOT 100,057
04-06-1996 MOT 99,880
18-09-1990 MOT 99,822
Key Details
  • ModelMGA 1600
  • Transmission5-Speed Manual
  • Reg. Date13-05-1960 - 699 AWP
  • CC1588cc
  • Mileage~108,514 on clock
  • HistoryRecent
  • ColourDove Grey
  • Interior ColourRed
  • Interior TrimLeather
  • Chassis #GHN82421
  • Engine #13722
  • RestoredYes
  • Engine RebuildYes
  • MOT ExemptYes
  • Road Tax ExemptYes
  • HPi ClearYes - All Clear
  • Former Keepers3
  • Tyre BrandContinental
  • Tyre Age2015
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Key FeatureCondition
  • Auction ID541435






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.

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Ask Questions
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tc42
Member
tc42

assuming it doesn’t reach your reserve, where can i view the car ?

Rumpledinkie
Member
Rumpledinkie

Hi, can you tell me, is the mga fitted with any fiberglass body panels?

reedjj
Member
reedjj

Hello James, your Mga is a nice looking one which has peaked my interest. It looks from the photos like the front bumper alignment isn’t quite as it should be with either the driver side bumper being dropped or the wing being too high. Do you have any insight into why this is? Thanks James

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Vehicle Location

Lambourn, Berkshire

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