1961 MG MGA 1600 (Mk1) |

Closed Auction- Unsold

1961 MG MGA 1600 (Mk1)

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Mileage~25,855 on clock
TransmissionManual
Engine1.6L
LocationKenilworth

AUCTION CLOSED

1961 MG MGA 1600 (Mk1)

Introduction

Paul Wright

Professional Consigner

Launched in 1955, production numbers of approximately 101,476 globally, with just ~5,869 units sold in the UK.

The MGA design dates back to the 1950s when car designer Syd Enever created a streamlined body for the MG Le Mans car. Trading traditional looks for more straight-through "Pontoon" styling, the MGA was brought in to boost falling sales of the more mainstream MG models. Taking a step away from the older style, the MGA was the first in a new line for MG. The MGA 1600 featured an updated BMC B-Series engine, for the time, and included front disc brakes and rear drum brakes. The model was a hit in the USA, with most models being exported.

This 1961 MGA is believed to be one of the approximately 5,869 units that were sold in the UK market. It has been thoroughly enjoyed over the years, with regular maintenance and some subtle improvements such as additional seatbelts and a nice five-speed gearbox to improve economy on long journeys. This MGA is a classic driver's car itching to be used.

This listing was written from information supplied by Paul after meeting Moss 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

This has been my one and only classic car, it's been a pleasure to own.

The MGA has been with our vendor, Moss, for the past ~16 years. With just three former keepers, the MG has been well-loved over the past ~63 years. When Moss purchased the MG, he wasn’t looking for any particular classic, but as soon as he saw the streamlined looks of the MGA, he was smitten. Over the years, Moss and his wife have enjoyed many days out and weekends away at classic car events.

This has been Moss’s first classic, which has been great fun to own and drive, but unfortunately, the regrettable decision to sell the classic has been forced because Moss struggles to get in and out of it now, which is the same reason the previous keeper sold it 16 years ago. Please feel free to ask Moss any questions about the car in the comments below.

Moss

Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER

Exterior
Interior
Mechanics
History
All Images

EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

Smooth and sleek was a new style and the way forward for MG, moving away from the ageing MG TF design.

Wheels and Tyres

The chrome wire wheels are in good condition and present well. There is a small amount of tarnishing between some of the spokes, but nothing excessive. The tyres have two different makes to the front and rear; however, both have a good amount of tread remaining.

Please see the image gallery to take a closer look at the wheels.

Bodywork

Looking around the MGA, the bonnet and boot align well with an equal gap. The doors also have an equal gap but do sit slightly proud at the bottom edge. The sills and wings all look to be in good condition, with no blistering or signs of corrosion noticed.

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

Finished in what’s thought to be "Signal Red", the car has been repainted at some point by a previous keeper. There are some chips in a couple of places which have been painted over, and there is some micro blistering, mainly noticeable around the boot lid, bonnet and wings.

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

Glass and Trim

The windscreen looks in good order with minimal scratches, and there are two Perspex wind deflectors fitted that do have a couple of scratches.

The roof fits well and is in good condition, with no damage to the plastic windows. The side screens fit well and have some light scratches to the Perspex. A full tonneau cover is included, and this also fits nicely with no damage.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

Mainly original, with a small amount of patina adding to the charm of this simple British classic.

Seats and Carpets

The leather seats are thought to be the originals, these are in good condition with just mainly colour wear to the driver's bolster.

The carpets are in good condition with no signs of excessive wear. There is also a set of fitted mats branded with the MG logo. Inside the boot, there is a spare wire wheel and the relevant knock-off template, hammer and original jack.

Please see the interior gallery for more detailed images.

Dashboard

The metal dashboard is finished in body colour and is in good condition with no noticeable scratches. All of the instruments are reported to work as they should. The odometer shows a reading of approximately 25,855 miles. This has been replaced by a previous keeper, and it was said to have approximately 40,000 miles on it at the time, making the car to have covered approximately ~65,855 miles.

Please see the interior gallery for more high-resolution images.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

A wood rim Moto-Lita steering wheel is fitted and in good condition. The wooden gear knob is also in good order with no excessive wear.

Please see the interior gallery for more detailed images.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

The increase in power to ~79.5BHP that came with the 1600 was a welcomed improvement.

Engine and Gearbox

The 1.6L engine fires up without hesitation and runs with no issues reported. The car has also been given a service in April 2024.

Improving economy, a 5-speed gearbox has been fitted which is thought to have come from a Ford Sierra, a typical upgrade for drivers. The gear change is smooth, and the car pulls nicely through the range. Watch the video to hear and see the car in action.

Suspension and Brakes

The MG had new coil springs fitted in 2018. On the road, the car performs well, with no knocks or bangs coming from either corner of the car.

When it comes to stopping the car, the brakes bring the car to a halt in a straight line with no issues reported.

The Drive

Out on the road, the MGA not only looks fantastic and turns heads, but it’s also great fun to be in, especially with the roof down, perfect for the summer months.

Electrics and Other

All of the switchgear in the car appears to be original but is all working correctly. The only thing which doesn’t work is the stereo, which has not been investigated.

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History and Paperwork

Coming to market from ~16 year ownership, teh car has seen regular servicing and safety checks carried out in the current ownership, which are backed up with relevant invoices.

Unfortunately, the MG’s history was not saved by a previous keeper, so paperwork has only been saved from the current ownership. This includes several servicing invoices and previous MOT certificates. The last service was carried out on the 18th April 2024, along with a full safety check.

With a recent service and full safety check, the MGA is ready to be taken advantage of and be enjoyed just in time for the summer.

We've done all our usual seller checks, including photo ID, V5, and also actioned an HPI check on the vehicle.

We've summarised our 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 high-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 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 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
18.04.2024	Service/ Safety Check	25,867
07.06.2023	Service	25,748
08.06.2021	Service	24,975
03.06.2020	Service	24,889
10.04.2019	Service	24,712
08.03.2018	Service/MOT	23,138
06.03.2017	Service/MOT	22,345
08.03.2016	Service/MOT	21,807
10.03.2015	MOT	21,293
03.03.2014	MOT	20,744
11.03.2013	MOT	19,760
05.03.2012	MOT	19,364
09.03.2011	MOT	18,246
11.03.2010	MOT	17,492
18.03.2009	MOT	16,698