1960 MG MGA Roadster 1600

Description for MG MGA 1960

1960 MG MGA 1600, car number: GHNL / 68874, engine number: 16GA-U 22147

I am listing this car for an elderly family friend. The below is based on what I have been told about the car and my own observations while photographing it.

It is a very well-kept example that would make an excellent driver. The car has been maintained in a purpose-built, heated collection space since it's ground-up, nuts and bolts restoration 25-30 years ago. The owner is a collector and enthusiast.

There is no visible evidence of structural or cosmetic rust, nor other decay.

The paint looks great from a distance, looks good up close, and is very presentable, but it is not a perfect concours finish. A wet sand and buffing would likely help achieve a higher finish-level. The close-up image of the 1600 emblem and grill show the paint close-up. Likewise, the bright-work though very nice, is not perfect. Please note that the lighting in some images casts an orange-ish hue, the car is in fact a rich, uniform red with very nice gloss.

At the time of the restoration the interior was reupholstered and the dash and steering wheel refinished.

The only issue of note that I encountered was that neither the driver nor passenger door latch completely flush. This does not appear to be an issue with the hinges, alignment or sag, but rather adjustment may be needed for the latch mechanisms themselves.

The owner periodically has his vehicles, including this one, assessed and serviced by a mechanic. I am told the car runs and drives beautifully. The odometer reads 78,010.

The following information was conveyed by the gentleman who did the restoration:

The MGA was a ground up restoration. The car was in pieces when it was purchased. It was striped down to the frame. The the marine plywood floor boards were replaced and the frame repainted in original black. The frame and body panels were in pretty good condition and mostly required just cosmetic repairs. Most of the car is original, but some items that were replaced are replica parts: grille, dash, steering wheel, bumpers, etc. The carpet and seats were replaced and reupholstered, respectively. I believe the wire wheels were added later on. The engine, transmission and brake systems were gone over and only required a few seals and gaskets that I can remember. That restoration was 25 to 30 years ago and I suspect that the car could use a refresh, particularly the seals and gaskets of the mechanical systems. The entire car (trunk, engine compartment, wheel wells, etc) where painted in MGA red.

As previously mentioned, I am facilitating this sale for an elderly family friend. I mention this so that the buyer is aware that I am not the owner of the car. Please keep this in mind as I may need to communicate with the owner to answer questions or arrange viewing, title transfer and payment.

Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions.

If the car is to be shipped, all arrangements are to be made by the buyer and at the buyer's expense. I strongly encourage that you utilize a reputable company that is both bonded and insured.