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Sold

1961 MG MGA 1600

Sold Price

£19,610

  • Mileage~50,234
  • TransmissionManual (5 speed)
  • Engine1.6L
  • LocationRoyal Wootton Bassett

SOLD

1961 MG MGA 1600

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Video #2

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy
Automotive Editor, Photographer and Consigner

With links to the 24hr Le Mans, the MGA is a classic car with racing pedigree at its heart.

The MGA is considered one of the best looking models produced by the illustrious brand, but its talents go beyond the pert styling. Its agility and lively performance fed into the romanticism of open-top motoring, and it must not come as any surprise that its popularity in the States meant that the vast majority of cars ended up there. The MG brand has continued to resonate with enthusiasts, with the network of clubs and specialists helping to make the MGA a sensible option. Whether you're buying your first classic car or adding to an existing collection, the MGA is a worthy contender to be on your classic car shopping list.

This 1961 example is a US market car repatriated to the UK. It has seen its 1.6-litre engine rebuilt and received a body restoration. Well cared for by its current owner of ~12 years, it has been treated to a handful of useful driver aids, including upgraded electrical improvements, power steering, seat belts and a five-speed gearbox.

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

Video #2

Meet the owner

It's amazing just how good the parts availability and support on this model is.

Phil came from a mechanical train repair background, so the prospect of managing and maintaining an MGA simply didn't faze him at the least. Used as a leisure vehicle during his retirement, he has owned several MG's in the past and was particularly taken by the MGA's beauty and low-end torque.

He took the car to a few shows, mostly as a social tool rather than competing for prizes. Always making sure the car had a yearly MOT, his wife's increasing mobility issues have forced the sale of the car but he has not ruled out a potential replacement. He will be available to answer any questions on the car in the comments section below.

Phil
Vehicle Owner

Phil saved £3,420* when they
sold their MG with us.

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EXTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Exterior

Well presented throughout, the classic white and red tones are a perfect period correct combo for this OTS.

Wheels and Tyres

Fitted with steel wheels that have chrome hub-caps, a classic racier look compared to wire wheels. The rims are in good shape, with decent chrome centre caps.

The tyres are a mix of brands but all show a good amount of tread. Both front items are very recent fittings. View the image gallery to see the detail.

Bodywork

The structure appears to be in good condition, in part helped by the American climate no doubt, UK restoration and subsequent indoor storage. The sills, chassis rails, inner wings and A-posts all look good.

Externally there are no significant blemishes noted on the doors or wings. The panel fit is cohesive throughout and all of the doors open and close nicely.

Paint

The paint finishing is of a very good standard with no significant blemishes or marks noted on the body, just the odd chip noted on the lower front end of the car.

It has an even balance of colour, with no suggestions of matting just a healthy deep gloss that has been well maintained and cleaned. View the video review to see the paint from a variety of angles.

Glass and Trim

The chrome work is in excellent shape throughout, with no significant signs of age noted. The windscreen, lights and lenses are in good condition and the body beading trim is all intact. The car has some period AA badges and also has an extra set of lights fitted too as pictured.

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INTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Interior

The cabin is a cosy and appealing environment to be in, the MGA was a bit of leap forward compared to the T series.

Seats and Carpets

The interior is complemented by the positive condition of the leather seats. In keeping with the age of the car, they show typical low-level wear but are in well-above presentable condition.

The carpets are well fitted and show evidence of low use and the MG embossed rubber mats are in excellent shape.

Dashboard

The dashboard has benefited from a RHD conversion, so, therefore, has been well finished with no significant signs of wear. The trim, instruments and switches have been well fitted and along with the handful of extra features fitted by the current owner, all function as expected. The transmission tunnel has also received an ingenious 'crook lock' adaption.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

Both the steering wheel and gear stick are in good shape, with nothing much more than a faded gear lever ratio decal to suggest any wear.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO
Video #2

Mechanics

The B-series engine is a robust unit and has seen a handful of sensible upgrades for reliability and practicality.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine has clearly been the focus of Phil's attention over the years, and it has received regular maintenance and improvements, but he has kept the power modifications to an absolute minimum and concentrated on making the engine easier to live with.

The car turns over without any trouble, with no signs of smoke or leaking oil. It idles nicely, with the cooling fan remaining off throughout the time the engine was running. The gear change is slick, with no reported issues with the clutch, this car featuring a 5 speed gearbox.

Suspension and Brakes

The feel and reassurance of the brakes are positive, with no fade or unwanted squeals observed during the test run. The somewhat uneven roads didn't upset the car too much, with the shocks and tyres absorbing any bumps well with no issues.

The Drive

The engine's throaty roar is intoxicating and it's almost impossible to resist its nimble characteristics along the country lanes. The handling is enhanced by the added power steering unit and the Ford Sierra sourced 5-speed gearbox giving the car a relaxed cruising ability for longer journeys in modern traffic.

The car's ride remains composed, with no audible thumps or knocks to suggest any issues. Surprisingly comfortable, this MGA has to be considered as the ideal option for those summer trips to your favourite country pub!

Electrics and Other

The car is seen several useful upgrades to assist the driver's enjoyment of the car, most of which have been mentioned in the history section. The owner also replaced the two 6V battery systems for a more convenient 12V item and fitted an electric ignition kit to aid its starting. There is also a battery cut-off switch and fire extinguisher fitted behind the driver's seat.

The soft-top has not been used much during his ownership, suggesting that it really has only been used in fair weather. It appears to be intact and in good condition but was not tested for fit on this occasion. The car also has a reversing light fitted.

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Video #2

History and Paperwork

Coming in classic white over red colourway, this 1.6L MGA has been restored and tastefully upgraded to help keep up with modern traffic.

The car was believed to have been imported from North Carolina and registered in the UK in the early '90s. It's likely that it may have seen a RHD conversion and restoration during this time, but the current owner has also provided a series of later photographs and notes that suggest that the car has been overhauled and repainted during his ownership.

There are also notes from an MG specialist outlining an engine rebuild when the car was first imported. Since taking on the car in 2010, Phil serviced the car himself on an annual basis, followed by a regular routine of maintenance and upkeep, including a new set of tyres, the installation of a Ford Sierra 5 speed gearbox, a Kenlow fan and override switch, a power steering conversion, recored radiator, expansion tank, an electric screenwash pump, a water pump, new axle case, bearing and steering rack fitted. The car has also been waxolyed underneath, with the addition of a set of bespoke side and rear wind buffer screens fitted. The owner also fitted a towbar to the car but admits it has never actually been used to tow anything.

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
06-09-2021 MOT 50,052
08-09-2020 MOT 49,398
29-08-2019 MOT 48,701
20-09-2018 MOT 47,578
13-09-2017 MOT 46,301
06-09-2016 MOT 45,090
10-09-2015 MOT 43,438
09-09-2014 MOT 42,002
20-09-2013 MOT 40,712
06-09-2012 MOT 39,346
09-09-2011 MOT 37,619
17-09-2010 MOT 37,619
05-06-2009 MOT 37,619
02-06-2008 MOT 37,534
08-07-2007 MOT 36,453
09-06-2006 MOT 36,149
02-06-2005 MOT 36,142
15-05-2004 MOT 35,183
02-05-2003 MOT 32,971
18-05-2002 MOT 31,693
29-05-2001 MOT 30,221
19-05-2000 MOT 28,531
22-05-1999 MOT 26,122
06-06-1998 MOT 25,136
22-03-1997 MOT 24,551
23-08-1995 MOT 69,105
26-08-1993 MOT 69,118
12-10-1991 MOT 69,108
VIEW ALL
Key Details
  • ModelMGA 1600
  • TransmissionManual (5 speed)
  • Reg. Date21-10-1991
  • CC1,600
  • Mileage50,234
  • HistoryRecent
  • ColourOld English White
  • Interior ColourRed
  • Interior TrimLeather
  • Chassis #GHNL98976
  • Last Service14-10-2020
  • RestoredYes
  • Engine RebuildYes
  • MOT19-09-2022
  • MOT ExemptYes
  • Road Tax ExemptYes
  • Former Keepers4
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned~12 Years
  • Key FeatureGreat condition and tasteful upgrades
VIEW ALL
VIEW ALL
Video #2

All Images

Exterior

Interior

Mechanics

History and Paperwork

All Videos








Vehicle Sold

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Ask Questions
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12 Comments
Adam Purrier - Trade Classics
Adam Purrier - Trade Classics
Admin
2 years ago

**RESERVE MET** the car will be sold to the winning bidder tonight.

HPhil
HPhil
Seller
  Adam Purrier - Trade Classics
2 years ago

Good news. Pleased with bid

HPhil
HPhil
Seller
  Adam Purrier - Trade Classics
2 years ago

Good news.pleased with the result.

mossbank
mossbank
2 years ago

The side screens are they original or replacements.

Kulraj Salh
Kulraj Salh
Admin
  mossbank
2 years ago

Hi,

They are replacement items, but Phil also has the originals which he has mentioned he is happy to go with the car should the winning bidder want them.

Best,

Kulraj – Trade Classics

bakerassociates
bakerassociates
2 years ago

In order for me to bid, please confirm whether original sidescreens, hood and tonneau cover are included in the sale.

HPhil
HPhil
Seller
  bakerassociates
2 years ago

Hi,yes

mossbank
mossbank
2 years ago

Hi Phil, would you have any photos of the car with the hood up, is it vinyl

HPhil
HPhil
Seller
  mossbank
2 years ago

Hi yes I have taken the photos and will send them to the trade classics team by email so they can pass them on to you

Kulraj Salh
Kulraj Salh
Admin
  mossbank
2 years ago

Hi mossbank,

We’ve added the pictures of the roof up (look tip top) to the end of the Exterior gallery. You can see them from this picture onwards from all sides; https://www.tradeclassics.com/auctions/mg/1961-mg-mga-1600/#gallery1-151

Best, Kulraj – Trade Classics

mossbank
mossbank
2 years ago

Hi Phil, do you have any pictures of the car with the hood up and side screens on, is the hood vinyl. Are the front and rear wings still metal. Thanks

HPhil
HPhil
Seller
  mossbank
2 years ago

Hi yes the wings are both all metal. The hood is vinyl. Please see my other comment ref pictures – I will send these to the auction team by email now

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Vehicle Location

Royal Wootton Bassett

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