1960 MGA Roadster 1600
Highlights
- Long term one family ownership
- Body fully repainted during restoration
- Extensive mechanical overhaul carried out
The Appeal
The MGA is an enduringly popular British sports car and it’s easy to see why: its curvaceous bodywork has a timeless elegance, and the powertrain underneath provides excellent performance by the standards of the day.
This particular car was exported to South Africa when new and has spent most of its life in the care of three generations of one family of enthusiastic MG owners. The grandparents are each said to have owned an MG, which were only ever driven to shows and club events. After inheriting the car, their son reportedly carried out a major restoration fifteen years ago, choosing to finish the car in red.
The current owner purchased the car from the grandson of the original owner, and states that it has never been a 'barn find', instead remaining in good condition throughout its life. It has been registered with an 'S' licence, which restricts use, exempts it from MOT testing and rules out driving after 8pm. As such, cars with an S licence tend to be used sparingly, mainly for club events.
The current owner purchased the car from the grandson of the original owner, and states that it has never been a 'barn find', instead remaining in good condition throughout its life. It has been registered with an 'S' licence, which restricts use, exempts it from MOT testing and rules out driving after 8pm. As such, cars with an S licence tend to be used sparingly, mainly for club events.
Finished in a fetching shade of red, this MG is reportedly in fantastic mechanical condition, with no issues and everything in working order, ready to be used and enjoyed. It’s the kind of car anyone would be proud to be seen in.
The History and Paperwork
- Said to have been owned by three generations of a family, all with a keen interest in MGs
- Purchased by the vendor from the third-generation owner, the grandson
- A heritage certificate comes with the car
- Built in April 1960 and exported
- RSA ID document on file
- Registered as an ’S’ licence, with usage restrictions
The Condition
- Resprayed in red, with a black hood
- Soft top hood, tonneau cover and sidescreens have been refurbished
- Underseal applied for protection
- Interior clean and tidy throughout
- Leather upholstery showing little sign of wear
- Wood-rimmed Moto-Lita steering wheel
When this MGA rolled off the production line at Abingdon in 1960, it was finished in Old English White. It has subsequently been resprayed during its restoration fifteen years ago, and is presented in a fetching shade of bright red, which is said to remain in very good condition.
The vendor has recently had a new soft top hood, tonneau cover and sidescreens fitted by ‘Classic Cartel’ and they appear to be in great shape, fitting well and remaining tight and clean. The rubber seals look reassuringly fresh and supple.
Underneath, the car has been treated with a bitumen product for weather protection. The car runs on steel wheels, which look smart with their chrome hubcaps, and there is a chrome luggage rack fixed to the bootlid, to add a little extra carrying capacity.
The cabin of this MGA is in great condition and invites you to jump in and go for a drive.
The upholstery on the seats shows little sign of use, other than a few creases, and the carpets are clean and tidy. Seatbelts have been added for safety.
The upholstery on the seats shows little sign of use, other than a few creases, and the carpets are clean and tidy. Seatbelts have been added for safety.
The driver is presented with a large wooden rimmed Moto-Lita steering wheel, in front of a well stocked dashboard. The pull switches for the electrical accessories operate with a reassuring click and the gauges are clear and bright.
With the hood raised and the sidescreens fitted, the cabin is a cosy place to be, and the low driving position reminds us that this is a true sports car. All features and accessories are said to function without fault.
The Mechanics
- 1588cc engine and four-speed gearbox
- Mechanically overhauled during restoration
- Said to run beautifully
The vendor has had the engine removed and inspected, the cylinder head was removed and it was decided that nothing more than a de-coke was necessary. The engine has been repainted and now looks very smart indeed.
The gearbox has also recently been rebuilt to solve an issue where it would sometimes slip out of second gear, so the synchros were replaced. There are photographs of the gearbox being stripped and rebuilt and the car has received a new clutch.
We are informed that the brakes were overhauled, the dampers were replaced and all rubber components were replaced.
All this work adds up to make a car which is now said to run beautifully.
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes. On request, Car & Classic may refer you to a third-party shipping company. For more details, email [email protected]. Prices start at €150+VAT within the same country or €400+VAT for moves across borders.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1960
- Make MG
- Model MGA
- Colour Red
- Odometer 76,691 Miles
- Engine size 1588
Listing Details
- Seller type Private
- Town Cape Town
- Location International
- Country South Africa
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