1961 MG A 1600 Mk II

As an MGA 1600 MkII, this is the ultimate version of the ‘standard’ cars (the Twin-Cam being regarded as ‘specialised’ variant), so it offers the best performance of the bunch, comparable to the MGB that superseded it. However, few would deny that, whatever the charms of a ‘B, the MGA is a much prettier and eye-catching creation.

This car was built between 6th - 9th October 1961, and a day after its completion was en-route to the USA. There’s little information on its exploits over the Big Pond. It was repatriated to its homeland in 1989, when classic car prices were going crazy in the UK, settling with owners on Anglesey, Wales. A full restoration started straight away and lasted until 1991. That the car remains today in such fabulous condition is testament to the work that went in then - something we couldn't say about all restorations. 

It was a comprehensive nut-and-bolt job. The MG was stripped back to its chassis, which was then shot-blasted to bare metal. Etch primer and black enamel overcoat was applied to this, while the body switched from black to Connaught Green, in two-pack acrylic.

Inside, new floorboards protected by three layers of lacquer were fitted. New seats were installed - presumably to the present beige colour scheme rather than the original black - along with matching trim such as the door cards, armrests and pockets. The hood was also replaced.

Mechanically, the brakes were overhauled, telescopic front shock absorbers adopted, and the engine and transmission rebuilt. This included a lightened flywheel and computer balancing. The entire car was rewired, using a period-looking cloth-bound loom. New wider wheels completed this extensive revamp. It feels like no expense was spared.

When the vehicle arrived back in the UK, it was showing a recorded 17,617 miles. By 1996, this had risen to 22,143, but the next MoT shows 1042 miles. The explanation for this is that a new speedo was fitted. With the odometer now displaying around 9500 miles, our schoolroom maths gives a total of around 31,600 - not much for a car that has been fully restored along the way. Incidentally, there was more engine work in December 1999, with the cylinder head converted to unleaded and a Kent 715 Fast Road camshaft dropped in.

The car took another trip overseas in 2005 when it went to Ireland, being re-registered from JSK 701 to ZX 7871. Its one owner there kept it safe in a dehumidified, purpose-built unit, and had it regularly maintained, so it was properly pampered. It is now back in England, at The Market’s Abingdon offices. Until Britain’s EU transition period finishes, rest assured there will be no taxes or duty to pay on this car, and the vendor has committed to assist with the Notification of Vehicles Arrival (NOVA) to re-register the MGA in the UK. As most of you know, the UK V55/5 re-registration process is very simple from that point on and we can advise if you need help. 

This car has the style of a Sebring racer, with both front and rear bumpers have been removed and flat panels in their place. There’s also a racing style fuel cap, auxiliary front lamps with stone guards (which are repeated over the main headlamps) and bonnet straps. Circular intake grilles are either side of the main grille - something often done in-period on competition cars - and there’s also an additional rectangular grille under the main chromed one. This is an MGA that exudes a lot more attitude than a standard car.

Although its restoration may have been 30 years ago, this MGA hasn’t exactly seen an excessive amount of miles in that time. So it remains in extremely good external condition. The Connaught Green paintwork is lasting very well, with a deep shine to it. While you might find the occasional stonechip here or there, and some marks on the rear shroud around where the hood fits, there are no real blemishes and no evident corrosion. From certain angles, it does look like the driver’s door has been repainted at some point, but under normal viewing, any variation is virtually invisible - and we’re not entirely convinced it isn’t a trick of the light or our own eyes. For any new owner desperately searching for something to do, some of the trim underneath the chrome nose grille is a little uneven in places.

With no bumpers anymore, there isn’t too much chrome left, but what does remain - such as the recessed grille, headlamp surrounds etc - is in fine order. There are no outside door handles of course - they only came on Coupes. The knock-off wire wheels are pleasingly painted silver rather chromed, and are free from blemishes. Tyres are matching Gislaved Sport 190T 175/70 R15 items all around. They exhibit no problems, and there’s plenty of tread left, but being date-stamped 2001, they are on the older side. The hood is a snug fit and shows few signs of age - bear in mind it was changed at the start of the 1990s. The plastic windows are clear, with no cloudiness. A full tonneau cover is included with the sale.

Overall - an A to A+.

The cabin - although, to be honest, the word ‘cockpit’ suits it far more - is an inviting place. Finished in beige, including the padding on the dashboard, it’s all very spruce and has largely kept its standard appearance. There’s not even a radio, although should a new owner wish to fit one, the MG-adorned blanking panel remains on the passenger side of the fascia. All the gauges are in excellent condition and the lettering on the switchgear, which can be prone to fading or getting rubbed away, is bright and legible. One minor fault is that the fuel gauge always reads full, but the vendor’s thoughts are that this may be due to some wiring at the back of the dial being connected incorrectly.

The leather seats and armrest are as you’d expect from upholstery that has seen less than 15,000 miles of use since renovation. There’s only very superficial creasing to the leather, no visible tears or worn areas, and the seats are still well-padded and comfortable. Despite the light colouring, everything is very clean - no grubby finger marks here.

Although this MGA was destined for the United States when new, it is now right-hand drive. We’d imagine this was done during the 1990s’ restoration. The job was done very professionally - there’s nothing to make it look like it hasn’t always been that way.

Variations from stock include a period St Christopher dealer plaque from Yapps Garages of Cardiff on the left-hand side of the dash. It’s not original, given that the MG headed for America when new, but it’s a lovely period touch nevertheless. The gearstick is now an all-metal chromed item, which does have some touches of corrosion on its lower shaft. There’s also a cut-off switch tucked away underneath the driver’s side of the dash - it’s out of usual sight, but is a wise fitment, especially for anybody planning to use this as a track-day car or for more serious competition. The same can be said of the fire extinguisher carried in the passenger door pocket.

The black carpeting is very tidy, and lifting it reveals underlay that is looks like it was only put down last week. There’s no sign of dampness, staining or damage, and the wood underneath also looks well-preserved. The hood frame is finished in beige and while, being a moving part, there are a few imperfections to the paint, it all looks smart.

A peek in the boot reveals an area that has a few age and wear marks, but nothing to particularly offend. A lot of space is taken up by the spare wheel, which is of the same Gislaved type as the road ones, and is in similarly great nick.

As mentioned previously, the engine has only covered around 15,000 miles since it was thoroughly rebuilt. If you watch our accompanying video, you’ll see that it starts easily and, once warm and with the choke pushed fully home, it runs smoothly and revs freely without hesitation or missing. Oil pressure is what it should be.

Aside from the lightened flywheel and Kent 715 Fast Road camshaft, there’s no information as to any other modifications, although the motor does seem very lively, even for a 1600 model. To our eyes, the twin-SU carburettors look slightly bigger than standard, which might indicate some head ‘breathing’ work has taken place, but, again, there’s no actual evidence to support this.

The engine bay has some areas of grime and spots of missing paint - it’s a very tight space, so it’s not easy to keep it scrupulously clean - but is still very presentable, and not something you’ll feel the need to hide away at shows. The block and rocker cover are the correct shade of MG red, with the paint extended to the dynamo and thermostat housing as well. Everything looks as factory, with no obvious signs of amateurish DIY plumbing or wiring.

We were able to get it up on a ramp for a good look underneath. Obviously, there are a few areas of surface rust, but everything is very sound, with the chassis powder-coated to offer long-term protection. We’ve included a lot of photos of the underpinnings in our gallery so you can see for yourself how solid everything is, where it matters - and that includes the wooden flooring. The stainless-steel exhaust should last a long time too.

The history folder isn’t that comprehensive, given that quite a bit of work has been done to this car, but there is a collection of MoTs from its initial 1989 to 2005 period in the UK, along with handwritten and transcribed notes on what was done during its restoration. There’s also its Irish registration document as well as two driver’s handbooks - one to keep in the car, and one for best at home. Although reference is made to a Heritage Certificate in the notes, this isn’t present. 

The MGA was the first modern MG, and it’s the car that the company founded its post-war reputation on. And with the 1600 MkII, we are talking the pick of the bunch, Twin-Cam notwithstanding. This one has had all the major work done, so any new custodian can simply drive and enjoy, without having to worry about getting things sorted. And there is a great deal of car to enjoy here.

It also stands out from other MGAs, thanks to the competition-inspired looks, which lend it a very purposeful, distinctive and attractive appearance. Plus, if you plan to take it to track days or compete in motorsport, this would make a great basis to start with.

The vendor’s assessment is that “for a car that was restored 30 years ago, it’s exceptional. It just doesn’t have too many signs of any real usage since then. It also drives very well too, exceptionally so. And yes, I know I’m using that word a lot, but it really does apply here. It’s exceptional throughout.”

Our estimate of £24,000 to £30,000 reflects an MGA that has had a lot of work done and hasn’t covered that many miles since. With excellent spares, specialist and club support, MGs are cars you can buy without having to worry about whether you’ll struggle to find parts or helpful information. Buy this, and you should have a classic that gives lots of driving entertainment and will also turn heads thanks to the way it looks.

Viewing is always encouraged and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; to arrange an appointment, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to to ask any questions or make observations on the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.

If needed, please remember we have a network of trusted suppliers we work with regularly and can recommend: Classic & Sportscar Finance for purchase-financing, Footman James for classic car insurance, Thames Valley Car Storage for storing your car and a range of regional providers for transporting it.

BORING, but IMPORTANT: Please note that whilst we at The Market always aim to offer the most descriptive and transparent auction listings available, we cannot claim they are perfect analyses of any of the vehicles for sale. We offer far greater opportunity for bidders to view, or arrange inspections for each vehicle thoroughly prior to bidding than traditional auctions, and we never stop encouraging bidders to take advantage of this. We do take a good look at the vehicles delivered to our premises for sale, but this only results in our unbiased personal observations, not those of a qualified inspector or other professional, or the result of a long test drive.

Also, localised paint repairs are common with collectable and classic cars and if they have been professionally carried out then they may be impossible to detect, even if we see the car in person. So, unless we state otherwise, please assume that any vehicle could have had remedial bodywork at some point in its life.

Additionally, please note that most of the videos on our site have been recorded using simple cameras which often result in 'average' sound quality; in particular, engines and exhausts notes can sound a little different to how they are in reality.

Please note that this is sold as seen and that, as is normal for used goods bought at auction, the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. See our FAQs for more info, and feel free to inspect any vehicle as much as you wish.