1961 MG A 1600 MkI Coupe

Originally destined for US shores, this 1961-registered fixed-head coupé was previously owned by a member of the North American MGA register, who had owned the car since the 1990’s until our vendor purchased the car during 2017.

Whilst in the care of its former owner in the US, the car received an extensive body-off restoration and re-spray, with the resulting work earning the then-owned several ‘Best of show’ prizes when attending various events in Pennsylvania, and the restoration has since stood up fantastically well - testament to the quality of the work.

Following its purchase, our vendor imported the car to France from Pennsylvania, and has subsequently carried out significant maintenance and light restoration to the car, though it remains a matching-numbers example in its original factory specification, barring some light engine work.

The aforementioned engine work is comprised of a total bottom-end rebuild, with the cylinders lightly bored out by +0.020, new pistons and rings being fitted, the crankshaft and a new item fitted, a new connecting rod and bearing shells, electronic ignition conversion and the fitment of a new oil pump.

On the upper engine, a new MGA Cylinder head has been restored and fitted, with new valves and valve guides, machined valves seats and faceplate, and reworked intake and exhaust ducts. The reason for this is that whilst with a previous owner, an MGB cylinder head had been fitted (the vendor tells us this was a common period modification) but our owner wanted the car to be original throughout.

Alongside the engine rebuild, the original gearbox (a four-speed item) has been restored and fitted with a new clutch, a stainless steel exhaust has been fitted, the wheels have been refurbished and the heating system has seen attention whilst in its current ownership.

The result of this work is a fantastically original, yet fantastically presented MGA that our vendor has used for daily driving duties on sunny days, numerous rally events (with the car also being driven to-and-from the rally) and has even undertaken a significant road trip from Paris to Goodwood and back for the Festival of Speed.

As our vendor has stated, the older restoration from the 1990’s has certainly stood the test of time well, and as far as we can see we have to agree.

In fact, the only notable damage that we can see from a distance is the dent on the front bumper, above the ‘5’ on the registration plate.

Looking up close, the chrome grille and bumpers have some light wear to them - as expected from a car that is regularly used and enjoyed as the manufacturer intended - but they still retain an impressive mirror-like shine throughout.

Similarly, the paintwork is in excellent condition, wearing only some light commensurate marks such as stone chips and minor wear, though this is largely hidden due to the colour of the bodywork.

All four of the classic wire wheels have been refurbished by the vendor and present fantastically, wrapped in matching period-look Michelin rubber.

On the inside, this MGA remains as charming and driver-focused as the day it left the factory, with the large steering wheel, plethora of dials and minimal distractions confirming that this fixed-head coupé really is a true driver’s car.

This particular example remains in excellent condition throughout, with the rich red of the leather interior contrasting wonderfully against the Dove Grey exterior. The seats are in fantastic shape with no deep creases, heavy scuffs and are both free of any rips, tears or damage.

Similar are the door cards, which - barring a few light marks from regular use - are in great shape, as is the carpet, including around the transmission tunnel.

Up above, the headliner is in very good condition with no notable stains or marks.

According to our vendor, there are no faults with any of the switches, dials or electrics within the car, and - as we’ve mentioned - the engine has been upgraded with an electronic ignition system for ease of use.

In the engine bay, the 1600cc, naturally aspirated inline-four presents very well indeed, and has evidently benefitted from the overhauled cylinder cover and plentiful attention-to-detail.

From what we can see, there are no notable oil leaks or fluid misting, and our vendor confirms that this example is in rude mechanical health, no doubt benefitting from regular use and occasional spirited drives and longer journeys - remember, cars are meant to be driven!

One particularly important fact is that our vendor states the car is entirely free of any rust. So much so, that last winter, all of the floors and inspection panels were removed, and a full inspection was carried out (including an in-depth examination of known MGA trouble spots) and the car is “perfectly fine, solid and has no rust.”

Whilst, of course, we haven’t seen the car for ourselves and we cannot dig inside the inspection hatches, from the photographs we see no reason for concern, with both sills being free of corrosion, the boot floor being in the same condition and only the lightest surface ‘bloom’ beginning to form on suspension components and only the usual build-up of dirt and dust from regular use showing on the suspension components.

Included with the MGA is an extensive history from its time with the current owner, with a treasure trove of invoices and documentation pertaining to work carried out on the vehicle, along with payments for parts and other sundry items.

There is also a copy of the previous Pennsylvania title certificate, numerous manuals and handbooks, the period vehicle certificate, photographs of the car during the historic restoration, and several record books and home-made manuals.

Utterly stunning and with a charm that eludes even its wildly appreciated successor the MGB, the MGA carried the kind of characteristics and kerb appeal that only a car of this era is capable of doing so, yet remains easy enough to live with on a daily basis, including on longer journeys.

This 1961, US-delivered example has evidently been cosseted throughout its lifetime, with the 1990’s restoration still looking absolutely stunning to this day, no doubt helped by the previous and current owners lavishing attention and care upon the vehicle.

Regularly used and proven on both long-distance journeys and daily driver duties, this is a fantastically usable example of the MGA that will still gather plenty of admiring glances and strike up conversation wherever you take it.

The price of all this style and enjoyment? Well, we estimate it to be in the region of €30,000 - €40,000.

Inspection is always encouraged (within Govt. guidelines of course), and this particular car is located at the owner’s home in Le Port Marly, France. To arrange an appointment or for further information please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. The seller will gladly help arrange transportation to the buyer’s country at his or her own expense. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.