Full Description
SORRY NOW SOLD – SIMILAR WANTED
A glorious UK Home Market RHD MGA 1600 Coupe last owner 34 years.
EQUIPMENT
Box-section chassis frame, enclosed luggage boot, double dipping headlamps, safety glass windshield, self-parking windshield wipers, Covered dash safety pads, 4inch speedometer and rev indicator, headlamp high-beam warning lamp, oil pressure gauge, water temperature gauge, fuel indicator gauge, starter switch, panel light switch with rheostat, starting handle. Optional Extras; Wing mirrors, windshield washer, headlamp flasher, fresh-air heater and demister.
EXTERIOR
This two-seater streamlined MGA 1600 Coupe is finished in its correct factory produced colour of Iris Blue and displays a wonderful shine throughout. Good even panel gaps and flowing aerodynamic lines will please those wishing to attend classic car events this example is accustomed to. The doors close perfectly. Correct MGA 1600 features are still fitted from the obvious chrome 1600 badges to the sidelights incorporating the orange indicator and rear wing plinths holding the separate orange flasher and red brake light. The chrome bodyline-style radiator grille is original fitment and along with the rest of the bright trim displays some aging. The floor support rails and wooden floorboards are in excellent condition and the front windscreen proudly displays the MG Car Club Member sticker.
INTERIOR
Charming and beautifully period the original leather faced bucket seats finished in Black have the contrasting blue piping and correct cross pleats only found on the Coupe all in stunning condition and only minor rubbing to the drivers bolster. Cut-pile Grey carpeting throughout is clean and the door cards are perfect with all the correct chrome fixtures. The steering wheel is in fabulous order with no cracks where the metal spokes meet the outer rim and all gauges function. The scuttle panel is covered in vinyl fabric Novon to reduce reflection and the padded dash has no splits or tears. All headlining is clean and tight and the boot area is carpeted. Delightful in all respects.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
This is the first MG fitted with the legendary British Motor Corporation B Series engine which is robust and has a great reputation for trouble-free running combined with being simple to maintain. Being the larger 1588cc four cylinder engine it benefits from improved performance over the earlier 1489cc unit pushing out 79bhp, enough for a top speed of 100mph and 0-60mph in just over 15 seconds. Lifting the bonnet will please exhibitionists with everything clean, the engine colour finished in the correct dark maroon and even original identification plates attached. Regular service records and enthusiast ownership help ensure correct operation. The single dry plate hydraulically operated clutch enables smooth progress through the 4-speed gearbox which has synchromesh on second, third and fourth gears only.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
Attractive and standard steel disc wheels are covered by immaculate chrome hubcaps and shod in premium Firestone F-560 155 R15 tyres with excellent tread to all four corners as well the spare. Being the 1600 model a Lockhead hydraulic braking system employing discs at the front and drums to the rear stop the car safely and very well.
HISTORY FILE
It is important to note that this is a genuine UK Home Market RHD example as confirmed by the British motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate. Around 90% of all MGA production was exported, (Source: The Essential Buyers Guide MGA by Roy Crosier and David Sear), and it is the UK examples that are desired foremost. Produced on the 2nd July 1959 this is one of just 2771 Mk1 1600 Coupes made out of a total MGA production of 101,081 over a seven year period. Enthusiast owned by MG fanatic and MG Club member, Mr Lewis Owen for 34 years this cherished car has wanted for nothing. A huge box file detailing all expenditure will delight the next custodian and is evidence that Mr Owen enjoyed driving the car. Indeed, documentation has been retained from previous Norwich Union RAC Classic Car Runs, Goodwood MG on track days and even being a regular visitor to Le Mans supporting his role as a motor racing marshal. In the early days of ownership Mr Owen also entered concours with the vehicle and was a contender in the 1989 Benson and Hedges Concours Show. A tremendously bright, useable and rare Home Market example ready for the next chapter of enjoyment.
HPI Clear.
