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MGA 1600 Coupe

MGA 1600 Coupe

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MGA 1600 CoupeMGA 1600 CoupeMGA 1600 CoupeMGA 1600 CoupeMGA 1600 Coupe
MGA 1600 CoupeMGA 1600 CoupeMGA 1600 CoupeMGA 1600 CoupeMGA 1600 Coupe
MGA 1600 CoupeMGA 1600 CoupeMGA 1600 CoupeMGA 1600 CoupeMGA 1600 Coupe
MGA 1600 CoupeMGA 1600 CoupeMGA 1600 CoupeMGA 1600 CoupeMGA 1600 Coupe
MGA 1600 CoupeMGA 1600 CoupeMGA 1600 CoupeMGA 1600 CoupeMGA 1600 Coupe
MGA 1600 CoupeMGA 1600 CoupeMGA 1600 CoupeMGA 1600 CoupeMGA 1600 Coupe
Lot number 30
Hammer value £13,420
Description MGA 1600 Coupe
Registration PSU 986
Year 1959
Colour Blue
Engine size 1,798 cc
Chassis No. GHD/81561
Documents V5C; MOT September 2019; invoices; restoration photos; handbook; workshop manual; parts catalogue; Heritage Certificate

When MG replaced the TF with the MGA in 1955, the leap between old and new was so great that you’d be forgiven for thinking that decades separated the models, not just weeks or months.

Inspired by Syd Enever’s streamlined TD Le Mans car of 1951, the MGA’s styling was both beautiful and aerodynamic and the improvements ran more than skin deep. Running gear may have been based on that of the TF, with independent front suspension and a live rear axle, but as far as road manners were concerned, the MGA was in a superior league entirely.

Initially powered by a 68bhp 1,489cc B-Series engine, in 1959 it gained a capacity increase to 1,588cc which boosted power to 79bhp and made the MGA 1600 a true 100mph-plus car. To cope with the extra performance, disc front brakes were adopted and the suspension uprated. The more refined coupé version, with wind-up windows and lockable doors, continued as before while the roadster now came with sliding side windows.

As the Heritage Certificate confirms, this MGA 1600 Coupe is a rare UK market car that was built in December 1959 and was originally Old English White with a red interior. It has had just four owners from new, according to the V5C, the last owning it from 1993 until 2019. An album of photos show that it was fully restored in 1990 when the colour was changed to the current Iris Blue. The eagle eyed among you will also have noticed that the original engine has been replaced by a 1,798cc unit from an MGB at some point, with a Weber carb conversion to improve performance still further.

Although there is precious little history with the car, an MOT history check shows that it was off the road from 2008 until 2018 at which point it was recommissioned and issued with a new MOT at a cost of £2,400 (invoice on file). Other documentation includes an original owner’s handbook, a workshop manual and a parts catalogue.

Clearly little used since the restoration was completed almost 30 years ago, it remains in good and nicely mellowed condition throughout. Starting promptly and running well as we moved it around for these photos, it has an MOT until September 2019 with only one minor advisory for play in steering rack o/s inner joint.

Being offered here at no reserve, this most handsome MG should prove a lot of fun over the coming summer months, especially with the added pep from the 1.8 Weber carb-equipped engine!

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