MGA 1600 Roadster

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The first truly modern MG, the MGA of 1955 was leagues ahead of anything the company had yet produced as all their other post-war cars had been nothing more than restyled pre-war designs.

Blessed with one of the most shapely silhouettes to grace any car, the Roadster also had an notably rigid structure, devoid of the scuttle-shake that plagues so many other soft-tops. This is thanks to a triangulated bulkhead design that is not found on any other production sportscar. Throw in its beautifully direct, vice-free rack and pinion steering, and it's no wonder that the MGA has acquired such a devoted fan club over the years.

Initially fitted with a 72bhp 1500cc engine, the MGA was upgraded to 1600cc spec in 1959 bringing an extra 7bhp and increasing top speed to 101mph. The brakes were also improved and new exterior lights fitted at the front which incorporated amber turn flashers. The detachable side screens also gained sliding Perspex windows.

The MGA remained in production until 1962 when it was replaced by the softer and somewhat less sporting MGB, by which time 101,000 had been sold, the vast majority to the US market.

Dating from May 1960, this UK market MGA 1600 MkI was despatched early in its life to sunny South Africa, returning to these shores in late 2017 having been treated to a bare-metal repaint in Chariot Red during 2016/2017. It has received many new parts including chrome work and trim, fitment of a stainless-steel exhaust and a thorough engine service. The work carried out is amply illustrated in photos on file but there are no invoices as it was restored alongside a couple of other cars in a collection.

Looking most eye-catching in bright red with sparkling wire wheels and a new black interior, new carpets and a useful luggage rack, it also comes with weather equipment that is sadly more necessary here than it ever was in South Africa. UK registered in September 2017, 470 UYZ also has an MG Owner’s Club validation letter, BMI Heritage Certificate and one old MOT that expired in June 2018 with no advisories recorded. It is now, of course, MOT exempt.