MGA 1600 Roadster

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The MGA was initially fitted with a 72bhp 1,500cc engine, but in 1959 gained an extra 100cc which gave an extra 7bhp and increased the top speed to 101mph – just over the magic ton.

The brakes were also upgraded and new exterior lights fitted at the front which incorporated amber turn flashers and the detachable side screens also gained sliding Perspex windows.

It was to remain 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. A growing appreciation of its flowing lines and surprisingly modern driving characteristics have meant that MGAs have become extremely popular of late - how lucky are we to have no fewer than five on offer today.

This splendid 1960 bright red 1600 Roadster was purchased by the vendor as a part-finished project in 2012, with a reconditioned engine (bills on file) but with the rest of the car still requiring lots of work.

Supplied new in the UK and therefore built as a RHD car, the body was stripped to bare metal, with photos on file showing the usual areas that needed attention. This repair work and the car’s subsequent respray was undertaken by Classic restorers Myddlewood Garage near Wem. It included sandblasting and spray-treating the chassis and fitting a Sebring-type valance, after which the full rebuild could begin.

New springs front and rear and new bushes were installed, along with a brake overhaul with silicon fluid. Period type seat belts were added, with modified mountings for security and the engine refitted, with a lightened and refaced flywheel, modified clutch and an overhauled Ford Type-9 five-speed gearbox which features an overdrive fifth gear for relaxed cruising.

A new interior was installed, with all new trim including carpets, leather seat covers and a new hood. A stainless steel exhaust, rebuilt windscreen with new correct corner brackets, starter motor, new fuel tank, fuel pump, SU carb overhaul and coupe soundproofing to the bulkhead all add up to a fine, detailed restoration. The car also sits on four new tyres alongside a new spare.

Now ready to go, this smart Roadster has had all the hard work done and money spent and is only available due to the arrival of a new, even more exciting project.