MGA 1600 MkI Coupe

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It’s not often that a closed coupe version of a sportscar actually looks as pleasing as its more glamorous open counterpart, however with the MGA Coupe this was definitely the case.

The MGA was blessed with good looks and a well proportioned body from day one, the fixed head Coupe continuing this theme with a roof design that mimicked the Roadster's raised soft-top profile. Joining the range in 1956, the MGA Coupe was available throughout the model's lifetime in 1500, 1600, Mk II and Twin-Cam forms.

Standard features included wind-up door windows, external door handles, locks and extra brightwork. Prompted by the Twin Cam’s performance advantage, the standard pushrod model received a capacity increase to the same 1588cc, plus front disc brakes, in May 1959. Equipped with a four-speed manual gearbox and rack and pinion steering as standard, the resultant 1600 was reputedly capable of 100mph plus.

This left-hand drive Coupe was delivered new to California in 1959 and spent the next 32 years in that dry state before returning to the UK in May 1991. As bills in the substantial history file reveal, it was treated to a thorough overhaul shortly after it arrived here with many mechanical and trim parts replaced.

An almost unbroken run of old MOTs back to 1991 show that the car has only covered some 5,500 miles in the last 23 years, the odometer currently showing around 79,000 miles. The previous owner kept the car for 20 years (1994 – 2014) and clearly looked after it well, treating it to new sills and a respray in 2008.

Although the last MOT expired in April 2013 (and the car no longer needs one under the new pre-1960 exemption rule), it is said to be in good running order and certainly scooted along briskly as we followed it down the lanes on the occasion of our visit. A handsome and practical classic that is eminently capable of year-round use, it looks a most appealing prospect at the sensible guide price suggested.