1959 | MG MGA 1600

The MGA arrived in 1955 and represented a complete departure in styling for an MG sports car, with a wholly new, up to date, streamlined body. Additionally, it was powered by a new engine – the 1489cc four-cylinder B-Series engine and transmission from the recently announced Magnette saloon. This engine was fitted with twin SU carburettors and produced around 70bhp, giving the car a top speed of nearly 100mph (on test) and 0–60 mph acceleration time of around 16.0 seconds.

Popular and selling well, the MGA received a performance boost for 1959, the engine being enlarged to 1588cc that provided around 80bhp. A contemporary magazine report - Motor – listed a “welcome improvement in acceleration” over the earlier model, with a reduced 0-60mph time of 13.3 seconds. The revised car also now sported Girling disc brakes at the front, with drum brakes retained at the rear.

In 1961, the Mark II model was launched with a further increase in engine size, up to 1622cc and, with claimed power now 90bhp, there was a further performance boost with a top speed of around 105mph and improved acceleration. Production of the MGA ended in 1962 with a little over 100,000 manufactured.

The MGA offered here was first registered new in October 1959. We know nothing of its early history but have service and repair invoices dating back to the ‘90s. The vehicle underwent a full rebuild and restoration around 2009/10 before being purchased by a Guernsey resident and imported to the island in September 2012. The car has subsequently been cherished and well cared for, covering around 5,000 miles whilst in island ownership.

The cars mechanicals were fully rebuilt as part of the restoration works and with just 5,000 miles subsequently covered, the MGA remains mechanically sound, running and driving very well. It has been kept garaged whilst in Guernsey, receiving regular routine maintenance, the most recent being the fitment of a new battery earlier this year. 

Since the full restoration, some further works have been carried out in Guernsey including the fitment of a new o/s front wing and part respray. The black paintwork is in good condition, as is all brightwork and the chrome wire wheels. The underside of the car is clean and solid with just a little surface corrosion to be seen. The wooden floors (replaced during restoration) are in excellent shape. Although not pictured here, the car has a full hood, sidescreens and a tonneau cover.

The red interior is particularly smart, having been fully refurbished as part of the restoration work and remains in very good condition. The seats show little sign of use – as might be anticipated with relatively little use under current ownership. The MGA has tailored rubber mats fitted to protect the carpeting.

A very smart MGA, which looks well in its black paintwork and red interior. The car runs and drives very well and is ready for a new owner to enjoy.

There is a photo album covering the car’s earlier restoration, together with a file of associated invoices and receipts. It comes with indoor and outdoor car covers.

The car is currently Guernsey registered and we can assist with shipping and importation processes if required. We can ship worldwide.