1962 MG A 1600

This matching numbers (we understand) RHD MGA 1600 roadster was built for the British market but then swiftly exported to the US, where we believe it remained until returning to the UK in March 1989.

It was then bought by a marque enthusiast, largely because his expert eye told him that this was a highly original, authentic example and one whose sojourn on sunnier, unsalted American roads had ensured that it retained a solid, rust-free body and chassis.

The car was lightly restored in around 1990, at which point the paintwork changed from the original Iris Blue to the Old English White you see today.

A much more comprehensive restoration took place between 2013/15, with the car having been used only very sparingly over the course of the preceding 20 or so years.

By then, the car had been fitted with a 5-speed Hi-Gear Sierra manual gearbox, with the work done by the MGOC Workshop Ltd.

The car today has replacement springs, Koni telescopic dampers, a Kenlowe 2000 fan, an unleaded cylinder head conversion, a replacement water pump, a new starter motor, a reconditioned distributor, a battery isolator switch, an electronic ignition module, a trickle charger point, and a new choke cable, thermostat and battery.

It is in very good mechanical and dynamic order and drives very well, not least because it is a later model with the 1600cc engine and front disc brakes - and because of the sympathetic and sensible upgrades that have been made to enhance the car’s handling and overall performance.

The odometer currently reads 15,575 miles. In 2006, the mileage was recorded as being 13,296.

We have no reason to doubt these figures but, equally, we have no way of confirming them.

The car comes with its current registration of ‘904 XVT’ (not the plate shown on the car in the pictures).
 

The bodywork is pretty straight and true, and there are no dimples, dinks or dents of any real consequence that we can see.

The shut-lines and panel gaps are consistent and even.

The 15” chromed wire wheels with two-eared spinners have help up very well and the matching Continental tyres look to have a good deal of life and service left in them.

The black vinyl roof is accompanied by an always useful and practical tonneau cover and, of course, detachable side window panels. All are in good condition, save for a metal press-stud missing from the top of the hood’s ‘C pillar’ on the offside.

The paintwork is broadly decent but there is some micro-blistering on the bonnet and on the n/s/f wing.

Some paint has rubbed away on the edges of the doors, where the bonnet meets the body at the top end and there are some scuffs and signs of previous touch-up work on the n/s/f indicator pod.

Overall, the chrome-work is really pretty good, save for some very minor pitting on the wing mirrors and a few patches of chrome plating flaking away on the luggage rack.

The lights, lenses, badging, trim and other exterior fixtures and fittings have survived the passage of time with commendable stoicism. 
 

The interior is really very well preserved and curated.

The black upholstery is piped in red and is free of any creasing, rips, holes or other signs of wear and tear.

The door cards are good, too, as is the roof lining.

The car’s heater and ventilation controls, Radiomobile stereo, tinted sun visors, wind wings, classic wood-trimmed Moto-Lita steering wheel, and dials, switches and controls all seem to be in good order and, as far as we and the vendor are aware, everything does what it’s asked to do in a timely and uncomplaining fashion.

The black carpets and MG-branded rubber mats complete the look and are following the same script in terms of condition and quality.

The boot is in fine fettle and contains an unused chromed wire wheel, jack, tools and knock-off mallet. 
 

The car starts, goes and runs exactly as you would hope and is reassuringly free of and troubling rattles, pops, wheezes or grunts when pressing on a bit or clipping an apex or two.

The engine bay is particularly clean, dry and tidy.

The car’s undersides appear to be equally clean, dry, tidy and possessed of plenty of structural integrity. 
 

The car comes with a great deal of paperwork covering maintenance, repair and restorative work carried out over the years.

It also comes with a clear HPI report, a V5, a British Motor Heritage Trust Certificate, photographic records of restoration work, full sets of keys and a trickle charger. 

The car has an MoT, with no advisories (no mean feat given its age), that’s valid until 1st July 2025.
 

These were and remain very good-looking sports cars and capable all-round performers. 

The trick, of course, is to find one that’s been kept blissfully unaware of existential threats such as rain or salt, and has been looked-after properly by people with the passion, time and resources to do the job properly.

This little beauty is one such car.

Please note the car is currently on the reg plate 904 XVT how ever comes with the retention document for the plate shown in the images for PSU 360. So you can choose what you wish to do.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £20,000 - £25,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am- 12pm or 2pm-4pm. To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.