1962 MG A 1600 Roadster

“It’s a very tidy car, having been rebuilt a few years ago,” states vendor. “It’s not in the concours category but remains very bright nonetheless.”

Originally a rust-free Californian car, the restoration process saw the steering position switched from left-hand to right-hand drive - something that now makes it easier to pilot on these shores.

The MGA’s included V5c document indicates its first date of UK registration as being the 1st of July 2002 and since then it has had a grand total of one owner.

Being a last-of-the-line 1962 example you get the later 1622cc as fitted to the MkII vehicles giving 90bhp, as well as a higher ratio differential.

The MGA’s exterior still presents very well. The paintwork is a vivid Red hue and retains an excellent lustre. Save for the odd one, such as a small abrasion on the leading edge of the bonnet, there are very few flaws on it, which is pleasing and that is complemented by generally good panel fit – although, the passenger door does sit better than the driver’s.

Brightwork is good, with no real tarnishing or pitting present. The steel wheels and hub caps are in good condition and each tyre looks to have plenty of tread remaining – as ever, check those date stamps to ensure they have plenty of life remaining.

This is surely one of the MGA’s finest colour schemes and this example provides and arresting visual proposition. Being a MkII 1600, you get the added bonus of that re-profiled front grille and the Mini-sources rear lights both of which help it to stand out against other variants.

MGA cabins are gloriously simple and this example is no different; you get the requisite number of dials to provide the driver with the necessary information and a speaker grille, and that’s pretty much it – simple, satisfying and pleasant. This one remains in a very pleasant condition.

The seats are finished in black leather piped red and are free from rips, tares or abrasions. Door cards are very good, as are carpets and lifting the latter reveals wood boards that remain in good health.

The boot is accessed via a release handle in the rear bulkhead and opens to reveal clean metal in the wheel-well and a covered spare wheel.

A black soft top is provided and, other than being a touch dusty, is nice and free from imperfections. The frame is in fine nick, as is the soft-top inner lining and all three plastic window panels remain clear.

The MGA’s 1600cc engine fires first time and settles into a contented tick-over; blip the throttle and it elicits a lovely little rasp from the exhaust tailpipe.

On the road it’s composed; the suspension feels taut and the gears shift smoothly. Brakes too, provide ample stopping power. It’s clear that post restoration it’s been used and enjoyed.

Pop the bonnet and you’ll find an engine bay that still presents very well indeed; the engine itself sports a factory finish and looks to be relatively free from leaks; the radiator still looks in excellent post restoration health, as do all related hoses. The twin SU carburetors are fitted with pancake style filters and are fed via a stainless steel, braided fuel hose. It’s tidy but there is room for further beautification via a bit of cleaning or touch of paint to a finish, here and there.

The underside was well protected during the restoration process and is still standing up very nicely. The chassis frame looks good, as do the wooden floor panels. There is some very mild surface corrosion on some metal areas so this would be a good time to get under with a wire brush for an hour or two and then top up with some fresh underseal. It is perfectly good as is, but that should ensure it remains absolutely tip-top for the next few decades.

This is definitely a classic car that you will buy on condition and driving experience, as, other than the V5c document, there is nothing in its history file. The restoration looks to be have been carried out to a very high good standard, and it remains a fine looking and driving example.

Nothing else to report.

The MGA is perhaps the prettiest of Abingdon’s varied output and there’s no doubt that’s backed up by a thoroughly peppy driving experience. This particular example has been restored nicely and still offers that in spades.

As an ex-Californian car it provided a relatively rust-free basis for a restoration and the decision to shift the driving position to the right-hand side future proofed its use on these shores.

Given its condition and the how it drives we think it will realise somewhere between £22,000 and £27,000, which at either end of the estimate should provide thoroughly good value for such a spiffy example.

The next owner can ready the polishing mitt and flat cap in anticipation for the spring and summer. Exhilarating Sunday blasts through country lanes, pub visits and/or classic cars shows and meets lie ahead in this quintessential slice of British motoring.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment 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, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.