1960 MG A

Built in 1960 and the subject of a body-off restoration between 2010 and 2017, this fabulous MGA 1600 further benefits from a rebuilt 1600cc engine, a Hi-Gear Engineering five-speed gearbox, and a set of Realm Engineering Dunlop-style wheels. The vendor tells us that Myddlewood Garage took the Shell back to bare metal then carried out any repairs needed before respraying ,the previous owner carried out most of the restoration.

A UK car from new, it’s been in the care of the seller since 2020 and has covered just 4,700 “100% reliable” miles since being completed.

Freshly serviced and being offered with an advisory-free MoT, this is a turn-key example of a perennially popular British sportscar that needs nothing other than a tankful of fuel.

The body-off restoration by Myddlewood of Shrewsbury in 2015 was done to a high standard as the car features some of the best panel alignment and shutlines we’ve ever seen on the model. Still tight and consistent, even after a decade or so of (admittedly light) use, it presents very well indeed.

Look at the doors, for example, and the beading on the wings and front valence. Utterly lovely, isn’t it?

There’s a distinct absence of dents, dinks, and other damage too, and squatting down to peer along the flanks shows an absence of ripples. Overall, the bodywork says nothing but good things. 

A Sebring-style front valance was fitted before the paint was applied, and the bright red paint itself was as professionally carried out as the rest of the coachwork. 

It is still bright and glossy and marred only by the inevitable small marks every car collects along the way, no matter how carefully it might have been conserved – and this one lives in a dehumidified garage when it isn’t being driven.

Of course, the MGA didn’t have much in the way of chromework in the first place but this one sports even less since the owner removed the bumpers. 

This change, along with the Sebring valence, gives a clean look to its lines but if the winning bidder prefers to keep things original, they can refit the bumpers as they have been retained and will stay with the car.

As for the condition of the chrome there is no rusting and only modest pitting to the odd small area. The highlight, as you can see, is the new chrome mesh radiator guard, which is both straight and gleaming.

Stick-on numberplates complete the minimalist look and save even more weight. The lights have been converted to LEDs too, and are both brighter and more energy efficient that the bulbs they replaced. 

The Dunlop-style wheels were supplied by Realm Engineering. Cast in aluminium before being CNC-machined to the final finish, they are in a fine condition and the design suits the 63-year-old car’s lines to perfection.

They’re also fitted with a matching set of 165/80R15 Vredestein T-Trac 2 tyres. Made in 2016, all four still have oodles of tread left on them. 

Plus, as we will never get tired of telling you, our experience is that matching high-quality tyres are an infallible sign of a caring and mechanically sympathetic owner who is prepared to spend the appropriate amount in maintaining their car properly. 

The black hood is in great shape with no rips, tears or other damage. It’s weatherproofing extends to include door tops too, and the whole lot can be removed very easily when you want to make the most of the summer weather.

The MGA is also fitted with a useful tonneau cover, which’ll come in handy if you are ever caught in a shower and don’t have the roof with you. It can also be used as a surprisingly effective anti-theft measure for those times when the car is parked up.

The black leather seats are in a very good condition with nothing more than light creasing and gentle rumpling to them. Still very comfortable, their design might not look like they give much lateral support, but the combination of a high transmission tunnel and a narrow cockpit means you are both held firmly in place, even under spirited cornering.

The seats also fold forward to give access to the space behind them, an area that’s big enough to be able to accommodate a couple of squishy bags. An R-clip for the seatbelts, which is safety wired so you can’t lose it, prevents the seats from folding forward by accident. The presence of this clip and wire might be a small thing, but it is one that demonstrates the thought that’s gone into every aspect of the restoration.

A padded armrest in the centre adds even more comfort, while the padded roll across the dashboard adds a scintilla more safety.

The gearlever, which gives access to five gears in this instance, falls nicely to hand and the leather-trimmed Mota-Lita steering wheel feels every bit as good as it looks. It’s clean design also gives the driver a clear view of the instruments for speed, engine revs, oil pressure, and coolant temperature. 

Further proof of the quality of the car’s restoration comes with the news that the factory wheel has been retained and will be supplied to the winning bidder. 

The speedometer has also been recalibrated to suit the new gearbox and, just as impressively, the chap who carried out the restoration insisted on the car’s original mileage being retained on the odometer. 

Other upgrades include a powder fire extinguisher, a discreet USB charging point, LED dashboard lights, an electrical cut-off switch, and a pair of lap belts, all of which seem like sensible additions to us. 

The door cards couldn’t be any cleaner or simpler although they have, like the seats, been piped in red to match the coachwork.

The carpets are excellent too, with even the rubber heel protector being clean and free of scuffs much less more serious damage. A set of rubber overmats protect the underlying textiles, which may help explain the latter’s remarkable condition.  New soundproofing was also fitted new when the car was restored. 

The boot is as nicely trimmed and clean as the rest of the cabin. It also plays host to a full-size spare wheel fitted with a matching Vredestein tyre and a comprehensive tool kit.

As for flaws, the chrome windscreen braces that lie on either side are pitted. 

But, given that that is the only job you’ll want to do, you can rest assured that this is a sparkling example of the marque that you’ll be able to jump in and enjoy from day one.

Speaking of enjoyment, in addition to the 1600cc engine that was rebuilt by A.D. Cray and fitted with a lightened and balanced flywheel, the MGA’s mechanical specification also includes a Hi-Gear Engineering five-speed gearbox, a Radtec alloy radiator, a 123 electronic ignition system, K&N air filters, LED lights all round from Better Car Lighting, and Retronics hazard warning lights. 

It's been fully rewired, fitted with all-new suspension bushes, and a single 12-volt battery with a negative earth. All-in-all, the invoices on file are said to total more than £21,000 and the upgrades add considerably to the car’s reliability and safety.

In fact, as well as being a “properly sorted car”, the seller goes on to say it has been “100% reliable” and “drives superbly”. He ends reassuringly: “I have done over 4000 miles in the car with no problems of any kind."

As you can see, the video evidence supports him as it starts cleanly from cold with a little choke and quickly settles down to a steady idle. It’s also got a fabulous exhaust note that’s way out of proportion to the car’s modest displacement. 

As for the engine bay, it is ridiculously clean, and we can’t see many folk feeling the need to improve it further.

There’s plenty of evidence of expenditure with the right people for the right components under there too. We’ve mentioned the Radtec alloy radiator and 123 electronic ignition system already, but we would also point out smaller ticket items such as the correct labels and plates, the Tudor washer fluid bottle, the ultra-clean Smiths heater, and the oil-free and cleanly painted engine sump.

In fact, we commend the condition of the entire underside. Free of oil and other leaks, it’s been beautifully finished and protected by Dinitrol and is a credit to both its owner and the folk who did the work all those years ago. 

The exhaust is also a stainless-steel item that looks every bit as good as it sounds, and the original radiator, which we are told is free of leaks, will come with the car.

Despite not needing one, not only does the MGA have an MoT certificate, it is also valid until May 2025 and was issued with no advisories.

The recent Vehicle History Check is clear, and the MGA comes with two sets of keys, a current V5 registration document, and the original chassis plate. 

The history file includes a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate conforming its original build specification as well as a photo album documenting the restoration and a ring binder full of invoices and receipts.

The seller tells us that he has a feeling that the MGA was in the first keeper’s hands for many years as he suspects the car’s previous three owners were all within the past decade or fifteen years. 

If so, that would explain its condition even pre-restoration; as you can see form the invoice on file, it needed remarkably little in the way of welding before being repainted.

The MGA 1600 is a beguiling blend of classic looks and almost modern handling and performance, especially when fitted with the sort of well-judged upgrades this one has. 

This makes it a perennially popular choice for the discerning gad-about-town but does mean prices remain strong, something that might be a little disconcerting when you’re buying into one but is also something you’ll appreciate when the time comes to let it go…

We think the virtual hammer will fall somewhere between £17,000 and £22,000, which might not make it the cheapest on offer but still represents great value; remember, there are invoices tallying £21,000 on file – excluding labour - which gives you an idea of what it would cost to buy a lesser example and bring it up to this standard.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are strictly by appointment.  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’.