1959 MG A 1600 Coupé Mk1

When the MGA arrived in 1955, it must have come as quite a shock to MG aficionados who had become accustomed to the pre-war look of the company's sports cars. It was a complete departure in terms of styling and its beautiful streamlined body was right up to the minute in terms of appearance. It was powered by a newly introduced engine as MG had decided that the old XPAG unit had had its day, and so introduced the much more modern 'B-Series' engine that had made its debut in the, then, recently announced MG Magnette saloon. The 'A' was officially launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1955 but only 5,869 cars were sold on the home market, giving the MGA the highest export percentage of any British car and the much-loved model was replaced by the MGB in May 1962.

This recently restored MGA FHC, finished in Orient Red with Magnolia Hide, originated in the dry State of Oklahoma. It had just three known keepers until 1978 at which time, due to the owner’s ill health, the car was dry stored where it remained for several years until his passing and the clearing of his estate. At some point in its US adventure, the original 1,500cc was swapped for a later 1,600cc unit. Returning to the UK in 2019, the MGA was found to be in exceptional condition with minimal deterioration and ripe for restoration. In the hands of our vendor, a retired engineer, the car was stripped to the bare chassis with a no-compromise rebuild to follow, including all mechanical components such as the engine, gearbox, final drive assembly, a full bare-metal bodywork refurbishment with new chrome work throughout, a total retrim including headlining and door cards, replacement wiring loom and a very sensible upgrade to front disc brakes.

With  minimal use since completion, this outstanding Coupé is now ready for its next journey in the hands of a new custodian and, so fresh is the rebuild, that a period of running-in is highly recommended to achieve the very best from this increasingly desirable little MG.