Superbly Restored!
1959 MGA 1600, 5-speed
Chassis Number: HDR4367714
Engine Number: 16GAUH599634
Capable of nudging "The Ton" in proper tune, the MGA with its sleek new envelope body was a worthy successor to the classic T-series Midgets that helped introduce sports cars to the United States after the Second World War. The new design was first viewed at the 1951 24 Hours of LeMans, where George Phillips drove an MG TD Midget that had been re-skinned with an aerodynamic body shell at the factory, and a trio of factory-prepared alloy-bodied A's ran very well at LeMans in 1955. MG's new look two-seater had established itself in a big way.
The MGA combined a rigid chassis with the Austin-designed B-Series engine. Running gear was based on that of the TF, with independent front suspension and a live rear axle, but as far as its road manners were concerned, the far superior MGA was in an entirely different league.
Clad in a stylish aerodynamic body, the MGA proved an instant hit, selling 13,000 units in its first full year of production. After reliability issues plagued the Twin Cam model, engine enlargement was seen as the way forward. The result was a capacity increase from 1,489cc to 1,588cc that raised maximum power to 80bhp and boosted torque by 17 percent. Acceleration was improved and the MGA in '1600' form was now a true 100mph-plus car.
The example offered here, of 1959 vintage was purchased two years ago as a completely restored, ready to drive car that needed nothing. The arrow-straight and rust-free body has excellent panel gaps and a lush and lustrous black paint finish. Brightwork, too, is excellent, including the chrome wire wheels. It features an original yellow California license plate with current registration.
The interior is as well presented as the exterior, in the super-stylish deep red to panels and seats with black accents where it counts.
The car has been upgraded with a 1960 1600cc engine, recently mated to the Hi-Gear Engineering UK’s 5-speed transmission, transforming the car in to a daily driver, freeway cruiser or better-yet, an ideal touring car. Fresh from a tune up, the car starts incredibly easily, idles perfectly and runs great. It shifts through all 5 synchro-gears perfectly with a good clutch, brakes, suspension and steering are all taut. The car is an enormous pleasure to drive and will cruise at 70+ with ease. The discerning owner keeps the car on display with some of his collection of fine motorcycles in his climate controlled production office.
This is a fantastic opportunity to acquire a ready-to-go concours show car, which is ready to be driven on any car rally with great ease and reliability.