1960 MG MGA

Description

The MGA was a fresh design departure from the British automaker's beloved T-series. Its story began in 1951, when MG designer Syd Enever created a sleek, streamlined body for George Philips' TD Le Mans car. The new body design was a radical change from the articulated fenders and running board of the MG TF. Instead, it featured ponton styling, accentuated by a single-styled envelope that fully enclosed the car's width and length, giving it an uninterrupted and elegant look. 

The official announcement of the new MGA was made on 26 September 1955, and it was finally launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Although it was a total departure from the cars that came before it, the MGA continued the company’s ethos of “Safety-fast!” and proved to be more than capable of weekend touring or racing. 

This 1960 MG MGA is powered by a 1600cc inline four-cylinder with twin SU carburetors, mated to a four-speed manual gearbox. The car was fully restored by a previous owner in 2011 and received fresh Old English White paint and new red leather interior in addition to many additional upgrades. Upon its completion, the MGA won First in Class honors at the 2011 Texas All-British Car Show. 

Highlights 

• Awarded first in class honors at the 2011 Texas All-British Car Show 

• 2011 frame-off restoration (Austin, Texas) included: 

  • Sheet metal repaired  

  • Frame and sheet metal parts cleaned (sandblasted where appropriate) 

  • Body primed and repainted in Old English White 

  • New red leather interior 

  • Rebuilt 1600cc inline four-cylinder engine (7,115 miles since rebuild) 

  • All mechanical and electrical components were rebuilt or replaced, including a new wiring harness 

  • Conversion to negative ground  

  • Conversion to electronic ignition 

  • One 12-volt battery instead of two 6-volt batteries 

  • Modified gear ratio to one more suitable for normal driving 

  • Competition style wire wheels with early MG knockoffs 

  • Additional heat and sound absorption material under carpeting 

  • Stainless steel exhaust 

• Four-speed manual transmission 

• The chassis number (GHNL69297) decodes as: 

  • G – MG (Morris Garages)   

  • H – 1588 cc (1600) B-series engine 

  • N – Two-door roadster 

  • L – Left-hand drive 

  • 69297 – Sequential production number 

Features 

• Front disc brakes (new for the 1600), rear drum brakes 

• Independent front suspension with wishbones and coil springs 

• Rigid axle rear suspension with semi-elliptic leaf springs 

• Smiths heater 

• 120 mph speedometer and 7000 rpm tachometer 

• 15-inch wire wheels with knock-off hubs 

• Michelin 165/80R15 tires 

Known Imperfections 

• Paint chip and small nick just below passenger door 

• Paint scraped between hood and windshield (touched up) 

• Paint scraped on front edge of driver’s door (touched up) 

• Discoloration around hood latch inside engine bay 

• Seam on backside of the passenger seat experienced 2-inch split at the seam; owner has repaired it by applying vinyl glue to the seam 

Included 

• Spare tire with cover 

• MG rubber floor mats 

• 2011 Texas All-British Car Show award 

• Historical service manuals 

• Numerous spare parts 

Ownership History

The Illinois seller of this 1960 MG MGA 1600 has owned it since December 2021. He purchased car directly from the original restorer, who bought it from a man in Long Island, New York, who inherited it from his uncle and did not have the expertise to restore it himself. 

Additional Notes

A Broad Arrow Auctions Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle. Broad Arrow Auctions is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty.

Contact: William Cooper Phone: 469.463.4542 email: wcooper@hagerty.com