1962 MG MGA 1600 Mk II Roadster

Description

Introduced for 1956 model year, the MGA roadster replaced the aging T-Series cars. Powered by a 68-horsepower, 1489 cc overhead valve engine mated to a four-speed manual transmission, the little MG featured independent front suspension, rack-and-pinion steering, and a solid rear axle with leaf springs. Braking was by hydraulic drums at all corners. Sales in the first full year (1956) were 13,394 and rose to 16,467 for 1957, by which time horsepower was up to 72 horsepower and a coupe was added.

In 1959, the MGA 1600 was introduced with a larger 79.5 hp engine and front disc brakes. The final iteration of the MGA was the 1600 Mk II. In addition to minor styling changes, the MGA was powered by a 90 hp, 1622 cc inline four-cylinder engine.

MGAs are fine collector cars, as they’re affordable, simple to work on, rugged, and attractive, plus parts are readily available and moderately priced. With that said, this 1962 MG MGA Roadster is a meticulously maintained award winner, putting it rare air among MGs and other ’60s British roadsters.

Highlights 

• Finished in Anzani Paint with tan top over tan leather interior with black carpet 

• Powered by a 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder engine, with twin SU H4 carburetors, rated at 93 horsepower 

• Four-speed manual transmission with leather-wrapped stick shift 

• Multiple show award winner  

• The chassis number (GHNL2108978) decodes as: 

  • G – MG 

  • H – 1.6L four-cylinder engine 

  • N – Two-seat roadster 

  • L – Left-hand drive 

  • 2 – 1962 model year 

  • 108978 – Sequential production number 

Features 

• Rear-wheel-drive, two-door convertible 

• Fender-mounted exterior mirrors 

• Chrome bumpers with bumper guards 

• Knockoff wire wheels 

• Vredestein Sprint Classic 165HR15 tires 

• Luggage rack 

• Four-spoke steering wheel 

• Jaeger instrumentation: 

  • 120 mph speedometer and odometer  

  • Tachometer  

  • Fuel level 

  • Oil pressure 

  • Water temperature  

• Dash-mounted rearview mirror 

• Lap belts 

• Leather upholstered doors with storage compartments 

• Wheelbase: 94 inches 

• Length: 156 inches 

• Width: 57.25 inches 

• Curb weight: 2,030 pounds 

Known Imperfections 

• Front fender under bumper on driver’s side is damaged 

• Carpet behind the driver’s seat is worn 

Included 

• Spare tire with cover 

• Hydraulic jack 

• Car cover 

• MGA Driver’s Handbook 

Ownership History

The consignor of this 1962 MG MGA 1600 Mk II Roadster has owned it since June 2014 and has won multiple Britfest Grand Strand British Car Club awards in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.