1959 MG A 1600

Highlights

Ex-USA vehicle, based in sunny Sacramento
Restored and rebuilt in 2006 upon arrival to the UK
Rare Alamo Beige livery
Show-winning example, presented in fine fettle

The Appeal

The MGA was born out of a necessity for modernity. The British open-top sports car was hitting something of a golden age in the 50s, one that left MG's cars - which stemmed from pre-war designs - looking distinctly old-fashioned. That was something they had to fix - but it was, luckily, something they were fully prepared for.

Glancing at a design from the 1951 Le Mans, created by Syd Enever, they found a streamlined answer that felt forward-thinking, fast, modern - fashionable. The new MGA premiered in 1955 and quickly set a new course for the company, getting through some 100,000 units - most of which were destined for the USA.

This handsome example of the later, higher-powered MGA 1600 was repatriated from Sacramento in 2006, wherein it underwent an extensive restoration. It's been kept in fine fettle since, and garnering plenty of attention for its charming - and specially mixed - Alamo Beige paintwork. This is a rare look for the legendary classic, and really does make for something special.

The History and Paperwork

Built in 1959
Originally exported to the USA
Based in Sacramento, California
Repatriated to the UK in 2006
Underwent a comprehensive restoration
Paintwork is authentic to the car, and was specially mixed by Paint Shop Supplies Durham
In current ownership since 2016
When purchased in 2016, recorded mileage was approx 72,000 miles
Since that time the present owner has driven only approx 1,000 miles.
Estimated mileage is 73,000
Winner of Battlesbridge Car Show 'Highly Commended' award in 2015
Took part in an 'Angel of the North' run
Currently indicates 778 miles on a five-figure odometer
MOT exempt and last tested as recently as 2022 - which it cleared with no advisories

Paperwork file includes:

V5c document
British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate
PBIS valuation form
Photographic record of restoration
Photographic record of its partaking in the Angel of the North run
Copy of the Sacramento title
Plenty of MOT certificates and invoices
Rosettes and plaque from the Battlesbridge Car Show

The Condition

Presented in a stunning Alamo Beige livery
Very impressive condition with only marks, commensurate with the paint's age
Light patina to the chromework
Fitted with a period-accurate rear rack
All badges and branding correct
Wire-spoke wheels in very good order
Underside appears solid and nicely kept
Red interior is very nicely kept
We can't spot any rips or tears, only gentle creasing
Some patina around the instruments
However, other than this it's in very good order
MG steering wheel in fine order

The Mechanics

1,588cc (1.6-Litre) B-Series l4
4-speed manual transmission
Engine bay looks in good order
Subject to full rebuild in 2006 and still looks in fine fettle
We understand the care to be in fine working order
This is supported by the car's 2022 MOT

BEFORE YOU BUY

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