Highlights
- Evocative and stand-out Alamo Beige over red colour combination
- Comprehensive older restoration that has held up very well
- Very usable and presentable Mk1 1600
- 1600 Mk1 considered by many the most desirable of MGAs
- Former Classic & Sports Car cover star
- Thick history file showing restoration and investment
- Original RHD car
The Appeal
The MGA offered buyers a beautifully styled, highly capable entrant in the burgeoning post-war two seater sports car market. For aficionados the ‘sweet spot’ in the car’s development is the Mk1 1600, which combines accessible power with the aesthetics and reliability of the early cars.
This beautiful 1959-built, 1960-registered 1600 Mk1 is attractively finished in the particularly fetching Alamo Beige over red leather. It is an older restoration in very good, solid and presentable condition, making this car ideal for use and enjoyment.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered on 14th April 1960
- Heritage Certificate confirms:
- Built 7-8th December 1959
- Despatched by the factory on 11th December 1959
- Originally supplied in Iris Blue with black interior and blue roof and disc wheels
- Thick history file includes photographs of the body-off, strippd-down restoration by the then owner in what appears to be the 1980s
- Old tax discs, MOTs and invoices included in the file
- Featured on the cover of Classic & Sports Cars magazine in September 2002 including multi-page article on this car
- 1994 Invoice from Oselli for parts totalling over £1,000 for engine rebuild work
- Converted to Alamo Beige (colour code BG9) over red during restoration
- Alamo Beige over red leather was a factory option when this car was built
- The car is MOT and tax exempt and the last MOT expired on 23rd May 2019 with no advisories
- The car has covered only 520 miles since the last MOT test
- Between 2006 and 2019 it was used sparingly, covering less than 3,000 miles
The Interior
- Beautifully detailed older restoration in fine condition with light patination
- MGA interiors are amongst the nicest of the era with wealth of detailing
- Factory correct red leather bucket seats in good condition with light signs of use
- Red carpets in cabin and boot in good condition, indicating older refurbishment
- Covered spare wheel in boot
- Some chips and marks across body-coloured dashboard but not unsightly
- Smiths dials in generally good condition, some chips on circumferences
- Red dashtop roll in generally good condition but with a couple of nicks to note
- Door cards correctly factory styled and in good condition albeit with light scuffs
- Centre armrest
- Smart side screens in red vinyl with Perspex wind deflectors
- Very original interior including radio blanking plate with MG logo
- Stylish factory fitted four spoke wheel with telescopic column
The Exterior
- Evocative combination of pretty Alamo Beige bodywork with whitewalls highlights just how stylish these cars are
- Shapely, uncluttered styling with no door handles to enhance the aerodynamic profile
- Mk1 cars are particularly sought after for their classic detailing such as the rear lights and grille
- This is an older restoration that is deteriorating slightly in places and shows signs of use, but does not appear significant
- Chromework in very good condition with no visible pitting
- The body has a few chips and marks, such as on the nearside rear light plinth and door edges, but is not unsightly
- Smart Atlas whitewalls
- Refurbished hood mechanism with, we are told, a new hood too
- Some marks under the bonnet including chips on the inside edge and rust stains
- Poor paintwork in passenger door inside edge
- Chip on B post on driver’s side and marks on inside edge
- Tiny areas of corrosion and chipped paint on both sills below the door aperture
- Glasswork complete and in bright, good condition
- Factory badging and decals present and in good condition
- Stylish rear luggage rack
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The Mechanics
- 1,588cc 79.5bhp 4cyl engine with twin carburettors
- Engine appears to have been rebuilt in the mid-90s based on invoice for Oselli parts
- Engine number 16GA-U 12640
- 4spd manual gearbox
- Extensive history file
- MOT records show very sparing use since 2006 and just 500 miles since 2018
Summary
The pretty MGA is one of post-war British motoring’s crowning achievements, an aerodynamic shape that was also practical. The Mk1 1600 is particularly sought-after and, like all MGs, backed by unrivalled parts supply and owner support.
This delightful Alamo Beige 1600 is an older, comprehensive restoration that has clearly been used sparingly and with care. In very usable condition it is surely one of the most distinctive classic two-seaters we’ve offered for sale in some time.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
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