Description
We deal with so many top class, show level 1950’s and 1960’s sportscars but there’s something really special about a strong, robust and well kept, useable example like this. We last supplied this fantastic driving car in 2020 to a customer of ours in Cambridgeshire and in four years of ownership it has covered 200 miles. With three classics in the garage, use has been limited but on its occasional local runs the car has always proven totally reliable and on the button. Prior to arriving in 2020 the MGA had been with a Skipton based elderly owner for 31 years.
The cars long term owner purchased the car in 1989 from an MGA specialist and he then covered an impressive 19, 000 miles in the MG. As he was approaching his mid-80's, he decided to retire from classic motoring, and allow a new owner to enjoy this real gem and this is when we took the car on in 2020. We fully serviced and prepared the car, this included new front and rear wheel cylinders, brake shoes, brake drums, track rod ends and although not required by law, we had the MG MOT ahead of delivering the car to its next owner.
OSU 263 started off life in the USA, and in 1989 was UK registered and sold to its long-term owner. The sale agreement on the 10th June 1989 included a conversion to right hand drive, an MOT, service, some paintwork tidying and warranty. Over the 31 years of ownership the MGA was exceptionally well cared for, sympathetically restored and maintained with no expense spared with a comprehensive file totalling thousands of pounds with the car. Almost one year into ownership during May 1990 the MGA was treated to a new clutch kit and the gearbox treated to a new first motion shaft seal and lots of invoices for various parts are on file during the early 1990's. In 1994 the cars long term owner decided to have the car stripped down to a rolling shell ahead of a bare metal re-paint. Whilst stripped down, it was treated to various bodywork to include new sill sections and new inner and outer wing panels. All door, wing and sill gaps were set up, the engine bay sandblasted and the car fully re-painted and then built up with all new seals and gaskets. The underside was Dynatrol treated and 30 years on since the body restoration, the MGA still presents incredibly well.
Continual improvement into 1995 included a new exhaust system and new front suspension lower fulcrum bushes and annually various replacement parts kept the MGA in strong mechanical condition. In 2004 the MGA engine and gearbox were removed and rebuilt. The engine was rebuilt with a new oil pump, crankshaft and bearings, and the gearbox comprehensively rebuilt with new layshaft bearings where required. During 2006 a new dynamo was fitted, a water pump fitted in 2010 and the cars annual service that year included new rear shock absorber link arms and brake service. In 2011 front shock absorbers were replaced, ignition items were replaced during the 2012 service and in 2013 the cylinder head was skimmed, combustion chambers de-coked, gaskets replaced and the carbs balanced. During the 2015 and 2017 services little above the basics were required and after a few years of very little use we then prepared the car for its next owner.
Four years on since last seeing the car the MGA has arrived with us in exceptionally good order throughout. Almost 10, 000 miles on since the engine rebuild in 2004 we can report a strong, fit healthy 1489cc engine holding very good oil pressure. The engine sounds excellent, and the driving experience is enhanced with a lovely, exhaust note. The gearbox is smooth, and the MGA handles well. This is a true driver's car, it has lovely road holding and is capable of long distance touring and regular use. OSU 263 presents well, the Old English paint has aged nicely with high quality look and feel, the brightwork is in very good order and the car has a nicely toned down look with original steel wheels. The interior trim is well presented with patina, and the engine bay great as a typical driver's car, and it's clear from the impressive maintenance file this car has had anything its needed over the past 35 years. OSU 263 is a credit to its last owners and will suit someone who wants to get out on the open road and enjoy true 1950's open touring in a reliable fashion.
