Fantasy Junction

Description

1960 MGA Roadster
Chassis No. – GHNL73944
Engine No. – 16GA/ U / 5262
Exterior Color – Light Blue
Interior Color – Black vinyl with Ivory Piping
Engine Type – 1622cc DOHC Inline 4-Cylinder
Gearbox – 5-Speed Ford Sierra manual
Current Mileage –4,325 miles (TMU)

Marque and Model History

The MGA was introduced in 1955 as a welcome and modernized version of the aging MG TF. Combined with reliable mechanicals and superb road manners, the beautifully designed low-profile sports car became enormously popular in North America. Initially offered with a 1500cc engine producing 68hp, the later series 1600cc engine developed 78hp making for more spirited driving. Highly favored for their ease of service, sporting characteristics, and beautiful lines, these same traits continue to delight contemporary collectors seeking a desirable and affordable 1950s open sports car.

History of this Car

This example was purchased by the original owner on November 2, 2002. Formerly located in Utah, the body and chassis were very sound as the starting point for a restoration. Meticulous in his record keeping, the owner kept a highly detailed ledger showing all parts purchased for the restoration including notations on special services such as machining, suspension work, rebuilding of parts, and special notations for fluid specifications, engine specs, and numerous other details. Additionally, invoices from British Sportscar Center concluding the restoration work and follow up services are also included. The restoration was completed in 2005. Over the past 21 years, the owner has continued to service and maintain this MGA, driving it just over 4,000 miles since the restoration was completed.

During restoration, the owner tastefully upgraded the car with mechanical improvements while thoughtfully retaining all the desirable and authentic MGA features. Improvements to the engine include rebuilding the engine with a balanced rotating assembly, a lightened flywheel, cylinder head flow improved with specialized head work, performance exhaust header, carburetors rebuilt using Grosejets in place of flat valves, a mild Delta KB camshaft (specs included in build records), a Pertronix electronic ignition upgrade, and the original fuel pump replaced with a modern electric unit. Additionally, the filler neck for the fuel tank has been modified for easier refueling using modern fuel pump nozzles. As part of the carefully selected upgrades, the 4-speed gearbox was replaced with a fully synchromesh Ford Sierra type 9 5-speed gearbox. This gearbox retains similar original gear ratios but vastly improves highway driving at lower rpm with less strain on the engine when using the 5th speed.

In addition to the engine and transmission improvements, the suspension, steering and brakes have also been rebuilt including all hydraulic lines, rear brake wheel cylinders and shoes, rear brake drums turned, a rebuilt front left caliper and new right caliper, new front rotors and pads, new master cylinder, clutch slave cylinder, new rear leaf springs and front coil springs, new wheel bearings with Lithium grease, new A-arms and picots, new rear axle and rebound straps, and rebuilt front and rear shock absorbers. A newer non-lubricant type rack and pinion steering rack (supplied by Moss Motors) replaces the original. Finally, all four wheels were sent to Stockton Wheel where they were trued, and their radial and lateral runout properly addressed to prevent road vibration.

General Overview

Today this handsome MGA presents very well throughout. The high quality restoration continues to impress particularly for those who enjoy driving their cars, attending local gatherings, and participating in MG club events. Although the restoration has aged, the distinctive light blue paint is glossy and smooth throughout, having benefited from indoor storage and thoughtful enthusiast use. Panel fit is quite good for all opening features with good closure for the doors, hood, and trunk. Minor chips are evident on the front fascia but otherwise the finishes overall are very nice. The exterior chrome, lenses, windshield, lighting, and emblems remain excellent as well. The grille is particularly nice as are the silver painted steel wheels and plated wheel covers. A set of Nexen SB-802 165/80R15 tires are mounted.

The interior presents very well throughout. The black vinyl seats are nicely restored with ivory piping and correct pleats. The driver’s seat has two small vinyl repair bonds, and the matching center armrest is fronted by an adjustable cup holder. The matching side panels and door cards are consistent with the interior condition and modest use. The dash is very nice with beautiful chrome trimmed instruments showing excellent dial face color and detail. The black carpet is clean and properly fit, though also showing signs of use, aided by rubber floor mats. The black canvas convertible top is in very good condition and fits well to the clean chrome trimmed windshield when the top is latched snugly in place in the up position. A matching black canvas center zipper tonneau cover is included and can be quickly snapped into place for single driver cruising or completely zipped closed at the center for full coverage when parked. The trunk retains a stock appearance housing a matching silver steel wheel and spare tire hold down.

Under the hood, the engine and engine compartment reflect an accurate restoration retaining impressive and correct finishes. The uprated 1622 cc engine has been nicely finished in the correct maroon MG engine color. The cowl and inner fenders are finished in satin black, while the various engine accessories are correctly presented, some of which show only mild patina from general use. The dual polished carburetors are fitted with a set of modern foam air cleaners. The underside of the car is in very good condition displaying a combination of original and restored finishes which have held up well, benefiting from the California climate. A pair of dual 6 volt batteries are installed. There are no visible signs of structural damage to the frame or suspension mounting points.

The car starts easily and settles into a smooth idle. Manual choke allows for a brief warm-up period as systems come to operating temperatures. The uprated five-speed gearbox is easily engaged, and the car accelerates smoothly with consistent operation in all gears. As we’ve sold many MGAs over our 50 years of business, the driving experience in this MGA must be counted as one of the best driving examples we’ve had the pleasure to represent.

Included with this Car

This MGA comes with the original rebuilt gearbox, original driveshaft, and original bell housing, a black canvas center zipper tonneau cover, a set of side windows with sliding plexiglass panels, numerous MG reference books, an original MG driver’s handbook, MGA workshop manual, an original type exhaust manifold, spare clutch, a compression gauge, timing gun, a set of SU carburetor adjustment tools, a spare speedometer cable, spare 5-speed gear shift knob, a BMC AM radio, tire changing tools, a jack, and a battery tender.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

Inquire About This Car

Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608