Fantasy Junction

Description

1955 Arnolt MG Coupe s/n 26611 Red with Tan Interior and Red Piping The Arnolt MG was the result of American, Italian, and English collaboration. Mr. Arnolt was an eccentric American enthusiast, industrialist and businessman who had a Chicago-based MG, Riley, and Morris distributorship. At the 1952 Turin Auto Show, he saw a special Bertone body on an MG chassis and arranged to buy 200 bodies to place on MG TD chassis and sell as complete cars. Eventually, after the construction of 102 examples, MG was no longer able to supply chassis, and to make good on his deal with Bertone, Mr. Arnolt started another project with them, which would evolve into the Arnolt Bristol. The MG Arnolt was a more elegant, spacious, and refined alternative to the standard MG TD, and was available in both open (35 examples built) and closed (67 examples built) form. The doors, hood, and engine lid were made of aluminum, and the body welded to the chassis rather than being bolted. The cars were generally fitted with the standard 1250cc engines, though a small number of cars were fitted with the 1500cc MG TF engine. They cost about a third more than a standard MG TD, which also contributed to the low sales volume. This particular matching numbers car was fitted from new with a 1500cc engine and was well optioned, with Borrani wire wheels, heater, radio, and fresh air ventilation system. It is believed to be a California car from new, and has certainly been in California since the late 1960`s and still wears black plates. It has enjoyed few long-term owners, and was comprehensively restored to show-winning standards between 2000 and 2002. The restoration was extremely comprehensive but also sympathetic, with a conservationist approach. Parts were left unrestored as possible, and restored rather than being replaced when possible. The engine was totally rebuilt, with new camshaft, pistons, rings, tappets, valves, guides, springs, and head gasket. The crankshaft was machined and a Moss Motors crankshaft seal fitted, along with a spin on oil filter conversion. The timing chain and tensioner were also replaced, and the head decked. All parts were balanced before assembly. The ancillaries were rebuilt as well, including oil pump, water pump, starter, generator, and radiator core. The clutch and pressure plate were also renewed. The suspension was also rebuilt, front and rear, with redone rear leaf springs, new brake shoes, springs, wheel bearings and seals, ring and pinion, and rebuilt wheel and master cylinders. The Borranis were restored and powder coated, and the tires were also replaced. The complete exhaust system was replaced, and various other components restored or replaced including tachometer gearbox, speedometer, SU fuel pump, gas gauge sender. The gas tank was boiled out and recoated inside and out. The car was completely repainted, and a new wiring harness fitted, while the chrome was renewed as necessary. The interior was completely redone using the original patterns. German square weave carpeting was employed, and the headliner replaced. The original lamps have been retained throughout, with the exception of the trunk light, which is a reproduction item. The car was subsequently shown many times, and won several first and second place awards between 2002 and 2007. The car has proven to be very reliable and was driven to shows in both Arizona and British Columbia, both of which it won(!). The car comes with much documentation in the form of receipts, and photographs from during and after the restoration. Cosmetically, the car is very attractive and presentable. The paint is fairly high quality and the panel gaps are very good. There is minimal wear and little evidence of surface preparation issues. The Marchal head and spot lamps are unrestored and show some patina, and the remaining glass is perhaps original as well. There are some wiper marks to the windscreen but it has the correct original style stenciling. The chrome has been selectively renewed but has some light pitting to the front bumper. There are numerous interesting details throughout, such as the door handles and the spring loaded hood stay, which will look familiar to those with experience with period coach built Italian car. The interior is very nice and is enhanced by the quality materials used throughout, including German square weave carpets, leather upholstery, and wool headliner. The dashboard instruments and switches are in good order, though the paint on the dashboard is wrinkling in places. A vintage Motorola radio is fitted, and the general level of craftsmanship is very high. The engine compartment is very tidy and well-detailed. It is extremely clean, and there is a built-in battery tender. The trunk is upholstered to the same high standards as the interior, using the same carpeting. Dynamat sound proofing was employed, and the spare is also a Borrani wire wheel. The underside is solid and tidy, though not detailed for show. This is an extremely rare opportunity to acquire a reliable and usable example of this interesting car. Mr. Bertone is often quoted as saying that his dealings with Mr. Arnolt saved the company during their time of hardship, and for that motoring enthusiasts should be very grateful indeed. Without Bertone, there would not have been many automotive greats from the Alfa Giulietta Sprint and GTV, to the Lamborghini Miura, Countach, and Diablo. This particular example is in excellent cosmetic and working condition, and is ready to be enjoyed with great peace of mind. It is a no excuses car that comes with much documentation, knock-off hammer, and jack. Of the approximately 100 Arnolt MG`s built, about 27 coupes are thought to survive, making this an almost unrepeatable find, especially as a 1500cc example.

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.

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

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