1961 MGA 1600 Roadster RUST FREE nicely restored car GREAT DRIVER

Price: - Item location: Hopkinton, Massachusetts, United States
Description:

1961 MG MGA

What a GREAT DRIVING MGA! Yes I really am selling this car NO RESERVE!
This is my own personal 1961 MGA 1600. All numbers matching and simply a BLAST to drive! This is the second generation of MGA's with the larger 1.6 litre engine producing 80 HP. The car currently shows 76,000 miles which I and the previous owner believe to be accurate. I'm 6'3" and I fit into this car beautifully thanks to the long tunnel.
The history of the car as told to me when I bought it is that it is a Southern car that was restored in the mid 90s. It was completely disassembled and resprayed in the correct 1961 MG White in nitrocellulose lacquer. The interior was re-trimmed in lovely Bourdeaux colored vinyl with new horsehair seat stuffing. New correct carpet was installed. The four original knock-off wire wheels were trued and resprayed in the correct silver color. The motor and transmission were rebuilt and a new clutch and pressure plate installed. The drum brakes were relined and all new hardware installed.
The car is in very nice shape as you can see. The lacquer paint has aged gracefully, and was just recently buffed to a reasonable gloss. There are some small chips filled in, and the passenger's door shows some evidence of being slammed too hard producing a small flat spot and some cracks in the paint on the upper section- this is a fairly common MGA issue. As you can see from the photos the doors don't hang perfectly - I'm sure someone with more talent than me could make them fit perfectly, but I recently had the latch mechanisms rebuilt so the doors now close effortlessly. The lacquer paint looks good everywhere but on the shelf in the engine compartment- a little bit of brake fluid has eaten it away- The leak is fixed and I'm sure this part could be resprayed- but I don't mind it. The windshield has a small crack on the lower passenger side- which I have pictured.
The car comes with the original, unrestored Convertible top frame and side curtains. The are absolutely restorable if you should want these items for daily use- I just stay away from the raindrops! The car has a lovely Moss Motors tonneau cover that zips up in the middle and fits well.
I just recently replaced the steering wheel, front bumper and grille to the tune of $2600. The originals are included if you want them. The heater blower box and controls were removed when the car was restored and, in an effort to stay "lightweight", never reinstalled. I still have the heater box and hoses so if you want to add heat you should not have too much trouble.
The best thing about this car is how clean and rust free it is. Wheel wells are crisp and clean, undercarriage is crisp and clean- really a well preserved car! Pull up the carpets and you get nothing but clean white sheetmetal. The wood floors are recent replacements. The exhaust is newer, only the pipe connecting it to the manifold looks older. The twin rebuilt SU carbs are working great- The entire fuel system was thoroughly gone over with a new fuel pump a few years ago.
The car starts right on the button, comes off-choke quickly and idles smoothly. power is excellent for a 1600- the car pulls hard through all the gears and comfortable sits on the highway at 65 MPH with no trouble. The gearbox is nice and tight, and as long as you don't rush those 1-2 shifts there's no graunch at all. All the gauges work fine even the fuel gauge. The signals work but do not stay on- I'd budget for a new turn signal switch. Headlights and taillights work fine and the car passes inspection every year and is currently registered an insured in my name.
This is a nice looking GREAT driving car that could for a fairly reasonable budget be turned into a $55,000 "Restored" car. I would think the next buyer will keep her as-is and simply enjoy the fantastic pleasure of driving a well-tuned British Roadster on pleasant days.
The car is for sale locally so I reserve the right to end this auction at any time. You of course are welcome to come to my West-of-Boston garage and check her out prior to end of auction. The car is gassed up and ready!