1962 MG MGA Mark II - Roadster with Hardtop! FREE SHIP

Price: - Item location: Houston, Texas, United States
Description:

1962 MG MGA

In 1955, G made the momentous decision to make a complete departure from its pre-WW II roots and introduced the "first of a new line" of cars - the MGA. First introduced at the Frankfort Motor Show, he MGA represented a radical departure from the "squared curvaceousness" of the MG T-Series.

The MGA began when an MG designer, yd Enever, enned a sleek designed for George Phillips LeMan's race car. This car placed Enever's body panels on a TD frame and created an MG like no one had ever seen before. Owing to the pure beauty of Enever's work, prototpye was built and presented to British Motor Company ("BMC") chairman, eonard Lord. Initially, ord rejected the idea of building the MGA because he had just signed a deal for Austin with Donald Healey (and unknowingly created what was to become the Austin Healey 3000). However, wing to falling MG sales, ord subsequently changed his mind and ordered the MGA into production.

As with all prior MG models, G adopted a body on frame design which (essentially) took an MG Magnette chassis and bolted the (wooden) floorboards to its bottom. MG then fitted a BMC B-Series engine into the Magnette's chassis and connected it to a traditional 4 speed, on-synchromesh 1st gear transmission. The initial engine placed in the MGA was a 1489 cc engine producing between 68 and 72 horsepower. This engine (termed the "1500"), as remarkably long-lived and extremely durable. The engine gave the car a top speed of approximately 98 miles per hour and allowed the car to go from 0 to 60 in roughly 16 seconds.

The original MGA came equipped with drum brakes at all corners. The car was sold with standard steel wheels but wire wheels were an available option. The convertible version of the MGA could be purchased with an optional hard top. Convertibles did not have roll-up windows and were instead equipped with highly permeable side curtains. Convertible MGA's did not come equipped with door handles. Rather, quot;pull strings" were attached inside the car's doors. The car - in prototypical British roadster fashion - were sparsely equipped with lights, ipers, horn, radio and a heater.

In 1961, fter "experimenting" with a Twin Cam variant and then replacing it with a 1588 cc engine, G produced a "Mark II" version of the MGA. The "Mark II' was equipped with a 1622 cc engine which produced roughly 90 horsepower. It was capable of propelling the car to 105 miles per hour and could go 0- to 60 in roughly 13 seconds. This engine greatly improved the MGA's performance. In addition, he Mark II added disc brakes. Placing aside the increased displacement and the brake modification, he most salient distinctions between the Mark I and the Mark II concerned the front grill and the brake lights. The front grill was redesigned to be "offsetinwards" from the body panels while the rear taillights were rotated horizontally. In addition, he "MGA badge" on the front fenders was modified to read "Mark II." In sum total, hese distinctions are somewhat minor.

MGA's were (and are) widely popular. In fact, f the 101,000 MGA's produced, ver 95% were exported out of England. The car's popularity can be traced to the following factors:

(1) Great looks;

(2) Good performance;

(3) Mechanical reliability; and

(4) Easy maintenance.

At one point the MGA was so popular that it was actually raced in the NASCAR Grand National Series. MGA's have made numerous appearances in movies like Blue Hawaii, nimal House, ool Runnings, nd Guess Who's Coming to Dinner. Recently, he MGA made a conspicuous appearance in the Showtime series Masters of Sex.

1962 was the final year of MGA production. It was replaced by the much lower valued MGB, car which continues to be undervalued by the marketplace.

After I obtained this car, thoroughly inspected it and found it to be in very good overall shape mechanically. The paint was new and the tires were good. The chrome was in acceptable condition and the mechanicals were solid. Further, did not find any rust on the car or the chassis. However, n an effort to stop the incessant oil leaks that plague all MGA's, replaced the rear pinon seal, leaned the case ventilation system and tightened all applicable bolts. After that, replaced the seat covers with a luxurious red vinyl and contrasting black piping. I also had the dash and cockpit pads recovered. I then sourced a new vinyl top but, iven the existing soft top and the hard top, did not install it. In all actuality, t is not absolutely necessary but it is included with the sale nevertheless. Finally, thoroughly cleaned the car and its undercarriage. As it sits, he car does everything you would want an MGA to do - stops, tarts, uns, rives, hifts - and only leaks a minimal amount of oil. Further, t is rust free, s stunningly beautiful and is in virtually perfect running order.

If you are interested in seeing this car in operation then please see my YouTube channel - theBavarianMotors - for a short video.

In regard to value, s of August 2015, he Hagerty's website values a 1962 MGA Mark II Roadster in Condition 1 at $30,000, nd a Condition 2 car at $20,600. Owing to the mechanical integrity of this car, ts rust free chassis, he cosmetic enhancements I have made and its hardtop I believe that this car is closer to a number 1 car than a number 2 car and have priced it accordingly. Obviously, am not in the car business to give cars away (and I will not give this one away) but I am open to negotiate on price.

If you are interested in adding a rock solid MGA to your collection then please feel free to contact Mark Counts at 713-320-3059.

Excellent paint!

Rust free!

Great mechanicals!

New tires!

Fast, exy, eliable!

Wonderful car!