Chassis Number: GHNL2/104571

Up until the launch of the MGA at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1955, post-War MG’s were an evolution of the pre-War model line up, culminating with the MG TF 1500. The beautiful design of the MGA body dates back to 1951 when George Philips designed a streamlined body to be fitted to a TD to race at Le Mans, and was a huge leap forward from the older styling of the ‘T’ models. The design used in that exercise is almost the same as that which was used on the production version of the MGA.
Initially, power came from the 1489cc BMC ‘B’ Series engine with twin SU carbs and 68bhp which was soon uprated to 72bhp. In 1958 the MGA 1600 was launched – a high-performance twin cam version with a high compression ratio aluminium head, capacity of 1588cc producing 108bhp and fitted with Dunlop disc brakes all round. Reliability issues plagued the Twin Cam and sales quickly dwindled. A lower compression engine was launched but it was too late and Twin Cam production was ended after just 2 years with just 2,111 examples produced.
In May 1959 the standard MGA 1600 engine was updated to 1588cc, now producing 79.5bhp. Disc brakes were fitted at the front but drums remained at the rear. Some examples were fitted with leftover four wheel discs and special wheels from Twin Cam production and sold as De Luxe versions, although they are very rare with just 82 Coupés and Roadsters built.
1961 saw the introduction of the final iteration of the MGA 1600, the Mark II. Capacity increased slighty to 1622cc and the cylinder head was redesigned with larger valves and re-engineered combustion chambers, increasing horsepower to 90bhp. A higher ratio back axle was fitted to enable more comfortable high speed touring. MGA production ended in 1962 with the introduction of the MGB and by this time just 8,198 Mark II Roadsters and 521 Coupés had been built.

This motorcar in particular was completed on the 30th October 1961 and dispatched the following day for export to California. Where it remained changing ownership three times and the current owner purchased the car from a sports car dealer in Marina Del Ray in December 1992.

The car was imported into the UK in November 1993. After import it it was subject to a 2 1/2 year ground up restoration. We carried out the chassis/bodywork restoration on our Carbench System. It was then returned to its original specification of black bodywork with red trim and a grey hood.

At this time an original works aluminium hardtop was fitted to the car with side screens. A fully photographed and documented restoration file is included.
This particular MGA was specified with the following options. Adjustable steering column, Fresh air heater and demister, Windscreen washer, Anti-roll bar.

A worthy note is that the car is fitted with a wonderful 5-speed gearbox conversion, the original gearbox is included in the sale. A substantial spares package including a painted boot lid with luggage rack and a complete factory toolkit.

This MKII is also the cover feature of ‘The MG Story’ by Malcolm Green.

Since restoration the car has been fastidiously maintained and we can certainly say this is one of the finest MGAs on the market currently.

To find out more about this vehicle please contact charlie@brooklandscarsltd.com in our sales team for further details, viewing by prior appointment.
Telephone: +44 (0)1932828545
Mobile: +44 (0)7557 878123