1962 MG MGA

Roadster

1600

Manual

GHNL2107819

Clear

**Note: Being relisted because the person who clicked the BIN shortly after I listed the car then emailed to say they couldn't complete the transaction because they don't have the parking space they thought they did. Lovely! I apologize to all of the folks who had asked intelligent questions and placed bids before the original listing was tampered with.** I've had this MGA for over two decades, and for most of that it was in storage awaiting a restoration it never received. A few years ago we decided to get it up and running so my wife could drive and enjoy it, old paint and all, and now a few kids later I think it is time to sell it rather than put it back in a corner for another 20 years.  As you can see from the attached BMHT certificate this is a legitimate Chariot Red 1962 Mark II 1600 "A," one of the last produced in the final year of MGA production. If you are unfamiliar, these Mk.II 1600 cars have a host of meaningful changes over earlier MGAs which greatly enhance their driving manners and performance. Cosmetics: This is the weak part of this car. It was repainted sometime in the early 1980s and, quite frankly, it is a quick and dirty job. I'd call it shabby chic, and if you didn't wash it for a while it could pass for one of those popular "barn find" cars that are all the rage now. The body, while pretty nice and solid in the important places, has some dents and a few spots of rust- the worst of which are around the driver's side of the rear panel. I think it was bumped there and the bondo has cracked. It isn't a rusty car but the rockers were replaced, I'd guess around the same time it was painted. The frame is super solid and as you can see so is the trunk and all of the inner structure. I took out the spare tire bag, side curtains, spare, and all that stuff so you could see those areas. I can't see anywhere the car has had more than a parking lot type bump, the nose is nice and all the panel gaps are good. The original seats were recovered with the skin of a few bowling-shoe white Naugas at some point as well, and the black convertible top is not original and has the flexibility of peanut brittle. The steering wheel is cracked and in general the car, cosmetically, is not perfect by any stretch. That said, I think it has a great look and people love it because it isn't perfect. It looks like old sports cars used to look, well, when I bought this one!  Mechanical fitness: This is where the car shines. I've spent a lot of time making everything work, and the car perform properly. It runs, drives, shifts, and stops very well. I've had the engine out and replaced the clutch, water pump, rebuilt the carbs, boiled out the fuel tank, put all ethanol-safe fuel system components, had the radiator cleaned and tested, put a spin-on oil filter conversion, and a bunch of other stuff I'm likely forgetting. The entire exhaust from the engine back is a brand new Moss system. All 4 tires are new Vredestein Sprints in the proper size. All of the brake hydraulics have been rebuilt. The front lever shocks were rebuilt by Apple Hydraulics. I don't want to say it doesn't leak any oil, but, it is a lot more like a Honda than an MG in that regard- it is actually housebroken. The battery is new, all of the lights work, and you can hop in, turn the key, pull the start button and go.  Weather equipment: Although not pictured it does have its original, and kinda scruffy, side curtains to go with that peanut brittle top. I guarantee some of the rain won't hit you if you use this stuff. Summary: A very solid, honest Mk.II MGA that runs and drives better than almost every restored one I've ever experienced. It just doesn't look like them. With a decent paint job, an interior kit, and a new top the car would stand tall but I actually like the way it looks now. It is a lot of fun to just hop in and drive and not worry about getting a stone chip or caught in the rain. Plus, the way it runs means nobody will see the imperfections when you effortlessly sail past them sitting by their broken down trailer queen on the side of the road.  I'm located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and am happy to show the car by appointment almost anytime. I have a hoist available as well if you want to see this MGA from the underside. I'm also happy to answer any questions not contained in the text above or provide whatever additional photos (or even videos) via email to sincerely interested parties. If you'd rather talk on the phone just send me your # and a good time to call. And, because there are those few bad apples, now I have to say stuff like please be aware this is a 53 year old British sports car and I can't offer a warranty, and that I reserve the right to end this auction at any time and/or sell the car outside of eBay and all that jazz. Most importantly (and another "bad apple" thing): please only bid or click the "Buy it Now" if you have the means and intent to honor your offer. I've priced the car at what I think is a very fair price to cut to the chase and help it find a new home quickly after all these years in ours. Thanks for your interest in our Mk.II MGA.On Jul-27-15 at 17:20:39 PDT, seller added the following information: To answer some of the most common questions I've been receiving: -Yes the car has its original 1622 Mk.II engine and cylinder head. The engine tag is shown in the photos and the engine number corresponds to the chassis number range of the car per all the MGA websites and literature I have found.  -Yes it has its original front disc brakes. I have replaced all of the brake flex hoses as well as the rear wheel cylinders, rebuilt the master cylinder, and installed rebuilt original front calipers. I noted that all the brake hydraulics had been rebuilt above but it appears I should have been more specific.  -The clutch master has been rebuilt, the slave is new as is the flex hose.  -The transmission is original and the 3 synchros are quite good and the box is quiet. 1st gear, of course, in not synchronized.  -There are no oil leaks to note. It is quite dry.  -The frame is very solid and has no damage that I can see.  -The battery boxes are not rusted out.  -I do have an additional set of side curtains as well as a side curtain bag that I will include, along with a box of additional spare and service parts I've collected over the years. I've been supplying many additional photos to interested parties and if there is something you'd like to see I likely already have a photo of it- so shoot me a note with a good email address and I'll send over anything you'd like to see.  Thanks for all of the interest, and for your patience. I will respond to all questions as quickly as I am able.On Jul-29-15 at 18:37:03 PDT, seller added the following information: More info I have gained through the process of learning more about this car that I ever have thanks to all the questions and photo requests: -A lot of people have asked if the paint could be "saved." Not in my opinion. It is shiny but has 30 years worth of flaws and wasn't a good paint job to begin with, although to the casual observer the car looks great.  -There is some corrosion on the rear edge of the trunk lid (which is aluminum) and in the trunk jamb from water sitting there.  -A lot of people have asked about the rockers being replaced. The outer rockers were replaced, a decent job but not to todays standards of perfection. However the inner rockers are original and after all these years they are rusted. The inner sills (the structural part that the cowl bolts to etc) are very solid- there is a small area of rust on the very top of the passengers side inner sill but it is clear it hasn't gotten worse in years. My plan was always to restore the car and replace the inner and outer rockers when I pulled the fenders and doors off to paint the car. It is a simple job and something anybody thinking of restoring the car should do for a proper restoration. That said, I bet you could drive the car forever the way it is but for a concours restoration I'd undo the 30+ year old work and make it crisp. The inner rockers are $30.00 a side from Moss and the outers are $109 each.  -A prospective bidder did send an inspector who tested the compression and he said it was "excellent." We test drove the car and the oil pressure was a solid 60psi hot (on a 90 degree day) and the water temp was 190F.  -I am told that the speedometer is a later (early) MGB one which explains why it reads high- the gearing isn't compatible with the MGA 3.9 differential. Which is unfortunate because I just spent $250 having this speedometer restored a few weeks ago, but I assume that would make it very easy to sell and buy a proper one for the car to swap in. I've seen a few here on eBay for +/- $125.00 If anybody else wants to come inspect the car, go for a ride, or anything else like that I am around until the conclusion of the auction and can meet almost any time to show you the car.  Thanks again for all of the interest, I'll keep answering the questions as fast as I can!On Aug-01-15 at 12:13:43 PDT, seller added the following information: Hi Again, Just to clarify, since I have had emails asking what my "reserve" on the MGA is or if I'd be willing to "work a deal after the auction," my (very low) reserve was met on the first day of this auction and the high bidder will be the new owner of this car. It will not be re-listed or for sale after the auction, this is now (and has been for some time) a no reserve auction with all real bidders and no shilling or funny business. The car is indeed being sold and the high bidder wins! Best of luck to all and thanks again for the phenomenal response to the auction and all of your kind words. csx-user