1962 MG A 1600 Mk II Roadster

Initially conceived in 1951, the MG A idea was created by Syd Enever who redesigned a Le Mans TD into something more streamlined. The original TD chassis restricted the development, so a new one was produced that had, amongst other features, side members further apart. The stylish motor car was shelved initially, but a fall in sales of the older models encouraged the company to reconsider and the MG A was officially launched at Frankfurt in 1955. Dubbed the "first of a new line", the ‘A’ was a complete departure from the traditional sports cars MG had previously produced; the model boasted a gently curvaceous body offered as a fixed head coupe or roadster, and was powered by a B-Series 1489cc engine inherited from the Magnette. By the time the Mk II arrived in 1961, the ‘A’ had a 90bhp 1622cc unit and some subtle design modifications. Considered by many to be the prettiest of the ‘new generation’ MGs of the mid-twentieth century, the MG A certainly retains its striking presence on British roads today.

We understand that this Mk II example was the subject of a body-off, bare chassis photographic restoration in the 1990s, and is described by its custodian as ‘still in concours condition’. Certainly, the exceptional Roadster is difficult to fault. The overall appearance is as it had just left the factory, without unnecessary modifications or upgrades, and retaining the correct 1622cc engine. It is no surprise that 8041 AP has won numerous concours awards. The only sensible alteration to the motor car’s make-up is the unleaded cylinder head; for purists though, the original is included in the sale. The ‘A’ has been in the current ownership since 1998 and has clearly been cherished throughout; it is now being offered for sale due to its owner’s change of mechanical interest.

The history file contains a factory workshop manual, a handbook, old MOT test certificates, old road tax discs, the V5C registration certificate, an old issue V5C, a V5 registration document and a VE60 registration book.

Auction Date: 19 March 2015