The MGA was a British sports car produced by MG from 1955-62. It replaced the MG TF 1500 and was itself succeeded by the MGB. More than 100,000 copies were built in eight years, with most of those cars exported to markets like the U.S. This 1961 edition has the 1588-cc engine and isn’t currently running, but it might not take much to change that. Otherwise, it looks good overall in Pasadena, California, and is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $10,000.
In 1959, the MGA received an upgrade from its original 1489-cc engine that now produced 79 hp. Front disc brakes were added, making it one of the first production cars to have them. There were few physical differences between the MGA 1500 and 1600 besides the badging. The larger engine enabled the car to do 0-60 mph in 13 seconds and top out at 96 mph. At a time when no one carried much about gas mileage, an MGA could achieve 25 mpg.
The seller’s ’61 looks to be in very nice condition, with perhaps a little metal work needed in the back where the bumpers would be. The red paint looks nice as does the black interior, although we’re not sure if both seats are there. We’re told the engine cranks, but it won’t catch, which may suggest an easy fix – although, with temperamental British cars, you never know. If you could get it running without too much trouble, it might be a car you could tool around in right away. This ’61 MGA 1600 was one of 31,500 built.
One of my childhood dream cars here (born in 1982). They used to be so attainable and in the past couple of decades have continued to inch up in price until I have deemed them ‘unattainable.’ This one however looks like a great chance to get in on a beautiful gentleman’s conveyance at a rare price. It also looks like it could turn into a nice way to become a millionaire… you know, as long as you start out a billionaire 😉
This looks like a decent MGA that probably not require a large account of time and money to make it a nice little driver. California car, engine free, repo, nos parts are available and easy to find, price seems realistic. Drive it, enjoy it for years or a few, and make your money back, plus. What’s not to like here?
For many Americans, the MGA was their 1st real 2 seat British roadster in the late 50’s. It was totally modern compared to the spindly T series, that could be had for peanuts. For many, the MGA became their “regular” car, and driven in all types of weather, until that 1st kid came along, it was good-bye MG. As “modern” as the British thought it was, it was actually a dated design for us Yanks, as we moved on to the “Forward Look”, these still looked like our cars from the 40’s. T series from the ’30’s. Brits were always a decade behind, it seemed. The MGB changed all that, but for today, to most, a British 2 seater is a British 2 seater, and this will satisfy that experience, wind in the hair( if any) a rush that can’t be duplicated. Tinkerers will love them. Mechanically inept,,,not so much. Can’t go wrong with a MGA.
In the “Car World”..saying goes. “always buy the best example of a model you can”.. I don’t always agree with this saying as over the years I have purchased both Concourse and Project vehicles..in the end it’s about one’s journey..and the journey can be more exciting then the destination. Either way it’s up to the individual to make those decisions. The MGA is one of the most under rated cars on the Classic car market, as most of us know the Porsche, Ferrari and others have exploded and many look on from the shadows dreaming of owning such a pedigree car.. But they are missing the whole point of the car hobby.. it’s having fun.. and boy will you have fun with this car.. I own Ferrari’s and Porsches and others and are they fun ..yes.. but my MGA is just as much fun..and what I love about the MGA is the price of parts and the ease to work on them.. my car is a Concourse winner and when I drive her I receive so many compliments it’s insane.. more then my Ferrari 246 (believe it or not)..the only guys who comment on the 246 are those telling me how valuable it is (I guess they think I don’t know)..mostly from Asia..not a bad thing but the MGA is universally loved by kids and all sorts of folks..
The leather covered hard wood and aluminum on both doors are missing and are very important. I do not know if replacements are available but I would suspect they will be expensive. Note that the doors, engine hood and rear trunk cover are aluminum and are far more delicate than the fenders and the body. The floor is plywood of marine quality and if the ones here are too far gone making a replacement is a function of a very careful measuring of the metal structure and cutting out a new one to fit. Are the side Curtains there and what condition are they and the top in. Very important as I do not know if top frames are available or if side curtains are available anymore.
I wish there were more photos of the engine compartment as some of these had an engine oil cooler that is very important in the warmer parts of the world.
I agree with others who say that this car attracts people and gets lots of compliments. This car and a TR-3, 4 & 6 are all very high on the fun and smiles per miles range. For me in the Fall of the year a morning drive thru the country with the car warmed up, the tonneau cover in place over the passengers seat, side curtains on but top down is wonderful as the heater is better than you might expect and it will pull the heat right over you. It might look cold but I have driven that way in below freezing weather and only the tips of your ears get cold.
BUT and it is a huge but if your side curtain plexiglas blows out that will freeze you out in no time and if your brother removes the rear battery panel before you go on a date and a blizzard hits while you are in the theater I can assure you that the interior of the car will fill up with snow faster than it falls on the ground and your date will suggest that your parents were not married at the date of your birth and worse. WOMEN no sense of adventure. But then I never had to see her again so maybe it all worked out. LOL
Always amazed that so called car enthusiasts think that they can take someones long dead project like this MGA and ” easily” FIX it, drive it around a bit and flip it for a profit. Or even recover investment of time and labor. Your time must be $.10/hour and you are the best rigger in your village. Very rarely have I seen this . By other than very professional shops.IMHO.
My 1959 MGA (1st car) had the 1489 (1500) engine in it. Perhaps they came out with the 1600 later in the year? When I bought it, the two 6 volt batteries under the cover behind the seats wouldn’t hold much of a charge. Being a broke high school kid, I drove it quite a while by starting it using the crank stowed in the boot (trunk). I was somewhat of a celebrity around town as people got used to seeing do that frequently.
First love a ’55 bought in France in 1957. Four years of great driving all over Europe. Followed by a 1961 Porsvhe 1600 Super and later a new MGB in 1968. Great years,
Andy.