The success of the TF Midget meant that MG needed to produce something special to continue enjoying a strong showing in the sports car market. The company released the MGA as a worthy replacement, with sales climbing into six-figure territory before the last cars rolled off showroom floors in 1962. Our feature MGA is a final-year example that underwent an older restoration. It has a few needs, but it is a turnkey classic that the winning bidder can enjoy as they plan their restoration journey. The seller has listed this little British classic here on eBay in Novi, Michigan. Seventeen bids have pushed the price to $6,800, which is below the reserve.

By the time the final cars left the factory in Abingdon, England, the MGA had racked up an impressive sales total of 101,476 vehicles. Most left Old Blighty, destined for foreign shores. The vast majority found their way to North America, a market that readily accepted classic British sports cars. The seller confirms that this 1962 model underwent a restoration many years ago, and the healthy shine and lack of significant imperfections in its Chariot Red paint suggest it has been treated respectfully. The panels are straight, the Black soft-top is in good order, and the trim and glass look acceptable for a driver-grade classic. The most obvious cosmetic shortcoming is the wire wheels, which show some deterioration. They could be left untouched, but returning them to their former glory would improve the car’s overall appearance. The panels are free from steel penetration, but that doesn’t mean that this classic is rust-free. The seller identified a couple of problems with the underside, including thin metal where the steel meets the floor timber, a spot requiring attention in the driver’s side inner frame, and previous patches at the front of both spring mounts. However, they do indicate that the car is structurally sound and that the winning bidder could enjoy this classic in its current form.

The seller doesn’t supply any engine photos, but it seems that it retains its original drivetrain. That means that the engine bay should house a 1,622cc four that sends 90hp and 97 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a four-speed manual transmission. This classic will hardly set the world alight, but with that four tasked with shifting a mere 2,030 lbs, the MGA is a surprisingly energetic performer that will top 100mph. The seller indicates that this gem doesn’t see regular use, although it has always been appropriately maintained. The list of recent work is extensive, with the car receiving a Petronix ignition system, a stainless exhaust, a new battery, a range of new brake components, and sundry other parts that ensure it is a turnkey proposition. The only mechanical malady requiring attention is a weeping rear wheel cylinder, but replacements are cheap and easily installed. Therefore, the buyer can enjoy this MG immediately while they formulate their strategy for recapturing its youthful good looks.

One aspect of this MGA requiring little attention is its interior. Lobbing at a Cars & Coffee with the top down will cause the winning bidder no shame because it has no appreciable flaws or problems. The Black upholstered surfaces are free from wear and distress, while the dash and gauges are excellent. The carpet is in good order, and the car retains its distinctive “banjo” wheel. The dash houses an aftermarket radio/cassette player, although, since it appears that nothing was cut during the installation, reinstating a factory radio would be straightforward.

This 1962 MGA 1600 Mk II isn’t perfect, but it is a turnkey classic that someone could enjoy immediately. These are an attractive proposition as a first restoration project, or for an experienced hand who enjoys nothing better than being hands-on with their build. The ability to hit the road immediately will afford the winning bidder the opportunity to assess every aspect of this classic, allowing them to address its shortcomings to create the car of their dreams. The seller indicates that their auction reserve is quite low, which could allow it to remain within affordable territory when the hammer falls. Therefore, monitoring this listing should be worth the time and effort.