When a person finds themselves “on the carpet,” that’s generally a sign that they are in trouble with someone higher up the food chain. However, the opposite appears to be the case with this 1962 MGA Mk II. The fact it spends its downtime parked on carpet in a dry garage suggests it is its owner’s prized possession, and its overall condition makes it easy to see why. It is an unmolested survivor with a genuine 26,000 miles on its odometer. All good things must end, with the seller listing it here on Craigslist in Orlando, Florida. They set their price at $35,000, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this beauty.
MG commenced MGA production in 1955, with the model soldiering on until 1962. During its production run, the factory offered twelve paint colors. However, only Black and Old English White remained available for the duration. This MGA wears the second shade, which holds a healthy shine. The seller doesn’t expressly state that the paint is original, but the listing suggests this is true. The photo quality isn’t the best I’ve seen, but they create a positive impression. There are no significant paint flaws or problems, and the panels are laser-straight and rust-free. The seller doesn’t mention any issues with the floors or frame, but the lack of visible corrosion and the life spent garage-kept are encouraging signs. The Black soft-top fits tightly, with no signs of rips or other problems. The chrome and glass look excellent, and the wire wheels are flawless.
The impressive presentation continues when we examine the MG’s interior. The dash is immaculate, which is significant considering that it is one aspect of the interior prone to deterioration. The gauges feature clear lenses and crisp markings, the factory AM radio occupies its rightful spot, and the “banjo-style” wheel is as-new. The upholstered surfaces continue the positive theme, with the Black door trims and seat upholstery looking factory-fresh. One potential disadvantage of owning a classic convertible is that it is virtually impossible to hide any interior shortcomings. That isn’t a consideration with this MGA because its new owner could take it anywhere with their head held high.
Post-war classic British sports cars are renowned for featuring engines with modest power outputs, and the 1962 MGA Mk II is no exception. Its 1,622cc B-Series four-cylinder powerplant sends 90hp through a four-speed manual transmission to the rear wheels. Although this classic tips the scales at a relatively light 2,030lbs, the journey down the ¼-mile would take 18.6 seconds before this little Brit ran out of breath at 103mph. However, the lack of ponies under the right foot doesn’t equate to a bland or uninspiring driving experience. Like many of its contemporaries, the MGA features an exceptionally low ride height and center of gravity. That makes them agile handlers, and the occupants’ proximity to the ground makes the MGA feel significantly faster than the speedometer indicates. I speak from experience when I say these are a blast to drive on a twisting ribbon of tarmac. One intriguing aspect of this MG is its ownership history. The seller dangles the bait of referring to a previous owner as a famous writer but doesn’t elaborate. That is slightly cruel because it leaves us wondering who that person could be. They say it has a genuine 26,000 miles on its odometer, but they don’t mention verifying evidence. After years of inactivity, they revived this gem, ready to be driven away with a new owner behind the wheel.
While 1962 MGA Mk II values continue to climb, they haven’t kept pace with some of the “movers and shakers” in the classic world. However, the growth remains healthy, suggesting these little Brits should represent a sound long-term investment. This is especially true if the car is a low-mileage and unmolested survivor. This MG meets that description, and although the asking price is close to the top end of the market for a vehicle of this caliber, it isn’t unprecedented. It has been on the market for a little more than a day, and I won’t be surprised if it quickly finds a new home. It makes me wonder whether that home could be with one of our loyal Barn Finds readers. If it is you, I hope it provides years of classic motoring pleasure.
The MGA never had a problem with the floors. They are plywood. The big problem is the hollow frame, It rusts out from trapped moisture even from otherwise perfect cars. Nice car. Hope they get their price.
It might have a hollow frame but it is constructed using a very heavy gauge steel so should be in good condition bearing in mind how the whole car has been cared for. On a different tack, I have never seen an MG A with tail lights like this one has. All of the MG A’s that I have seen have had perpendicular tail lights, not horizontal. Have these been installed where they are now or are they in their original position?
Hello Solosolo….my 62 MGA had the same rear lights….perhaps this was peculiar to export models….it does render the look of a lower profile. which was what American cars were trying to accomplish back in the day!
All the best in this newest of years, 2023!
Jules
Solosolo and Jules, the horizontal tail lights were standard fitment on all Mk iis.
From memory, in Australia, the last of the MG As had those horizontal lights. I think that they were fitted to all the 1622cc cars, perhaps not. It also seems that they were fitted to the one with the more vertical grills.
It would be a logistical nightmare trying to find the right car book in my shed. Maybe tomorrow?
It is a MK II that’s why it has those rear lights
This is a 1962 MK II. They featured horizontal tail lights and a different grill. (Notice the “step” in the bottom of the grill just above the bumper.) MGA made two “upgrades” to the small tail lights they first had when the car was introduced. Both upgrades “increased” the size – first for the vertical one – by making it longer; (look at the 1600 models); and then by turning the tail lights horizontal (MK II).
They are actually lights from the Mini, they just yanked them off the BMC parts shelf and angled them up..
This last series MGA is a perfect example of change for the sake of change:
those ugly horizontal tail lights and the indented grille can’t compare with the simplicity of the earlier A’s. Nice car, though.
Nice looking car, but I never liked those tail lights…
A must have in any MGA fans collection.
LOVE THE HORIZONAL LIGHTS!
Makes for clean profile lines
Tail lights and luggage rack, ugh…. Loved my ’55 for four years in Europe late fifties.
Andy.
At least, the carpet will soak up and help to contain the oil leaks. If it’s from GB, (unless the engine, transmission, and differential have been been drained, it leaks oil. I had a BSR record turntable that leaked oil.
I harrassed the MG salesman in 1962 and took one for the weekend in a Kansas winter. Heater/defroster couldn’t keep up but a buddy and I had fun for the weekend. I didn’t like the feel of every bump in the highway and later found out that installing seat belts and snugging them down would have solved the problem. I still have a desire for one or the Healy that I really love. Brings back some great memories.
Loved our 62 MGA (identical to this one, colour, luggage rack and all) The only mods we did were oak dash, hickory surrounds at cockpit, brooklands wind screens and webber carb. Maybe the last real car that could be classically called a “sports car”! Sold it to a neighbour in 1987 who painted it an awful candy apple red!
@Jules. Thanks for the clarification re the tail light positions. I looked at many pics of MG A’s but none of them showed horizontal tail lights. Happy and Prosperous New Year to you and all BF followers.
The horizontal taillights are a MKII item. I prefer them since it cleans up the fenders. To each his own.
Fifty years ago when I was driving a TR3 I could never figure out the attraction of the MGA – in comparison to the Triumph, every example I drove felt absolutely gutless and claustrophobic in comparison to the low-cut doors of the 3.
The MG A was gutless in comparison to my TR 3a. From light to light it didn’t stand a chance. Not surprising really as it only had a 1600cc motor whereas the TR had a 2 litre lump. Nice little cars though and the MG slogan summed up the marque, “SAFETY FAST.! They just took a long time to get to the FAST part!
As an Aussie, we had these in abundance back in the day and I’ve driven most early MGs. I really like the As despite the fact they handle like wallowing bags of feces. Lovely styling and lovely car but 35K ?!?!?! In your dreams. No way Jose or Hose B.
gotta be one of THE Best day’s selections (lookin at today’s ‘cover page’) plus great write ups. U guys went upa level in the publication world today, esp since the changes ahfew yrs ago w/the increased automation on site.
This 1, such a beautiful car, carries on some of the ‘late 30s – very early 50’s (european/merican) “sexy” lines’ (almost feminine in form). One to keep me motivated thru rest0(mod) asa kid in the 1960s/70.
I picked up 1 of these w/a ‘sun gear’ OD from Goldies JY in abt ’67. Most I got there (Quincy, MA) were of Italian extraction. Rest0mod those beaitiful jewels (50s – early 80) so I could drive something I’d never afford… till the nxt wonder caught my eye. Sell it for $ to purchase the that nxt 1.