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Parked in 1970: 1962 MGA Mk II

Finding a project car where the work has stalled is not that unusual. Finding one where it has stalled twice is much rarer. That makes me wonder how many cars we’ve seen come across the desks here at Barn Finds, where things have stalled three times. That is the story behind this 1962 MGA Mk II. The first attempt was commenced when the little Brit was parked in 1970, and someone really needs to bite the bullet and get it finished. If you think you are that person, you will find the MG located in Orange City, Florida, and listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has hit $5,545, and with the reserve met, maybe the luck is about to change for this classic.

A student owned this little beauty and drove it regularly until he graduated in 1970. He parked the car intending to restore it, but he admitted defeat after four years and sold it to a friend. That person pulled the engine and transmission, and once again, it stalled. The current owner purchased it last year, but he realizes that he is too old to tackle it. The MG started life wearing Chariot Red paint, but that has been changed at some stage. The rear fenders both wear largish dents, but I believe that these are repairable. There is some rust present near the rear plate, but the normally vulnerable areas like the doglegs and rockers look good. The owner doesn’t mention any problems with the frame, so it seems like this has the potential to be a straightforward restoration project. The rear window in the convertible top is damaged, and while this could be repaired, I would probably spend $320 on a replacement top. The wire wheels don’t look bad, and the remaining trim looks to be in a restorable state.

When the previous owner pulled the engine and transmission, he sent the motor off for a rebuild. It hasn’t been kicked into life since. This 1,622cc 4-cylinder unit should be capable of pumping out about 90hp, and while that isn’t a lot, the MGA puts it to good use. Point this old girl at a ¼-mile, and the journey will be over in 18.6 seconds. Find a long enough piece of open road, and it should wind its way to 103mph. Neither figure sounds particularly impressive, but when you are as close to the road as you are in an MGA, it feels a lot faster than it actually is.

The MG’s interior is looking quite sad, and this is another area where the buyer will need to weave their magic. At least it is mostly complete, so there is something to work with. A trim kit and the components to return the dash to its former glory are easy to find, and the whole lot should cost around $1,800. That is surprisingly affordable and includes leather covers for the seats. The trim will need to be in Beige or Beige with Red piping if this is to be a faithful restoration.

This 1962 MGA needs some work, but providing the bidding doesn’t go too high, it could be worth the effort financially. You will struggle to find a decent example in the market for $30,000, although much higher figures are possible. These also make a fantastic DIY project, and that makes them particularly attractive to enthusiasts. They might not be the fastest classic car on the planet, but cruising down a sunny country lane with the wind in your hair has to sound like an attractive proposition. This British classic has been sitting for far too long, and it deserves to be returned to the road ASAP.

Comments

  1. Avatar photo bobhess Member

    Lot of work ahead but at least something solid to work with. I don’t mind cars like this as you can get started right away on the rebuild without having to do the teardown.

    Like 1
  2. Avatar photo Steve Brown

    This seems like a very affordable project MGA. I hope it finds a home with someone who can put it back on the road.

    Like 0
  3. Avatar photo Gary

    Nice if this one could get back on the road. But the cost of doing so would not be cheap.

    Like 0
  4. Avatar photo Keith Knox

    I had a 59 MGA coupe. Met my wife in it in 1968. Another one that got away.

    Like 0
  5. Avatar photo Richard Cash Snively

    I have restored a 57 convertible and a 60 c oupe, and they are Aleways fun, always more $$ than expected. The aluminum body bits must be handled by someone in the know or it will not fit well. Lots of fun ahead for someone, I just passed on a running 58 in better shape, but that went for 11K. GLWTA…..

    Like 0

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