1961MGA 1600 Mark I Roadster

This MGA was purchased by my father in 1991 and owned by him for the next 33 years. According to the Heritage Certificate (included, of course) it left the factory in August, 1959 in Old English White with a red interior and a grey top and was exported to the North American market (LHD). Factory-fitted equipment included wire wheels, heater, windscreen washers, a grey tonneau cover, and whitewall tires. It now has 73,421 miles. This MGA is offered with a clean South Dakota title and is ready to enjoy.

Over the years my father drove the car locally in the spring and summer, and maintained the car religiously. Receipts for all maintenance and repairs are included with the sale. Typical wear items were replaced over time (brakes, master cylinder, fuel pump, starter, etc.).

In1994 the engine was completely rebuilt. New pistons, timing chain, tensioner, lifters, cam bearings, and seals were installed and machine work included surfacing the head, grinding the crankshaft, cutting valves, replacing all guides, and pressure checking the engine, etc. Carbs were also rebuilt at that time, brake calipers were replaced, a new wiring harness was installed, and new clutch plate, clutch bearing, fuel pump, and steering boots were added. A new and beautiful wood dash from Prestige Autowood was also fitted at this time. Extensive records and photos for all of this work are included. Approximately 2,500 miles have been added since the engine rebuild; the motor is still fresh and strong.

Dayton chrome wire wheels ($1,400) and new tires were added in 2014.

In late 2021 the car underwent a complete body restoration and repaint in an aftermarket color inspired by an early 1954 Corvette color called signal blue. All of the body panels were repaired as necessary and any minor rust issues were addressed. As part of this work the tail lights were replaced with billet aluminum tail light assemblies with a split bezel, in order to better match the flow of the body lines. Stock light assemblies could easily be refitted if that is your preference. An aftermarket luggage rack was also added. There are very, very extensive photos of this process/work where you will see that this car has absolutely no rust whatsoever and has been meticulously restored. This work was done quite well; note the notoriously difficult-to-get-right door gaps, etc. The body work and paint cost over $19,000. In addition, a new front bumper and grille ($600) and a deluxe seat kit and panels in tan leather ($1,400) were added as part of the restoration (note that the original rear bumper was intentionally retained, which harkens back to the car’s earlier history). All receipts and documentation are included in the sale.

The car also comes with the 4 original painted wire wheels if you want them and various manuals (original and aftermarket). The new owner could add a new carpet set and a top in the color of their choice (the frame is installed but no top is currently fitted) if they wish to complete the interior.

Unlike many MGAs out there, this car has a known history, a completely rebuilt engine and other components, and flawless bodywork. It runs and drives as it should and will bring the new owner the same joy that my father reaped from this car.

Notably, receipts for the work recently done to this car exceed the asking price, which reflects a realistic assessment of the market and this car’s place in it. This is a very solid car that with proper care will easily bring the next owner at least another 33 years of joy, as it did for my dad.

Car is located in Vermillion, SD (2 hours from Omaha, NE; an hour south of Sioux Falls, SD; 30 minutes from Sioux City, IA; 5 hours from Minneapolis, MN). I'm happy to discuss the car with you and answer any questions.