Up for sale is this stunning show winning 1962 MGA MKII roadster that was purchased new by its original owner on April 30th, 1962 in Panama City, Panama. Currently with 44K original miles, this MGA is truly a rare find with original documentation from when the car was purchased off the showroom floor with 4 miles on it.
I bought this MGA from a close friend who was the original owner who sold his car to me last year after he barely survived a serious accident and can no longer drive his beloved MGA.
This car now has only 44,042 original miles and was
lovingly maintained and always garaged and covered. No rust anywhere on frame or sills or in fenders. Never driven in rain or snow EVER! There were only 8,198 roadsters produced out
of 101,081 MGA total production (1/8th of production). Only 1,156 North American Exports were
produced in 1961-1962 making this last iteration of the MGA very sought after
and the most desirable production model. This car was partially restored including repaint and new interior (at a cost of $25K) in 2015
and needs nothing to be used as a daily driver or long summer cruiser.
According to
the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate (Birth Certificate),
this MGA 1600 MKII roadster was completed and dispatched to the US on March 15, 1962.
ID plates on the car match the BMIHT certificate nos. (VIN #: GHNL2/107625). Also a longtime member of NAMGAR. It was
repainted only once in 2015 in its original Chariot RED that it left the
factory in. Dash, scuttle, gauges, all knobs and switches, are original and
operational. The door panels, carpets and leather seats are new. This MGA retains 60
spoke wire wheels that were stronger than the original 48 spoke wheels and has its original
tool roll, King Dick jack and operating
manual and most important of all its original bill of sale from the
dealer in Panama dated April 30th, 1962 that attest to its original
provenance. The owner retained a folder full of service records over the past 62 years. This MGA was raced in Bridgehampton LI in the mid-sixte's and still have the original period Heuer stop watch and Smith clock on the dash, a very valuable period accessory.
Mechanicals: This MGA currently has an 1800cc MGB 3 main bearing engine with larger values and more horsepower than the standard MGA engine, but
I have the original 1622cc engine that came with the car. This was a common upgrade back in the day (1979) for the quest of more power and reliability. Today, its a desirable and sought after upgrade that adds value. This car still retains its original 4 speed gearbox and rear 4:1 diff.
This engine has strong oil pressure and
150 compression across all 4 cylinders. The car drives great and can be
driven anywhere. This car has been lovingly maintained, regularly driven and
always garaged in its 62 year ownership.
This MGA is
very quick and an absolute blast to drive. The gearbox is quiet and pulls well
in all 4 gears without any grinds, noise or hesitation, no white smoke or any
major oil leaks. Downshifting is perfect
and the clutch pressure feels great too, and it is a pleasure to shift up and
down through all the gears.
This engine idles at 800 rpm and is a smooth runner and a very quick
starter. The carbs were rebuilt by Joe Curto. Turn the key, pull out the choke
and with one pull of the starter the car comes to life. It revs quickly with a
terrific exhaust note and settles in a perfect idle after a few minutes. The oil pressure is strong at 40-50 PSI and running
temp is about 190 degrees F when hot. The engine valves were adjusted and I
installed new NGK plugs, wires cap and rotor. The cooling system runs cool with
all new hoses and a 7lb cap. A new gas tank, rebuilt the fuel pump and changed
all the fuel lines and filter. This car still retains its original factory oil
cooler only installed on MkII cars making them very desirable and rare to find
now. Hauer stop watch and Smith clock and luggage rack included with sale of the car.
Brakes were completely rebuilt starting with a new Master Cylinder that feeds both the brakes and clutch. New front disc brake calipers, pads and flex lines. In the rear are new brake cylinders, pads and flex line. The car stops straight and can literally on a dime which is very impressive for a 63 year old car. The clutch slave cylinder was replaced along with new hard line. The clutch feels perfect.
Steering and shocks are in good shape. Its truly a “Drivable Dream”.
Headlights were replaced giving
it a very bright light, horn, wipers, signals, side lights and rear lights and
brake lights and all gauges and heater work as they should.
You can
literally drive it 60 mph all day long and it will go to 105 top speed. It has
a very comfortable and relaxed cruise feel because of the higher 4:1 axle ratio
and seems so much quicker than other MGA’s that I have owned because of its
1800cc MGB engine. It doesn’t make any
road noise or squeaks and just rides and runs very smooth. I’m 6 feet 2 inches and 200 lbs and I fit very
comfortable with the new 14 inch Moto-Lita leather wrapped steering wheel. I
retained the factory original Banjo style 16.5 inch steering wheel.
The following are recent
upgrades, new parts, included parts:
·
New gas tank
·
New complete stainless
steel exhaust system
·
New gas tank, fuel lines and
filters – I use 91 High Octane non-ethanol fuel for better power.
·
New tune up parts (distributor
and ignition wires, cap, rotor, spark plugs, oil change and new oil filter – I
use Valvoline VR1 racing oil 20/50 with Zinc.
·
New radiator cap and hoses
·
New Lucas Bullet type mirrors
·
Original Moto-Lita
Leather wrapped slotted steering wheel (1980 vintage - $500) Original steering wheel included
·
BMIHT certificate
included (birth certificate)
Body: Body and Frame are solid and is rust
and straight and accident free! The car was repainted its original Chariot RED
color in the 2015. Paint looks great up close and is show quality. In fact the
car won 2nd place best of show at Vanderbilt car show on LI in 2022.
What makes this car special is it’s an honest runner that has not been modified
or taken apart in any way. Trunk area,
wheel wells, frame rails, inner and outer sills are all rust free and accident
free? Doors close really nice and tight, door gap lines are as good as they
get.
Lights, lenses,
and all chrome including front grill, bumpers and bumperettes, are original and
in good condition but starting to show wear. You rarely see a 62 year old car
with its original bumpers and grill.
Interior: The
interior in the car was redone by AutoMat and its seats are black with Red pipping
as original. New carpets and top. The dash, scuttle (under the windshield), door
caps, door panels are 100% original and in remarkably great condition!!! Dash looks amazing with all working original
gauges, buttons, and knobs.
Closing: This is a 62-year-old car so it is sold
“AS IS” with no expressed or implied
warrantee or guarantees. I am not a broker or a dealer so this is a private
sale that is final. It is sold “WHERE
IS” in Huntington, New York and if transported will be the cost of the
buyer. You are welcome to see and drive the car to insure 100% satisfaction.
The MGA MKII’s
are very sought after by collectors and car enthusiasts as the last iteration
of the MGA especially with an engine upgrade with its higher horsepower 1800 cc
engine and 4:1 rear axle. Remember a good 1622cc original MGA engine with
original head come with the car if you want to bring back its original state. Hagerty
Insurance Co has an agreed upon value of $39,000. MGA MKII roadsters sold on BAT
range from $18K to $65K . This car is priced fair and reasonable Buy it now.
I have a current
valid transferrable New York registration. If you are a serious buyer and have
any questions or need any detailed photos, please contact me
through email by asking me a question. Thanks for your interest. Dave.