1960 Mg Mga 1600 Roadster Convertible Solid Restoration Project on 2040-cars

The Basics:

You are bidding on a 1960 MGA 1600. The car is in need of complete restoration, but is a very solid starting point to return an MGA to its former glory – or build a modified version the way you want it.  

I purchased the car in May of 2013 as a restoration project after falling in love with the beautiful styling of the MGA. Unfortunately, my current restoration project has drug out longer than I hoped, and I have now committed to helping my son with a restoration also. Rather than let the MGA sit for several more years waiting for resurrection, I offer it up for sale here.

Not much is known about the history of the car. I purchased it from a gentleman in Alabama who purchased it as part of a package deal. I have essentially done nothing with the car since bringing it home, so my knowledge of its mechanical condition is very limited. The transmission shifts through gears and the car rolls and steers fine (tires are shot but will hold air long enough to load on a trailer). I have not been able to turn the engine by hand, but I have not put any effort into it other than pouring some ATF into the cylinders to let them soak.

The Good:

·         The car is nearly complete, as seen in the photos. There are a few small interior items missing, but little else. Of course, nearly every part needs to be refurbished, cleaned, painted, etc.

·         Engine appears to be the original, and the number plates are all in place.

·         Parts of the original plywood floors are gone, and the floor rails need some attention, but the frame overall is very solid. It might need some patchwork in a few places, but it’s much better than any 50-60 year old car that I’ve previously worked on.

·         Side screens are included (also need refurbished)

·         I am also including a tonneau cover which was not original to the car, but actually fits quite well, with just a couple fasteners in the wrong place. The cover is in great shape, and these fasteners could be easily relocated during restoration for a great fitting cover. It is an MGA cover, but these were typically dealer installed options, so fastener location varied.

·         There are a few spare parts that I will include which are not pictured. Nothing of huge significance, but a couple of shut face panels, splash shields, etc. Anything MGA that I have will go with the car.

·         The doors appear to be solid and usable, as does the trunk (boot) lid. Front and rear fenders (wings) will need some dent repair and some lower patching as shown. These patch panels can be made or are commercially available in steel or fiberglass. The hood (bonnet) appears to be buckled, so might need to be reskinned or replaced. The questionable condition of the hood does not show up well on the photos.

·         Wood cockpit trim is in place. It will need to be repaired or replaced, but the originals are there as patterns.

·         Windshield frame is complete and appears solid. The existing windshield has a couple of small “bullseye” marks in it, but it could be reused.

·         These cars are fairly simple, with a huge aftermarket parts market and tons of information available, so it’s a great restoration choice for a beginner or experienced restorer. If you’re not familiar with MGA’s, do an internet search on “MGA Guru” and prepare to be amazed…

The Bad and the Ugly:

·         As stated above, the car needs total restoration.

·         There is some rust through in the trunk, this can be seen in the photos.

·         As with most MGA’s, the rocker panels and sills are shot. Again, these items can be fabricated or purchased commercially.

·         The fabric top is long gone, but the top frame is in place.

·         The battery trays are rusted out – another common MGA ailment with multiple options to fix.

·         The grill is not in good shape, and will likely need to be replaced, not repaired.

·         The rear bumper is damaged pretty severely. Probably not a good candidate for repair.

·         Mechanical condition is largely unknown. As stated above, I do not know if the engine can be easily freed or not.

·         Soft trim items (seats, door panels, etc.) are pretty much destroyed. There is enough left to use for patterns, but that’s about all. Seat frames appear solid, but need some work.

·         Doors do not latch due to wear on the latch pins and latches. Hood and trunk were latched when I received the car and they opened cleanly. I have not re-closed them all the way, for fear that they would freeze up before I got around to the project (that is why they are open in all photos).

·         I don’t think the fuel pump in the car is the original setup. I don’t know what other changes have been made, except the battery was clearly moved to the trunk at some point.

Now for the business side:

I recommend coming to see the car if possible before bidding. I am proud of my 100% positive feedback – which includes the sale of a few cars – but my view of a 54 year old car may vary from yours. I believe my descriptions are accurate and mostly complete (I’m sure I’ll miss something), but INSPECT THE CAR AND/OR ASK QUESTIONS FIRST. This is a project car. You cannot drive it home. However, I believe it’s a great project, and if I didn’t have 8 other cars, she’d be staying here…

The car will be sold with a bill of sale, and I can provide a copy of the bill of sale from when I purchased the car as well. Mississippi is a non-title state for cars of this age. Alabama (where I purchased the car) is a non-title state as well. So, to the best of my knowledge, this car has never had a title. Acquiring a title should not be difficult if needed, but check the requirements of your state.

Potential bidders are always welcome to make arrangements to see the vehicle while the listing is active. Vehicle is not otherwise for sale locally, so I will not be pulling the auction midway through.  Please contact me through an eBay message to make arrangements to inspect.

A $125 non-refundable deposit is due within 24 hours of winning the auction. Balance due within 7 days of auction close. Failure to pay balance in this time frame (unless we have agreed to other arrangements) will result in the car being relisted and forfeiture of your deposit. Final payment can be made in cash when picking up vehicle or cashier’s check or personal check in advance. I WILL NOT RELEASE THE VEHICLE UNTIL CHECK CLEARS – REGARDLESS OF THE TYPE OF CHECK. Cash is preferred. Plan on a week delay with other methods of payment. I will be traveling from September 26 through October 3, so arrangements will need to be made around those dates. Car must be picked up within 14 days of auction close, unless you and I have agreed on other terms prior to the end of 14 days. I will work with you if I can, but I now have 9 cars and a 2 car garage. I am not set up as a storage facility.

Vehicle is sold as-is, where is. If you have questions, please ask prior to bidding. Transportation or pick-up of the vehicle is the responsibility of the buyer. I will work with your shipper in any way I can, as long as payment has been received.