1961 MGA COUPE
SPECIFICATION
YEAR:
COLOUR:
INTERIOR:
TRANSMISSION:
ENGINE CAPACITY:
BHP:
1961
Chariot Red
Black Leather
Manual
1600cc
81
The MGA is oft quoted as one of the prettiest sportscars combining, as it does, voluptuously flowing lines and an extremely well balanced engine. A complete departure from the previous wood-framed models, it employed a new streamlined monocoque body and a free-revving B-series motor.
Built on 18th September 1961 and delivered new to the USA just ten days later, this lefthand drive example is, under close analysis and in accordance with its Heritage Certificate, one of just 156 built in Series II fixedhead coupé configuration examples manufactured for the North American Market.
It returned to the UK from Illinois in 1972 and was then tucked away for 30-odd years. During this new ownership, the car had undergone a four-figure restoration and repaint. In 2017, it passed to the new owner and underwent another full, bare-metal re-spray in the original Chariot Red. For this, the engine and gearbox were removed from the chassis and, whilst out, were stripped and rebuilt. Once reunited, the engine and its associated components have been carefully detailed.
The chromework has also been removed and restored and the wire wheels have been refurbished and powder-coated in silver with brand new Continental tyres. A new stainless steel exhaust has been fitted as well as front brake discs and callipers, brake master cylinder, fuel tank, clutch and brake and fuel lines. The interior trim has been replaced with black leather seats piped in red, a white headlining and black carpets. Quite simply, it is an immaculate example and the coupé bodywork makes it an excellent, year-round car. Incredibly, over £57,000 has been spent on this restoration.