1960 MGA 1600 MK1 DELUXE ROADSTER

This MGA 1600 Mk1 Deluxe Roaster is a sought-after example of this popular British sports car, with a very rare factory specification. At the end of the Twin Cam model production, MG still had a stock of Twin Cam body shells and uprated components, so chose to offer them as a special order with a 1.6-litre pushrod engine. This was noted internally as a client ‘Competition’ package, incorporating various options including four-wheel disc brakes, a heater, tonneau cover, close-ratio gearbox, front anti-roll bar, Competition seats, and Dunlop competition steel wheels.

Just 70 examples of the MK1 MGA ‘De Luxe’ are recorded as being built and only 19 of those were right-hand-drive UK market cars. All ‘De Luxe’ models were based upon the Twin Cam body shell, but this 1600 De Luxe is one of only nine with the inner wing accessibility / air flow panels of the Twin Cam. The factory removed these panels from later shells as being not required when using the pushrod engine. Collectors now seek out this variant, as it combines the desirable sporting equipment with the more reliable pushrod engine.

Only 43 MK1 and Mk2 cars with ‘De Luxe’ specification worldwide are registered with the MG Car Club. This car’s specification features Competition seats, Competition suspension incorporating all-round disc brakes, knock-on Dunlop Competition wheels, a heater, windscreen washer and tonneau cover.

First registered on 25 April 1961, this MGA has an indicated 1,601 miles on the odometer, which is believed to be the distance covered since its sympathetic re-commissioning. With just three previous keepers on the log book, the vendor acquired the car in August 2020, and is only looking to part with it due to health issues preventing its future use.

Finished in charming Old English White, the bodywork presents very well and the paint remains in excellent condition. A body-off restoration was undertaken by the second owner, which was subsequently refreshed between 2016 and 2019. With the intention of using it for light competition, the vehicle was fitted with fibreglass wings, though it was not subsequently used in any motorsport events. Close inspection shows no signs of rust across the bodywork, and the vendor points out only a small scratch by the nearside windscreen frame, where a previously fitted side screen has marked it. The hood is in good condition overall, though there is a two-inch split at the rear of the hood that requires a repair.

Having been re-trimmed, the interior is in excellent condition, with black leather accented by white piping. The door tops and tonneau rail show some wear as you would expect from a roadster that has been driven and enjoyed, but it remains a smartly presented cabin. Virtually all of the switchgear is original, but the vast majority of the wiring has also been renewed, meaning the instruments and controls are all in good working order. It is also fitted with new carpets and tailored floor mats.

Offered with an excellent record of the restoration work, the last service was completed in 2019, which consisted of the standard fluid and filter changes. The engine bay presents well, with the 1.6-litre B-Series engine and ancillaries looking clean and tidy, and some charming period-correct details. Thoroughly recommissioned just four years ago, the car has completed around 1,600 miles since then, and the vendor reports that the oil pressure is 40/50 when hot and 20 at idle, with the water temperature on a varied town and country run usually around 180F.

While exempt from annual MOT testing on the basis of age, it has still received recent inspections for peace of mind, with the most recent on 29 July 2019 at an indicated 1,293 miles. This resulted in a clean pass with no advisories. The Pirelli Cinturato tyres are said to have good tread depth, having been fitted during the recommissioning.

This MGA 1600 Deluxe Roaster presents a rare opportunity to acquire possibly the most desirable incarnation of the model, thanks to its clean Mk1 features, factory ‘Competition’ upgrades and the more robust engine. The sympathetic restoration means that as many original parts were retained as possible, while ensuring the reliable and safe motoring. Presented in impressive overall condition, this charming British sports car is ready to be driven and thoroughly enjoyed on the open road.

Work completed during restoration/re-commissioning:

• Powder-coated chassis
• Complete engine and gearbox overhaul
• New head gasket
• New unleaded valve seats
• New thermostat housing and sender
• New gaskets
• New cables and hoses
• New cooling fan
• New heater matrix, heater cables, heater controls
• New heater fascia and heater cables
• New electric washers
• New wiper blades complete
• New steering wheel and centre cap
• New clutch Master cylinder fully refurbished
• New brake master cylinder overhaul repair kit
• New unions and pipes
• New clutch slave cylinder
• New s/steel braided slave cylinder hose
• New wiring loom
• New electrical fittings
• New coil
• New electronic distributor
• New leads and caps
• New radiator and cap
• New twin 12v battery conversion and connections. 80 Amp hrs in total.
• New electronic fuel pump and new fuel line
• New brake pads front and rear
• New brake discs
• New Dunlop brake pistons front and rear
• New s/steel brake lines
• New half shaft seals and gaskets
• New oil and filter
• New antifreeze
• New complete interior refurbishment
• New De-Luxe competition seats
• New quality fitted carpets
• New hood
• Front/rear suspension fitted new bushes
• Steering rack refurbished with new gaiters
• Dunlop knock-on wheels refurbished
• New period Pirelli Cinturato tyres
• New Dunlop wheel stickers
• New radiator
• New fuel tank
• Carbs completely refurbished
• Dynamo/starter motor refurbished
• New rubber mats

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence through HPI checks and MOT history where available. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.