1960 MG A 1600- Concours Winning, CA Black Plate

This is a rare find. A single previous owner of a California “Black Plate” MG A 1600. The present owner has had this motorcar since 1969 and has recently competed a no-expense spared concours quality body-off restoration.

The MG A was so revolutionary — envelope-bodied, low, and sleek — that MG started all over at the beginning of the alphabet and named it the MG A. It was a pure two-seater sports car with bucket seats and an instrument panel boasting a huge speedometer and tachometer.

It thus became the first MG sports car to employ BMC’s “B-Series” four-cylinder engine, four-speed gearbox, and a new type of hypoid-bevel rear axle. Along the way, the MGA was treated to gradual but perceptible improvements in displacement, power, and equipment. The MGA 1600 debuted in 1959 with its overhead valve four cylinder engine boosted to 1,588 cc and 80 bhp. Further, the MGA boasted Lockheed front disc brakes as standard equipment, very advanced for its time.

From the exterior, the 1600 was distinguished by its “two-tier” taillights and discreet “1600” badging on the decklid and next to the air vents near the cowl. As with all MG As, the grille was a lowered and laid-back version of the “classic” grille seen on the old T-Series MG. Consistent with its modern streamlined appearance, exterior door handles were not provided, giving the car a clean custom appearance.
This stunning MG A was bought new in California in 1960. The original owner was a school teacher living in Alpine and used her sporty MGA to drive to her school in nearby San Diego. What a perfect car for her to navigate the curvy mountain roads in beautiful sunny San Diego. In 1969 the car was bought by its present owner. For the past forty (40) years he has enjoyed driving the car through the local wine country or to local car events.

In 2005, he competed a full, no-expense spared restoration. The thorough work was performed by the master craftsmen and engineers at British Sports and Imports in Riverside, CA. The results of this body off restoration speak for itself. The car is a stunning concours winner. The owner will pass on his extensive history file of receipts.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTJG5w1RzxU[/youtube]Every piece of the car, every nut and bolt was either replaced or restored. The chassis and drivetrain were completely rebuilt with the cosmetics returned to new standards without being over-restored with high gloss, chrome, etc. This is what a new MG A looked like. And the results are stunning.

The coachwork maintains its original color combination of sexy and sporty red with soft and rich black correct interior. The distinctive look of the factory-spec paint and interior color combination is completed by Grey fender welting which subtly highlights the MG A’s streamlined full envelope design like a painted coachline.

The dashboard is in perfect burlwood that has a gorgeous glossy luster. The chrome luggage rack, chrome wire wheels and knock offs are all new and in perfect condition.

The engine and drivetrain are in excellent, “as new” condition. The only areas where this motorcar could be benefited are the chrome windshield (this was not re-chromed and is in good condition) surround and normal detailing. It will satisfy the most demanding MG owner or first time collector looking for a quality sports car that can be driven to shows and events and then polished up and shown with pride and pleasure

This is a proper sports car that is waiting to be enjoyed by its new owner. Please feel free to contact us about this motorcar, but don’t wait too long. What is more desirable than a two owner, black plate California MG A 1600 that has been fully restored by its owner of 40 years?

Asking: Sold!  Off to France!

Make an offer now!