Lot 113: MG MGA 1600 Fixed Head Coupe

The MGA replaced the Midget/ T Series cars in 1955 and represented a complete and startling styling break . The car was officially launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show of 1955. It was eventually replaced by the MGB in July 1962. Over the intervening 7 years, BMC sold 101,081 examples, the vast majority of which were exported (mainly to America) with only 5869 cars sold on the home market, the highest export percentage for any British manufactured car at that time. The design actually dated back to 1952 when MG designer Syd Enever created a streamlined body for theTD Le Mans car of George Phillips. This racing prototype suffered from having a high seating position, due to the limitations of using the TD chassis. A new chassis was designed for the A, with the side members further apart and the floor attached to the bottom rather than the top of the chassis sections. A prototype was built and shown to the BMC chairman Leonard Lord. It was originally turned down as Lord had just signed a deal with Donald Healey to produce the Austin-Healey. Eventually, falling sales of the traditional MG T Series caused a change of mind and the MGA was back on line. There was also a new engine available so the car did not have the originally intended XPAG unit but was fitted with the BMC corporate B-Series type, which also allowed a lower bonnet line. Offered here us a late 1600cc Fixed Head Coupe, which is described as being in very sound, usable condition. It is said to have benefited from conversion to alternator in 2007 but the original dynamo is with the car. It is also equipped with a Kenlowe fan, wire wheels, chrome boot rack and a very efficient heater. Finished in Chariot red with beige interior, the car is complete with both MoT and historic tax through to April 2010 and offers a great opportunity for an enthusiast to use and improve. The vendor states that the car has been in regular use over the past three years, throughout the year, and is ready to be enjoyed.