Lot 029: 1961 MG A 1600 COUPE

Supplied new by Joseph Cockshoot (Manchester) Ltd on 16th March 1961, this particular example was purchased by the current owner from its first keeper (a friend of his) on 13th May 1990 with a mileometer reading of 69,592. Thoroughly stripped before being treated to an extensive restoration "to as near to its original specification as possible" over the next twelve months, mechanical work included an engine rebuild (+0.030inch rebore and new pistons etc). Though, the gearbox and differential were found to need little more than an oil change (the synchromesh on third gear is said to be weak but this has apparently not worsened in the last fourteen years). Bodily, the car benefited from four new wings and a repaint. Used for various European trips (the small ding in the bonnet is courtesy of an Italian Persimmon fruit tree!), it gained a Kenlowe electric fan in 1993 (73,185 miles) and an unleaded cylinder head conversion from Peter Burgess Automotive Engineering the next year (80,045 miles). Described as being in good overall condition, it comes with the original bill of sale, driver's handbook, workshop manual, service parts list, jack, starting handle and sundry minor spares. Currently showing less than 93,000 miles (unwarranted but believed genuine by the vendor), this two-owner MGA is featured several times in the respected book "Original MGA" by Anders Clausager.