- Chassis number: 792 46
- Veteran's certificate: 26.01.2023
- 1st registration: 13.09.1960
This magnificent 1960 MG MGA with its superb modernised paintwork and remarkable condition is now for sale. A 1600cm3 engine developing 80hp for 945kg, enough to drive around Lake Geneva with your hair blowing in the wind! Its blue paintwork is a real eye-catcher! This MG has undergone a complete restoration in the USA and benefits from a veteran appraisal carried out in January 2023 in Switzerland.
The story of this MGA begins in the United States, where it was discovered by its current owner during a visit in 2017. Seduced by its looks and beauty, she decided to buy it and import it to Switzerland.
The restoration, carried out in the USA, was carried out in accordance with the rules of the art, including a subtle modernisation of its original colour. The 2017 restoration included a complete overhaul of the engine, which has since covered just 25,000 kilometres. All mechanical components were overhauled or replaced.
Externally, this MGA is in near-perfect condition, with resplendent paintwork. The interior is just as impeccable, and the mechanicals show no signs of rust. The soft top is in excellent, flawless condition. The interior, with its well-preserved seats and almost new wooden dashboard, bears witness to the attention paid to this restoration. The driver's door needs a slight adjustment, but the paintwork shines as bright as new, with only a few minor imperfections visible, shown at the end of the photo gallery.
The front suspension needs a bit of work, but the necessary part can be supplied with the vehicle, leaving the future owner the pleasure of taking care of a small detail.
The MGA was designed in 1951 by MG designer Syd Enever on the basis of a TD for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The EX172 project, named “UMG400”, presented a line very close to the final version. Despite this, the project was not pursued, as BMC management preferred to concentrate on manufacturing Austin Healey cars in Abingdon. Three years later, after a drop in MG sales in the USA, BMC's president gave the go-ahead for production of the MGA. The first models were presented at Le Mans in 1955, and series production began in May of that year, with an original Austin 1500cc engine with twin SU carburetors. The MGA was available in two versions (roadster and coupé) for each engine, with restyling taking place in the final years of production. Mention should also be made of the “Deluxe” models, which are actually Twin Cam chassis equipped with classic 1600 or 1622 engines. The MGA has had 4 different engines.
Production of the MGA was launched, with more than 100,000 units sold worldwide over seven years. The car was a great commercial success, particularly in the USA, where more than 80% of production was exported. In 1958, the “Twin-Cam” appeared as the ideal sports car for MGA enthusiasts looking for even better performance than the production models, but only 2,111 examples were built due to the high price and, above all, the obvious lack of reliability. In 1959, the second mass-produced version of the MGA, the 1600, was launched with visible changes to the front and rear lights to comply with new legislation: the indicators were separated from the position and brake lights.
The MGA is also known for having been one of Elvis Presley's favorite cars, which he owned and which can be seen at the Graceland museum.
Compared to other post-war MG models designed before the conflict, the MGA was a true revolution in terms of innovation. This elegant little roadster was distinguished by its modern, low, open bodywork and clean lines, which broke with the traditional aesthetics of earlier models. Advertising at the time even claimed that the MGA was the “first of a new generation”.