1959 MG MGA Mk1 1600 Roadster Le Mans Replica

Description

• UNSOLD  at auction September 2022
• An 11 year complete rebuild
• Award Winner in 2022
• Extensive history file
• California dry state car
• Performance mods to engine and suspension
• Virtually zero miles driven since restoration was completed

Background

In 1951, the chief designer at MG, Syd Enever designed a ‘one-off’ MG with the sole intention of competing in the Le Mans 24 hour race.

The sensational stream-lined look of the new MG model codenamed ‘EX175’ was a complete departure from previous post-war era TDs and TFs.

Four cars were reputedly built for the 1955 Le Mans, three were entered, finishing 12^th and 17^th respectively.

What followed was an unsurprising clamour from MG owners for a car that looked like the Le Mans racer. The MGA was born.  Over 100,000 MGAs were produced. Just 5% were sold in the UK.

The three cars that competed are goodness knows where. But what we have here is not only a stunning MGA Mk1 Roadster in its own right, but a detailed replication of those Le Mans Winning Cars.

History and paperwork

• Manufactured in July 1959
• Shipped to California in July 1959
• Repatriated around 2006
• Professional body and paint restoration
• Dark Jaguar Racing Green
• Large box file of receipts, invoices, paperwork & photographic records.
• Heritage Certificate
• Nice UK registration & new MOT
• Awarded 1^st place in 2022 a pre-1960s classic category on its first outing since rebuild!

Inside

• Full replacement wiring loom
• New floorboards
• Newly retrimmed red upholstery
• New good quality red carpets with soundproofing
• Astrali wood rimmed steering wheel

Having undergone a complete restoration, it is no surprise that the interior of this MGA Mk1 Roadster looks so well. The classic MGA is every inch the classic British roadster. With its new, plush red upholstery, it looks every inch the classic roadster.

The fascia is colour matched to the exterior. All of the instruments and controls are in lovely order.

The new bucket seats not only look very good, they are very supportive and comfy too.

At the rear, you’ll see the attention to detail with the expensive foam underlay and the very tidy looking boot space.

Outside

• Finished in Dark Jaguar Racing Green
• Period alloy wheels (freshly refurbished)
• Full sized tonneau
• Rare GRP racing cowl (not fitted)

As is usual for Californian cars, everything was largely solid and straight on the MGA Mk1 Roadster & the chassis did not require any repairs!

The professional body restoration was carried out by a restorer who was familiar with this marque. Specialist jigs were used when the MGA was being restored and put back together. This ensured a panel fit and finish that is probably better than when the MGA Mk1 Roadster left the factory.

All underside metal surfaces including under the wheel arches, were stone chip treated prior to the final paint – the paint finish you see today was completed in 2014 & has not been polished – it does receive a lot of positive comments!

You can see the quality from the stack of detailed images in the Gallery. You’ll instantly judge for yourself the quality of this MGA. All  the exterior badging and brightwork is complete and in excellent condition.

Underneath has clearly been given as much care and attention as the upper body. The floor pans and chassis are excellent and were etch primed prior to chassis black treatment.

Engine and mechanicals

• Original 1600cc B-Series with upgrades
• Unleaded conversion
• Uprated cam
• Oil cooler
• Twin 1 3/4” SU carbs
• Three-into-one bespoke manifold
• Stainless steel Maniflo exhaust system
• Electronic ignition
• High torque starter motor
• Electric fuel pump

Subtle and practical modifications to the engine and suspension make the MGA Mk1 Roadster a much more usable daily classic. The smart, period alloy wheels with slight negative camber on the front lower arms and Spax adjustable rear shocks make an already good ride even more positive.

To say the engine bay is very clean and tidy would be an understatement. It has to be one of the best we have ever seen.

Additional Information

We always ask our vendors to give us a few words. This is what John told us.

A unique and very special tribute to the 1955 Le Mans MGA which competed prior to the model launch.

“This has been an 11 year complete rebuild and restoration to the highest standard with many useful & sensible upgrades for use ability & performance.

This car was built in July 1959 & shipped out to California before returning to the UK around 2006.

Following professional body & paintwork (excellent shut lines!) it has undergone a meticulous rebuild using primarily new or refurbished parts throughout.

It is the original 1600 engine but benefits from an updated cam, oil cooler, twin 1.75” carbs on a 3 into 1 tubular manifold with Maniflo stainless exhaust, electronic ignition, high torque starter motor, electric fuel pump & so much more! She has 12V negative earth electrics with full new wiring harness & rear lights are led options.

Sits on period alloy wheels with slight negative camber front bottom arms & Spax adjustable rear shocks – making an already good ride even more positive! Also has more supportive bucket seats & a wood rim steering wheel.

Sounds sweet & has had carbs & timing professionally set up and it shows!”

Bottom line

Having been completely restored cosmetically and mechanically, what we have here is, to all intents and purposes, an MGA as an almost new car. (Virtually zero miles since completion!) It retains that unmistakable old car feel and look. This is a hard act to pull off. But when done successfully, as in this case, it is a remarkable achievement

The faithful MGA Le Mans recreation is as exacting in its detail as it is in its delivery. With its sensible upgrades and full restoration this MGA is immensely and immediately enjoyable. Great as a show car. A superb daily driver. At home at Goodwood or in Le Mans.