1960 MG A 1600 Roadster

1960 MG A 1600 Roadster
Chassis no. GHNL/71203
Engine no. 16GA-U-2462
1,588cc OHV Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
2 SU Carburetors
80bhp at 5,800rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Front Independent Suspension - Live Rear Axle
Front Disc - Rear Drum Brakes

*Offered from the Robert "Bob" Koons Collection
*Exceedingly original 'Time Capsule' example with factory paint, interior and tires intact
*Fastidiously well-preserved with just over 3,500 miles from new
*Offered with tools, jack, owner's manuals and period sales literature

THE MGA

Although the MGA "EX182" prototypes debuted at Le Mans in 1955, by the time the actual race came around, the design of what would be known as the MGA had effectively been finalized, the event itself being little more than a useful opportunity to check that everything was copacetic. Clad in a stylish aerodynamic body, and capable of topping 95mph, the MGA proved an instant hit. After reliability issues plagued the Twin Cam model, engine enlargement was seen as the way forward. The result was a capacity increase from 1,489cc to 1,588cc that raised maximum power to 80bhp and boosted torque by 17 percent. Acceleration was improved and the MGA in "1600" form was now a true 100mph-plus car.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Built during the summer of 1959, this MGA 1600 Roadster remains unrestored, with its original paint, interior, weather equipment, mechanicals, factory wire wheels, and tires intact. According to its well-documented history, the car was purchased new by Dr. Phillip Robinson in 1960, from Morris Garage in Maryland, New York. In August 1971, the original dealer, Gordon Morris, realized that Dr. Robinson was not driving the car and persuaded him to sell it back to him with just around 2000 miles on it. The MGA was added to Mr. Morris' personal collection, and treated as a museum piece for display purposes. In 1975, the MGA had only accumulated 2,247 miles, and was passed on to Gordon Morris' son. Subsequent years saw a trip to Maine and some local driving, until it was purchased in 1984 by Mr. Carl Meyer of Slingerlands, New York, who used it as a show car. The late Robert "Bob" Koons acquired the car from Mr. Meyer in February of 1994 and it soon joined Koons' impressive Columbia, SC-based collection of some of the most original British sportscars in existence. The MGA has remained there ever since, enjoying a climate-controlled environment, dedicated service, and maintenance.

With just 3,502 miles on the odometer today, this is believed to be the lowest mileage MGA 1600 Roadster in the US. Considerable documentation can be found in the history file, as well as owner's manuals, period literature, and the Heritage Certificate. A true "Time-Capsule" MGA for the discerning collector of genuinely original cars.