1600 roadster Older restoration Runs and Drives

1960 MGA 1600 roadster. This is an older restoration that starts, runs and moves.

It looks good and has shiny paint, but has had rust repair, and has some visible rust on the bottoms of the frame rails and a crossmember.

I purchased the car from a local restoration shop, who took it in trade from a lawyer who settled the estate of a previous owner. The title was lost and is not in any state or national database. Its old enough that it has "dropped out" of the system and will need to be re-registered. I will provide a bill of sale to the buyer and I have contact info for the previous owners if needed. (please note, I had to select "clean title" as Ebay's only other option is salvage, rebuilt or Lemon, none of which applies).

Chassis number GHNL 95628. Engine number 16GA-U-H-26827. The chassis number is in the 1960-61 range and the engine number is appropriate for the year, so its likely the original unit that came with the car.

When I got the car the engine appeared to have been rebuilt and not run, or just run very little. I inspected the bore and found clean .030" over pistons, and the valvetrain was clean and clearances had not been set yet. There are also signs of new gaskets, hardware, and new ignition parts. Oil was very clean. Cold cranking compression is 155-160 on all cylinders.

I cleaned and rebuilt the carbs, adjusted valves and it started and ran well. The choke cable is not connected and linkage needs to be adjusted, but the engine feels peppy and strong.

Radiator appears to have been rebuilt. Tires are newer looking radials. Gas tank is clean and has clean fuel. It still has the old Bendix electric pump which works.

I rebuilt the brake and clutch master cylinder, installed a new clutch slave, and drove the car around the block several times. It steers nicely. Unfortunately the transmission has a ticking sound on acceleration in first gear, which is most likely the input bearing. It shifts ok and doesn't grind though. I'd guess this is why the car was parked 20+ years ago.

One of the metal brake lines just started leaking so it has no brakes now, but can be driven onto a trailer with the handbrake.

Lights do not work but I believe the switch is faulty. Horn doesn't work. Generator appears to charge and the engine keeps good temperature and oil pressure. I have the amber taillight lens that's missing in photos.

The interior is clean with older (original?) seat upholstery and carpets. There are no top bows or top, but it includes a nice tonneau cover. There's also a very nice MotoLita wheel installed.

Body: Paint is shiny but has some dings, scratches and some dark stains in the finish. The trunk lid has some light bubbling.

Forward portion of chassis looks great. There are some old welded repairs on the frame below the driver and passenger doors, and some visible rust as shown in photos. Floors have been rebuilt with sheet metal. Rear inner fenders/door latch panels have had some work done also.

Trunk floor is solid and doesn't appear to have been repaired. Doors are nice as well.

Original paint color was a light blue, or powder blue.

There's a box of loose hardware in the trunk that includes air cleaners, one aluminum grille for the cowl, and some small parts. There's also an accessory trunk rack.

With a little work this could be a good driver that doesn't need much to turn heads. I've gotten a lot of compliments from folks who say its a sharp car even though it has some flaws.

Car is located in Cincinnati, Ohio 45206. I can show the car by appointment and questions are welcome. I can also be reached at 513-314-7620.

I know a couple reliable shippers and can provide quotes, or will work with the shipper of your choice.

I am a professional seller and take all bids seriously...please don't bid if you cannot complete the sale.

There is a Flickr page with almost 100 photos Here

Thanks for looking!