Wonderfully White: 1960 MG MGA 1600 Mk1 Roadster – Sold?

May 7, 2021 Update – We just confirmed the listing for this vintage MG “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found we’re assuming this ride “Sold?” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call Rudy directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

White would not be our first choice of color if we were buying a vintage MGA.  Wide whitewalls would not be our first tire of choice for our MGA either. Perhaps it’s the photographs in this example, but we just love all of that white just works on this 1960 MG MGA Roadster originally listed in March 2021 on Craigslist in Wethersfield, Connecticut (Hartford) featuring an older restoration that appears to be holding up well.  Offered at $23,000 currently, comparing that price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms the private seller has their MGA priced between this guide’s #3 “Good” estimate of $16,800 and its #2 “Excellent” appraisal of $30,800.  Similarly, the  Collector Car Market Review Online Tool confirms the asking price falls between this guide’s #3 “Good” estimate of $15,300 and its #2 “Very Good” appraisal of $25,500 before factoring in a five percent premium for wire wheels.

When MG designer Syd Enever created a streamlined body for George Philips’ TD Le Mans car in 1951, little did he know his creation would become the genesis for the new MGA launched for the 1956 model year. The new bodywork traded the MG TF’s articulated fenders and running boards for ponton styling, with a single-styled envelope fully enclosing the width and uninterrupted length of a car.

The MGA’s predecessor, the TF, featured a high driver seating position with dated tractor-like ride and handling that was quickly falling out of favor with enthusiasts and as a result, sales began to decline.  Consequently, this new design was so different from the older MG models it was called the MGA, the “first of a new line” to quote contemporary advertising. There was also a new engine available, therefore the car did not have the originally intended XPAG unit but was fitted with the BMC B-series engine allowing a lower hood line. From a styling standpoint, its worth noting the MGA convertible such as the example featured here had no exterior door handles, while coupe versions did.

MGA’s relied on a body-on-frame design and used the inline four-cylinder “B series” engine from MG’s Magnette sedan driving the rear wheels through a four-speed gearbox. MGA’s feature an independent front suspension utilizing coil springs and wishbones while a rigid axle with semi-elliptic springs supports the rear of the car. Steering was by rack and pinion. Buyers had their choice of either steel-disc road wheels of the car was available with either wire-spoked “knock-offs” such as the example here features.

MGAs remain ideal first collector cars. They’re affordable, simple to work on, rugged, and attractive. Parts are readily available and moderately priced.  The September 2008 Hemmings Motor New’s Buyer’s Guide for the 1956-1962 MGA remains a great resource to help familiarize yourself with these cars and what to look for.

Here’s a great in-car video of what it’s like to experience riding in a 1960 MGA 1600:

This is a great-looking sports car that also comes with a British Museum Heritage Trust Certificate confirming the originality of this example.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“1960 MGA 1600. Older restoration. Looks and runs great. New top, chrome wire wheels, and wide whitewall tires. Originally a southern car. Old English White over black interior. Very clean. No rust. Have British Museum Heritage Trust Certificate acknowledging matching numbers. Sale includes tonneau cover, side curtains, period-correct tool kit, jack, and tire pump. 77,000 miles. Have MS title.“

Wide or None: What you do think about the whitewalls on this restored MGA?  Comment below and let us know!