1960 MGA MkI, 1622cc. Registration number 888 AXU. Chassis n...

Estimate

£14,000 - £16,000

1960 MGA MkI, 1622cc. Registration number 888 AXU. Chassis number B23881. Engine number 16AMWH151537.
Sold with the V5C, V.E.60, keys, tonneau, hard top and history folder.
The MGA replaced the MG TF 1500 Midget and represented a complete styling break from MG's earlier sports cars. Announced on 26 September 1955 the car was officially launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show. A total of 101,081 units were sold through the end of production in July 1962, the vast majority of which were exported. Only 5869 cars were sold on the home market.
It was a body-on-frame design and used the straight-4 1500cc "B series" engine from the MG Magnette saloon with a four-speed gearbox.
In May 1959 the car received an updated 1588cc engine, producing 79.5 bhp. Front disc brakes were fitted, with rear drums. Externally the 1600 car is very similar to the 1500 with minor differences, 31,501 were produced in less than three years.
In 1961 the Mk II, with a 1622cc engine, was introduced.
AXU has known history back to 1973 when it was owned by Leonard Coxhead of Southend on Sea, he upgraded the 1588cc engine to the current 1622 unit and it was painted red. Sold to Ronald Williams of Chelmsford in 1974 he had it resprayed black in 1975.
During his ownership it underwent a comprehensive restoration in the early 1980's and a change of colour to green, the engine had new pistons, the entire body was restored for £230 and then painted for £209! Receipts are on file. It was Island Green before the current British Racing Green.
He sold it to Stanley Hicken in 1986 and our deceased MG loving vendor bought it from him in 1987. Over the years other MG's came and went, B's and C's and F's, but the MGA was always treasured and pampered.
There are MOT certificates from 1972 at 78,484 miles until 181, the 1984 and 85, 1987 and 88, by this time the mileage had risen to 44,498 (144,498).
AXU has not been driven for several years due to failing health so will need a little recommissioning, it has received a fresh battery and fuel pumps, the carbs were leaking but have now been fettled and the car is running. A video will be available..