1961 MGA 1600 Mk I

1961 MG MGA Description

To say the least I’m heartbroken to be selling my much loved MGA, “Paris”. I searched for a MGA this clean for a long time before coming across this 1961 MGA Mark I on Ebay in the summer of 2015. At the time I was living in the Nashville area on six acres with my own “shop” and my plan was to do a complete frame-off restoration since this vehicle is nice enough to do that. Unfortunately that dream was terminated once my work brought me to the Houston area with no means to store or work on the car.

Things you should know:

The car comes with the Provenance you would expect with a MGA of this quality. The vehicle was purchased originally by a movie producer living in France on June 29, 1960 as a left hand export model. The original owner later moved the MGA and his other belongings by boat to Toronto, Canada in 1965. It was sold in 1972 to purchase a Jaguar XK 120.

The second owner had the car for 7 years. The original engine (still with the car today and in excellent health) was rebuilt at 65,000 miles. He also had the clutch replaced and installed the MKII grill you see in the photo with the Lucas fog lights. I had planned to remove the fog lights and replace the grill in the restoration. He traded the MGA for a 1960’s Aston Martin in 1979.

The third owner was a dealership where the car was traded for the Aston Martin mentioned above. The dealership (Hing Lee Motors LTD) went through the MG mechanically & cosmetically including rebuilding brakes, carbs, hydraulics, radiator and fuel pump. Rocker panels were replaced and car was repainted from original black to Mercedes white (the paint on the car now). The original top was replaced at that time.

Fourth owner was a Toronto based Lawyer who provided legal services to the dealership. It was a “summer driver” . He owned the vehicle till 1998.

I purchased the vehicle from Ron Zeraldo of Toronto Canada. Ron owned (and loved) the car for 17 years. A complete and thorough rebuild of all mechanical systems was carried out…. Fuel, brakes, hydraulics, electrics etc. It was safety-certified in 1999 and became a summer driver for Mr. Zeraldo’s wife. The vehicle was expertly maintained during the time Mr. Zeraldo owned the vehicle. The expensive wheels and white Coker tires you see were purchased by Mr. Zeraldo and the top was completely rebuilt, frame and canvas.

There is too much information to post in this ad as there is a large box full of photos and receipts from more than 50 years.

Odometer says just over 35,000 and I'm assuming that is 135,000. I would rate the vehicle a very good driver in current condition. It starts and runs well. No overheating, not even in TN summers and hills. Both the engine and transmission are original and in excellent condition. The seats (believe it or not) are original! No holes of any kind but some fading. I had planned to replace them in the restoration.

The vehicle needs a paint job. The old white paint is cracking and bubbling. I see no evidence of rust anywhere. Rocker panels seem very solid.

Important note: Included with the vehicle are all the parts I purchased from Moss Motors worth over $2,500 including but not limited to: new correct Mark I grill, mirrors, leather seat covers and cushions, various decal, radio plate, and other misc parts. These are all brand new in the box. I can supply receipts to inquirers.

What does Paris need? To my knowledge, nothing to be a great daily driver. A newpaint job would be huge and I planned to remove the body to do this only because I’m somewhat of a perfectionist who figures might as well do it right. From 50 feet she is beautiful. A closer look reveals cracking paint which I clearly show in the photos.

THE CAR IS BEING SOLD WHERE/IS, AS/IS. ! TO BID YOU MUST BE OVER 18 and pay with a money order, cashier’s check or wire transfer. Please do not bid without the intent to finalize this transaction. Sorry, NO bid retractions allowed, ask questions BEFORE you bid. Your bid is a binding contract.

Payment must be made by Cashiers Check, Money Orders or Wire Transfers payable in US Dollars. A deposit in the amount of $500.00 must be received within Twenty-Four (24) hours of the auctions close by paypal or wire transfer.

I will be happy to meet your carrier to load the vehicle and the included new parts. Pickup may be arranged after the wire transfer has been received OR after cashiers’ check clears my bank.

You are welcome to have someone come look at the car for you with an appointment.

UPDATE: Due to high interest and questions I've added some more photos.