CHASING CARS
ENGINE 1622cc/4-cyl/OHV POWER 90bhp@5500rpm TORQUE 97lb ft@4000rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 102mph 0-60MPH 13.7sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 22-26mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-speed manual MoT Exempt ODOMETER 44,034 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
This MGA starts first time and its larger 1622cc engine upgrade means that it's plenty powerful, if rather loud on the road. The sizeable steering wheel makes up for the lack of power steering and it feels reasonably light and well connected. Gear changes are smooth but reverse is a bit stiff. The handbrake needs a significant amount of encouragement to hold the car securely on a slope, too but the brakes work well and feel safe. The dealer advises that the original engine is available and that the clutch and brakes are new.
BODYWORK CHECK
The dealer says that this MGA last received paintwork attention back in 1987 so it could use a refresh in one or two places. There are areas of chipped paint on the door, the bonnet edges have some paint and varnish chipping away and there’s a little varnish bubbling on the front panels. There’s also a small scuff in front of the passenger door but it looks like it wouldn’t take much to buff it out. Most of the chrome details on the exterior are pitted but this is a highly original car so this patina doesn’t detract from the overall look of the vehicle. There are small amounts of rust on the wire wheels and parts of the original chrome finish on the nearside rear have chipped off the centre.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The bright exterior sits in contrast with the slightly faded red interior. It’s completely original, though, so the leather seats have some cracking and a decent amount of wear. The door cards are the same shade of red and the dashboard matches, too. The headliner is discoloured and the sun visors could do with some gentle cleaning
