1962 MGA 1600 Mark II Roadster

• Ultimate version of the MGA
• Purchased from long-term ownership
• Part of the Bishop Collection since 2014
• Requires re-commissioning

Although the EX182 prototype debuted at Le Mans in 1955, by the time the actual race came around the design of what would be known as the MGA had effectively been finalised, the event itself being little more than a useful opportunity to check that everything was as it should be. Replacing the traditional T-Series MGs, the MGA combined a rigid chassis with the Austin-designed, 1,489cc B-Series engine. Initially the latter produced 68bhp at 5,500rpm, although this was later raised to 72bhp at the same revs to further improve performance. Running gear was based on that of the TF, with independent front suspension and a live rear axle, but as far as its road manners were concerned, the far superior MGA was in an entirely different league.
Clad in a stylish aerodynamic body and capable of topping 95mph, the MGA proved an instant hit, selling 13,000 units in its first full year of production. After the disappointments of the Twin Cam model, engine enlargement was seen as the way forward for the MGA. The result was a capacity increase from 1,489cc to 1,588cc that raised maximum power to 79.5bhp and boosted torque by 17 percent. Acceleration was improved and the MGA in '1600' form was now a true 100mph-plus car.
To cope with the extra performance, front disc brakes were adopted and the suspension up-rated. The more-refined coupé version, with wind-up windows and lockable doors, continued as before while the roadster now came with sliding side windows. Introduced in 1961 and built for little more than a year, the face-lifted 1600 Mark II came with a revised and enlarged (to 1,622cc) B-Series engine, and performance further improved courtesy of an extra 13bhp and raised overall gearing
This MGA's V5C registration document records the previous owner as William John Bateman, who was the keeper when the accompanying old-style V5 registration document was issued, suggesting that he owned the car for some considerable time. (The V5C states one former keeper, although without any corroborating evidence this claim should be treated with caution.) The car also comes with sundry bills and some expired MoTs (most recent expired 2017). Acquired for the Bishop Collection in 2014, this rare and desirable example of the MGA in its ultimate form will require recommissioning before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed.