LOT 110

1961 MGA MkI Roadster Chassis no. 89089

Sold for US$22,400 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

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Lot 110

1961 MGA MkI Roadster

The Amelia Island Auction|2 March 2023, 10:00 EST|Fernandina Beach Golf Club

1961 MGA MkI Roadster
Chassis no. 89089

1,622cc OHV Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
Twin SU Carburetors
Approx. 110hp
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Independent Front Suspension - Live Rear Axle
Front Disc - Rear Drum Brake

*Fitted with many performance parts
*Sporting Le Mans looks
*Attractive Old English White with Red interior
*Well maintained car in recent times

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Replacing the traditional T-Series MGs, the MGA combined a rigid chassis with the Austin-designed B-Series engine chosen as the power plant. 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 reliability issues plagued the Twin Cam model, engine enlargement was seen as the way forward. The result was a capacity increase from 1,489cc to 1,588cc that raised maximum power to 80bhp and boosted torque by 17 percent. Acceleration was improved and the MGA in '1600' form was now a true 100mph-plus car.

Little is known about the early ownership of this MGA, but in 2002 records indicate that the car was sent to Northshore Sportscars of Lake Bluff, Illinois to receive a full body off restoration. After returning to pristine condition the car was sold off to Ed Lamantia a member of the vintage MGA racing group, Vintage 31. Looking to increase the performance capabilities, Yarwood Engineering of Creswell Oregon was charged with accomplishing the task. Their work included installing a rare MK II 1622 engine block with a Iskenderian T-55 cam. The head was fitted with MGB large valves and bronze guides and a 2" inch exhaust was utilized for better flow. Yarwood additionally overhauled the suspension by applying the same setup used on their race vehicles. 60 spoke wheel were chosen for extra rigidity. The rest of the mechanical systems were also rebuilt during this time.

After the work was completed the car was enjoyed by the owner until it was handed off to another gentleman in 2008. Under his care, the meticulous care of the vehicle was continued, and he would also invest a large sum ensuring the vehicle was in top condition during his ownership. The current owner acquired the car from Bonhams in 2018 and has carefully driven and enjoyed it for the past half a decade. To this day the vehicle remains in wonderful condition and will continue to provide thrills for many more owners to come.

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact customer services.
Buyers Premium and Charges
The final bid (hammer) price of each lot will be subject to a buyer's premium. For MOTOR CAR lots the premium is 12% on the first $250,000 of the bid price and 10% on any amount of the bid price exceeding $250,000.
For AUTOMOBILIA and other non-motor vehicle property, the premium is 27.5% on the first $25,000 of the bid price, 26% on the bid price above $25,000 up to and including $1,000,000, 20% on bid price above $1,000,000 up to and including $6,000,000, and 14.5% of any amount exceeding $6,000,000.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import License or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such License or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancelation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
Payment Notices
Payment Deadline: 12pm EST on Saturday, March 4, 2023
Cashiering Hours:
Thursday March 2 during and after the auction
Friday March 3 from 8.30am to 5pm
Saturday March 4 from 8.30am to 12pm
For buyers who plan to collect their purchases immediately, Bonhams strongly recommends paying by wire transfer, certified check (bank draft) or submitting a Bank Letter of Guarantee. The Bank Letter of Guarantee must be addressed to Bonhams and be in the name of the registered bidder. Credit cards are not accepted for Motorcar lots. Cash payments have a limit of $10,000. We strongly encourage contactless payment of invoices prior to collection. Lots will not be released to buyers until full and final payment is received by Bonhams. Payment made by personal or business check may result in property not being released until purchase funds clear our bank. Bidders may also pre-arrange suitable check or credit approval with Client Services. For payments made by bank transfer, Bonhams' bank details are below. Please include your client identification number on the wire transfer instructions.
City National Bank
Federal Routing #1220-16066
150 California Street, San Francisco, CA 94111
Account #432742997 Swift Code: CINAUS6L
Shipping Notices
Lot Collection Deadline:12pm EST on Saturday, March 4, 2023
For information and estimates on domestic and international Automobilia shipping and Motorcar transport as well as export licences please contact the Motorcar Department at [email protected].
Uncollected Automobilia lots will be removed to a storage facility by Bonhams' for shipping or collection by the buyer or its authorised agent. Please note these lots will not be available for collection after 12pm on Saturday March 4 until Friday March 10. Uplift and storage charges will be assigned by Bonhams' depending on volume, size and fragility. For more information, please contact Client Services.
Uncollected Motorcar lots will be uplifted and stored by Passport Auto Transport. Uplift and storage shall be at the buyer's sole risk and expense. Motor vehicle removal and storage charges will be charged by Passport Auto Transport according to its standard rates and ultimate destination of the vehicle(s). For applicable charges, please consult with Passport in advance of purchase.
Purchased lots become the buyer's risk once the hammer falls. Storage, collection and uplift for paid and unpaid lot removal is at the buyer's sole risk and expense. Overseas buyers are strongly advised to make collection arrangements with Bonhams in advance of the auction.
Buyers may have an authorised agent collect their purchases according to the collection deadline. It is the buyer's responsibility to ensure that their designated agent has the auction venue details, bill of lading showing where the lot will be transported and proof of the buyer authorization for collection of the lot(s). Bonhams will release the lot only once all payment requirements have been met including payment of taxes and any applicable fees. Buyers and/or their agent are responsible for collecting all available parts, logbooks, title, keys and any other accompanying documents.
Representatives of Bonhams' preferred carriers are available to provide shipping quotes and transport information.
Domestic Motorcar Transport
Passport Auto Transport
Contact: Ed Watts, +1 (417) 588 4921 or
mobile +1 (314) 496 6228
[email protected]
International Motor Vehicle Transporters'
Schumacher Cargo Logistics
Schumacher Secure
Contact: Warren Barnes, +1 (310) 626 7117
[email protected]
CARS (Classic Automotive Relocation Services)
Contact: Alistair Forbes, +1 (310) 695 6403
[email protected]
Special Car Dealer Notices
, number VI/1087220/1
- Automobilia
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