• Supplied new to Belfast, Northern Ireland
• Present ownership since 2007
• Previous ownership (in Ireland) for 16 years

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, though 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. The result was a capacity increase from 1,489cc to 1,588cc, which 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 uprated. 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 further improved performance courtesy of an extra 13bhp and raised overall gearing

Reportedly supplied new in Belfast, Northern Ireland, this particular MGA 1600 was purchased at a UK auction in 2007. At that time it was said to be "in very good mechanical order though the body requires some refurbishment now", and it was anticipated that the car "will be driven to the sale (from Ireland) by its owner of the last sixteen years". New wire wheels and tyres had been fitted.

The collection staff have carried out light recommissioning ahead of sale, which included: fuel pump cleaned; new fuel filter installed; carburettor stripped and rebuilt; fuel lines replaced; clutch pump repaired; brake pump removed, repaired, and reinstalled; rear brake cylinder repaired; water pump replaced; and new battery installed. We would advise close inspection before returning to the road for regular use.

Accompanying paperwork consists of the 2007 purchase invoice; an old Irish registration document; and a list of works carried out in 2012.

Please note that this vehicle is from outside the UK. Our customs agents, CARS UK, will manage all post sale customs administration. A fee of £350+VAT will be charged on the buyer's invoice to administer both import or export customs movements. If the buyer also chooses to ship with CARS UK, this will be quoted separately. If this vehicle is to remain in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the reduced rate of 5% on the hammer price. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance formalities. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department.