79 hp, 1,588 cc OHV four-cylinder engine, two SU carburetors, four-speed gearbox, independent front suspension by coil springs and wishbones, live rear axle suspension with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and hydraulic front disc and rear drum brakes. Wheelbase: 94 in.

• All systems fully rebuilt

• Refinished in correct Dove Grey with black interior

• Everflex top, tonneau, and side-curtains; original owner’s and workshop manuals

The MGA first appeared in the guise of two aluminum-bodied race cars at the Le Mans 24 Hour race in 1955. When the production MGA was launched in October, Motor Trend said that MG had “abandoned its old-but-handsome lines for new handsomer ones.” The 1,489 cc BMC “B” engine provided a top speed of around 95 mph.

In search of more power, the MGA 1600 MK1 was launched in 1959, at the same time as the exciting but unreliable DOHC Twin-Cam. The 1600 was essentially the same 1,588 cc engine as the Twin-Cam but with a simple overhead valve arrangement and a lower compression ratio. Top speed was about 100 mph, about 10–15 mph less than the Twin Cam, but with considerably longer engine life.

The 1600 was a big success, selling 31,501 examples between 1959 and 1961. It could do 0–60 mph in 13 seconds, return about 28 mpg, and could be bought for $2,444. The MGA 1600 Mk1 still had side-curtains, no outside door handles, and a semi-watertight top, but it was reliable, handled well, and sounded just right. It was followed briefly by the 1,622 cc MkII in June 1961, which was replaced by the unibody MGB in October of 1962.

The car on offer is a recent, documented, $12,000 restoration of a sound original Midwest car repainted in the uncommon but correct and attractive Dove Grey. The car is described as extremely well sorted and runs very well. The rebuilt engine is mated to a rebuilt transmission, with new brakes, shocks, and cooling system. It is fitted with an Everflex top and tonneau; it includes sidescreens and comes with the original owner’s handbook and workshop manual. All the new owner needs is a sunny day.