We have a wonderful 1962 MGA MKII Roadster, VIN GHNL2 106402, that is fresh from a just completed frame up restoration. This is the final year of the MGA model and it is fitted with the one year only 1622 (engine number 16GC-U-H4464) and special grille and taillights that only 1962 cars carried. This MGA restoration started with a rust free California body and has had had a total rebuild of all chassis and drive train components. It has great eye appeal with the chrome wire wheels and black leather interior. A full frame up restoration of this caliber takes hundreds of hours and the time spent on this car shows. The car cannot be duplicated for the price offered and will not last long.
Interior and Top:
The entire interior is new and the black is a perfect complement to the red exterior. The seats have the proper shape and sit well with new black leather seat covers with red piping. All interior components are well fitted. The dash is vinyl covered as a properly restored 1962 MGA model was done by the factory. Carpets are new and well fitted. The top frame is painted the proper color and the new top fits very well. The side curtains are original unrestored units.
Body and Paint and Chrome
The body was completely removed from the chassis and disassembled to allow a proper refinish of every panel. Attention was paid to every nut and bolt. The car received a high quality bare metal respray on the excellent rust free body. The alloy doors fit very well and the car is finished complete top, bottom and inside the panels. The door fit is excellent and the paint is well applied with a smooth gloss finish. The chrome is all new or excellent, even the windscreen frame has been re-chromed and the glass replaced.
Chassis and Suspension, Wheels and Tires:
Chassis was stripped to the last nut and bolt, and all components were examined, cleaned, rebuilt or replaced with new. This process included a full suspension rebuild and rebuilt shocks front and rear. All the perishable rubber components were replaced. Every component was painted before being assembled and installed to the restored chassis. The entire chassis and all suspension components front and rear were powder coated to insure the restoration retains its fresh look for many years in the future. The car was upgraded to the much stronger and attractive 60 spoke chrome wire wheels fitted with a set of new proper size tires.
Mechanicals:
The 1622 engine was completely rebuilt with new pistons, cam, lifters, ARP head studs, and was fully balanced. The valves and valve seats have been updated to run on unleaded gas. The transmission has had a full professional rebuild and shifts very nicely up and down through the gears. Even the straight cut first gear set is very quiet. All brake components are new or rebuilt for reliable service. The front and rear original type lever shocks were rebuilt. Fuel pump and all electrical components were replaced with new as needed. An entire new electrical wiring loom has been fitted for maximum reliability. All the dash gauges and components are working properly. This car has been fully restored by a true enthusiast of British sports cars and it shows with the attention to all components.
Driving Impressions:
The engine starts easily and is very quiet running with 70lbs oil pressure. The clutch engages smoothly and the transmission shifts like a new MGA would. The rebuilt carbs idle smoothly and function well through the entire rpm range. The engine has above average power and has power from down low to wide open throttle. This is one of the better driving MGA’s we have experienced. The brake pedal is firm and the front disc brakes stop the car true and straight from all speeds. You can feel the suspension and steering are rebuilt since the car handles well and turns crisply. The wheels and new tires make the car smooth at speed. This car will keep up with modern traffic and be a joy to drive for years to come.
Summation:
This is a very desirable year as the final production year for the MGA. 1962 has some one-year only features that distinguish it from the earlier years. The more powerful 1622 cc engine was only supplied in 1962 and the recessed grille is specific to that final production. The MG factory also moved the taillights off the rear fenders to give this final MGA a sleeker flow to the side profile. The dash, which on all other years was painted body color, is covered to give a richer visual impression. This particular car has had the benefit of living in a favorable climate and not having any accident or rust damage before its restoration. The restoration was detailed and is very fresh with approximately 100 miles since its completion. We have re-torqued the cylinder head and reset the valves, readjusted the brakes and final tuned the car. The car is ready to drive and enjoy. The larger engine and disc brakes will be make it a good road car. This is an above average, proper restoration that has resulted in a collector quality car that will retain its value into the future.
