1961 MGA Roadster 5 Speed Special | Oselli Restored

1961 MGA Roadster 5 Speed Special | Oselli Restored & Upgraded | 1950cc Stage 2 | £29, 950

A truly exceptional MGA with an outstanding history and specification.

This beautifully prepared 1961 MGA has to be one of the most interesting examples available today, combining the timeless appearance of the original MGA with a carefully considered programme of upgrades that makes it a far more capable and enjoyable car to drive.

The history file is substantial and includes a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate confirming that the car was built in 1961 and dispatched to the United States in September of that year, finished in Chariot Red with a black interior.

It remained in the USA until 2010, when it was imported to the UK by the renowned MGA specialists Oselli Engineering.

Oselli are recognised specialists in their field and undertook a complete body-off, nut-and-bolt restoration for their client, Mr H. The result was not simply a restoration, but a carefully specified MGA incorporating a number of sympathetic upgrades to improve performance, braking, handling and usability while retaining the character of the original car.

The specification chosen by the owner is extensive and is documented within the history file. The accompanying photographs show the restoration in remarkable detail, with more than 75 photographs recording the project from start to finish.

The photographic record includes the bare-metal body preparation and respray, powder coating of original and new components, engine rebuild and upgrades, electrical work, interior, braking system, suspension, hood and much more.

Having recently spoken with Oselli and discussed the specification of this particular car, they advised that reproducing an MGA to this specification with them today would cost in excess of £60, 000.

One of the most noticeable differences when driving this MGA is the engine. It has been upgraded to a 1950cc Stage 2, fully balanced B Series engine, transforming the performance while retaining the character and feel of the original car.

The car also benefits from a five-speed gearbox, front disc brake conversion and suspension upgrades. These improvements give the MGA considerably more confidence on today’s roads and make it a particularly enjoyable car for longer-distance touring.

It is an MGA that you can genuinely use.

The history file also contains a substantial collection of more recent servicing invoices and MOT certificates, documenting the car’s remarkably limited use since the restoration was completed.

At the time of restoration in 2011, the mileage was reset to zero and the odometer now shows just 6, 379 miles since the rebuild.

Since its last MOT in 2020, the car has covered only approximately 590 miles, which explains why this exceptional MGA has now come to the market.

The car presents beautifully and the quality of the restoration is evident throughout. For anyone considering an MGA for touring, the combination of the larger 1950cc engine, five-speed gearbox, improved brakes and suspension makes this a particularly appealing proposition.

It retains the appearance and character of a classic MGA, but underneath has been developed to offer a considerably more capable driving experience.

With its American history, British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate, Oselli restoration, extensive photographic record, superb specification and extremely low post-restoration mileage, this is a very special MGA.

If you are looking for a period sports car that can be enjoyed on local roads, taken to shows or confidently used for European touring, this could be exactly the car you have been waiting for.

A superbly prepared MGA with exceptional provenance and a specification that would be extremely expensive to replicate today.