Buried Alive: 1962 MG MGA Mk II
The MGA was a successful sports car built by MG between 1955 and 1962. Several variants were produced including this Mk II from 1962 (total production exceeded 101,000 units). This example is a project covered up by its parts and those from other projects, but the 1622cc engine has been rebuilt and is presumably ready to go back into the car. Located in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, this accumulation of parts and pieces is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $6,995, Barn Finder T.J. comes through again with this tip!
MG replaced the MG TF 1500 Midget with the MGA in the mid-1950s. Styling on the vehicle was different from previous MGs, which probably contributed to the increase in sales. Only about 6% of all MGAs were built for consumption on their home turf (England), with the rest being exported (and the U.S. was its biggest market). There was an MGA 1600 and an MGA Mk II, and the primary difference was a slight increase in engine size (34cc) – and output was up from 80 to 90 hp.
The Mk II would be the end of the line for the MGA, which was succeeded by the MGB. 8,719 Mk IIs were assembled, all of them roadsters like this one except for 521 coupes. The seller was planning on restoring this one, but other projects got in the way (from the looks of the garage, a LOT of other projects). The vehicle is said to have 40,000 miles and its original engine has been rebuilt and set aside.
We can’t tell the condition of the body because the car is buried by other stuff. One of the selling points (per the seller) is that a new canvas top should be in the mix somewhere and the car comes with a set of five knock wheels with tires (how old are these rubber donuts?). The seller will consider trades and “loves things on wheels.” What have you got that you could swap for this MGA project?
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Comments
So that’s a “BARN FIND”?? It’s in a barn, and now you have to “find” it?
How much for the cigar store Indian that has to be hiding you there somewhere?
Looks more like “dead when buried”.
Is that a Tiffany lamp?
Really doesn’t inspire you to buy it, does it. This seller knows nothing about presentation but appears to be proficient at collecting junk.
“appears to be proficient at collecting junk”…and arranging it strategically to make the wreck appear to be a real “barn find”.
In 73 I bought a running 62 MGA 1600 Mkll…. for $1200 about $8000 today… one owner, 55k miles. It was mechanically perfect and complete but needed a cosmetic resto. It took the whole winter but it was on the road next summer and for 17 years thereafter… very reliable.. never had a Lucas problem…
If this one is complete, it can be rather easily reassembled and finished…. the splined wheel hubs can be ”difficult”…
Dunno the rust situation or what is missing from this car but parts are very avail…. this one is definitely a project… !!
In high school (early 70s) my friend bought one for a couple hundred dollars. It was rough and the price was probably about right, We spent more time working on it than we ever did driving it but that was okay because we had more time than gas money. By the end of that adventure he had three of them but only one was a driver. We learned about cars, british standard threads, and Lucas electrics. From our experience and all the other people we talked to about Lucas parts you seem to be the exception that proves the rule Chuck.
All kidding aside, that car taught us a lot and as frustrated as we got at times, the feeling we got from finally figuring out the problem (usually on our own) was what kept us going and made us proud.
When we did have that car on the road it was a blast to and amazingly we never wrecked it.
Not for $6995. It’s never good to start a project under water.
Not for $6995. It’s never good to start a project under water.
Not for $6995. It’s never good to start a project under water.
My 59 TR3 looked like this for about 20 years when life and lack of funds got in the way of its restoration. After a total passage of 27 years, it got finished in 2007 and has been pride and joy ever since. I now have, unfortunately, a 65 Triumph Herald convertible and a 64 AH Sprite that kind of look the same way. Money’s not the problem this time, just motivation of this near-elderly (79) retiree to go out in the Florida heat (92 yesterday) and pick up a spanner or piece of sanding paper (along with removing some of the crap) and doing something. When you look at what a decent, not concours, MGA goes for these days, $5k would be a reasonable buy-in on this, especially if the good looking engine is actually usable.
Just sold one here on BarnFinds (auction), that was a real barn find/garage find – looked like an old barn but was one of CT’s longest licensed garages – 101 years.
Two of their tow trucks are available.
Anyway – sold the MGA for just over $2000 – by the looks of the engine on the stand, it lacks a head which means the cylinders are probably going to need at least a hone – not ready to drop in by any means.
Here are a couple pics of the two tow rigs – just cool history.
Here’s the other.. I know, totally off topic but figured most here would get a kick out them and like the history.
Off topic. That green tow truck looks older and the kind I would like to have.
That may actually be an old Holmes rig. Where is it?
$6995 with all the problems? What put the large cut in the grill area?