Just Arrived at The Forge: A 1959 MG MGA Mk1 1600 Roadster with Le Mans Inspiration

There are restorations that simply return a classic to the road, and then there are those that elevate the car into something rather more special.

Newly arrived at The Forge is one such example: a beautifully restored 1959 MG MGA Mk1 1600 Roadster, finished as a tasteful tribute to the legendary MGA competition cars that took on Le Mans.

Built in July 1959 and originally supplied to California, this genuine 1600 Roadster benefited from the dry climate of the American west for much of its early life before making its way back to the UK around 2006.

What followed was an extraordinary 11-year restoration and rebuild, undertaken with a clear objective: to create a faithful Le Mans-inspired MGA while retaining the charm of the original road car and introducing a handful of carefully considered upgrades for modern-day enjoyment.

The finished car has covered very few miles since completion and made an immediate impression at its first show appearance in 2022, taking first place in a pre-1960s classic class.

A Roadster with Racing in Its DNA

The MGA has a particularly strong connection with the world of endurance racing.

MG's streamlined EX175 competition cars appeared at the 1955 24 Hours of Le Mans, helping to establish the design language and sporting character that would ultimately find its way into the production MGA.

This particular car pays homage to that competition heritage without becoming a caricature. The result is a Roadster that retains the essential character of an MGA while adding just enough motorsport influence to give it a distinctive presence.

The accompanying history file is equally impressive, containing invoices, receipts, extensive photographic records of the restoration and a Heritage Certificate confirming the car's factory origins. It also benefits from a desirable UK registration.

Meticulous Body and Chassis Restoration

Finished in Dark Jaguar Racing Green, the MGA has an understated yet purposeful appearance, complemented by refurbished period alloy wheels and beautifully presented brightwork.

The restoration was undertaken by marque specialists, with dedicated body jigs used to ensure accurate panel alignment and fit throughout. The car's Californian history proved particularly beneficial during the rebuild. The shell was sufficiently well preserved that the chassis required no structural repairs, and the quality of the underlying structure is still evident today.

Underneath, the floors and chassis remain exceptionally clean and well finished. The underside was stone-chip protected before being painted, while the chassis was correctly prepared and finished in chassis black.

A full-size tonneau cover is also included.

Classic Interior, Carefully Rebuilt

Inside, the MGA has been completely retrimmed in red upholstery, with matching quality carpets and sound insulation.

An Astrali wood-rim steering wheel, supportive bucket seats and colour-matched dashboard complement the car's period character, while a completely new wiring loom has been installed as part of the rebuild.

The attention to detail doesn't stop at the passenger compartment. The boot has been neatly trimmed and finished to the same exacting standard, reinforcing the impression that this was a restoration undertaken without cutting corners.

The Original 1600cc Engine, With a Few Smart Upgrades

Rather than replacing the original power unit, the car retains its 1600cc B-Series engine, which has been sympathetically upgraded to improve reliability, performance and usability.

The specification includes an unleaded cylinder head conversion, uprated camshaft, oil cooler and twin 1¾-inch SU carburettors. A bespoke three-into-one tubular manifold feeds into a stainless-steel Maniflow exhaust system.

Electronic ignition, a high-torque starter motor and an electric fuel pump complete the mechanical upgrades.

It's a specification that strikes an appealing balance. The MGA's traditional character remains intact, but the improvements should make the car considerably more usable for touring, events and regular road driving.

The suspension has also received attention, with slightly negative-camber front wishbones and adjustable Spax rear dampers giving the car a more planted feel without fundamentally altering its classic driving experience.

As you would expect from the rest of the car, the engine bay has been finished to an exceptionally high standard. The owner reports that the carburettors and ignition timing have been professionally set up, with the car starting, idling and performing exactly as it should.

Restored for Enjoyment

Perhaps the most appealing aspect of this MGA is what hasn't been done to it.

Despite the extensive rebuild, it hasn't been over-modified or transformed into something unrecognisable. Instead, the upgrades are the sort of discreet improvements that an enthusiast might choose when building an MGA to drive and enjoy today.

That makes this a particularly compelling proposition: a car with genuine history, extensive documentation and a painstaking restoration behind it, but one that remains fundamentally an MGA at heart.

With virtually no mileage accumulated since its comprehensive rebuild, the next owner will have the opportunity to enjoy the results of more than a decade of work.

Whether destined for classic touring, concours and club events, or simply sunny Sunday mornings on the open road, this 1959 MG MGA Mk1 1600 Roadster – Le Mans Replica is a very special arrival at The Forge.