1962 MGA MKII comparison with 1960 MGA 1600

[@rogerlong2314]

In 65 I had a 59 red MGA. While tuning the radio(way over on the right side of the dash) I ran a red light and hit tail end of a Buick. Was able to have front end damage repaired but I had to sell the car to pay the bill at the body shop. The body shop put in a grill from a 62. I’ve always missed that car so enjoyed your video, thanks for the memories!

[@classicperformance]

Thanks for the interest and the story. Yea, the radio is in an unfortunate position. I just blocked mine off with the factory plate. Glad you survived!

[@michaeljoesmith3977]

Restored a 59 MGA 1500 . I sold it 40 years ago for $3,500 . MGAs are the most beautiful of the MGs . Wish I still had mine .

[@hiltonmcconnell2563]

Had the MGA 1960 1600 in red, and loved it. My father new a mechanic he said was great for working on these cars, took it to him and shortly after put the rod through the engine, had it towed to London Ont. and the Mechanic there said the rod was bent and rubbing on the side and wore through the side. Had a very low paying job so could not afford to get it fixt. It was the most fun car I ever had, and many good memories. Had a chance to get another one about 30 years back but the wife would not go for it. Now I am on old age pension though that dream is gone.

[@geoffmower8729]

I have an 59 MGA with a 5 main 18.00 engine and have just put a Mazda 5 speed gear box upgrade into it, The kits are available from England and are a Mazda gearbox fit into a MGA bell housing. They fit strait on and you only have to remove the old bracket off of the chassis with a grinder and fit the new bracket supplied. It even comes with replacement brackets so you can put the old gearbox back in if you want. It comes with speedo drive, new speedo cable and you have the option to upgrade to a digital speedo if you wish. It comes with a Mazda clutch plate and clutch slave cylinder five speed gear knob just like the black original MGA nob but with five gears printed on it and full instructions on how to fit it. It really transforms the car into a cruiser with full five speed synchro.

[@classicperformance]

Geoff, thanks for sharing that valuable information. At one point I was familiar with a Toyota or Mazda 5-speed conversion kit. I looked into the source I had and said it was no longer available so we went with parts around the shop for the "B" conversion. I'll have to do some current research. Thanks again and appreciate your interest!

[@jbstepchild]

This I never new

[@stephenhampton3547]

Thank you for the MGA content - There could never be enough of it!

[@classicperformance]

Why thanks Stephen!! We love MGAs. Just innocent, simple, robust and fun cars. Every person should have the opportunity and experience of driving one at some point in life. You can't help but smile!!

[@donmcafee94]

I had 1960 1600 I owned that car when I was 20 right put of the show room. I loved this car. How much are you selling if for? I got married nd traded it in, in Emdonton love this car...cheers Dod...

[@classicperformance]

Great story!!! Send me a DM through Classic Performance 1 Instagram.

[@txrick4879]

Sweet memory's . I had one with the wire wheels . Loved that car .

[@classicperformance]

TX Rick, we love the wire wheels!!! very period sports car! The steel wheel is kind of an enduro race car look.

[@txrick4879]

@@classicperformance Yes I loved the look but lost in in a crash with a Cadillac . The Cadillac won .

[@classicperformance]

@@txrick4879 not surprising. Glad you made it!

[@daviddensmore2606]

I had a '59 MGA that I installed an early 5 main and 3 synchro Odrive. I used MGB carbs, the MGA exhaust manifold, and the rest was all the original MGA peripherals, including the rear axle, so for most It was a hard to tell it was the 1800cc B motor. It was a great running car, and really did transform the driving experience. I can still remember the wife and I returning late one night from visiting the headwaters of the Mississippi to Minneapolis/St Paul for MG2001 at speeds approaching 100mph when between towns. What a blast!

[@classicperformance]

Outstanding, David!!! Thanks for sharing!!

[@sarahhearn-vonfoerster7401]

Enjoyed this very much. Wonderful memories of my MGA 1600 twin cam.

[@classicperformance]

Thank you Sarah! 1600 Twin Cam, Wow!!

[@nandoknows]

Hi I see your video and I really like the way the cars look and I’m looking for a car in this Saul brand this make Mga is my favorite artist cars available to buy and where are they located and what would be the price

[@classicperformance]

The red 1960 1600 (with 1963 MGB 1800 engine) is $36,000 and I have an MGB overdrive transmission that could also be had with it. The black MKII with 1974 MGB 1800 engine backed by an MGB overdrive transmission and new oxblood leather interior is $48,000.

[@shaknit]

How difficult is it to add overdrive to a car that doesnt have it. I have a 1974 MGB Thanks

[@RobertMinerich]

My first car was also a 1960 red 1600 convertible. To this day I'm still in love with that car. I bought it in 1962 for $1,000 and it was in perfect condition with wire wheels with knock offs. Sure wish I could find one for that price now. I was 16 years old at that time.

[@classicperformance]

Thanks for sharing! Yea prices have gone up a bit.

[@MrRobster1234]

As the owner of a black/red MK II I can tell you that the plastic material inside the windscreen was black on black cars with red upholstery. Also, that Morris Motors oil cooler is an original MKII unit. The export MKII cars all came with oil coolers as standard.

[@classicperformance]

Rob, thanks for the expert information!! Appreciate your I sight and interest! Doug

[@MrRobster1234]

@@classicperformance No worries, you have two lovely MGA's there.

[@yodheyvavhey9525]

Nice breakdown of the differences! I may have commented on one of your earlier videos telling you that I had- a Black ‘62 MK1600 way back in 1972 that I bought for $100-! Mine was set up more like your Red car here and definitely just a 4- speed. Looking back I can say that I really did Not appreciate/ Love my car as I should have ie being in H-school money was ‘tight’ so I never really put money into my car and thus The Brakes were Always Bad; yet this forced me into Reading the traffic intently and relying on 2nd. Gear to slow me down enough where what breaking power I had left would stop me! Actually it was a great education that later when I started Riding motorcycles would be a huge help; also I later would move South to Guatemala and there All roads were shity! Today as I’m living in “heavy suburban -trafficked towns ( Just North of NYC) To have a nice and ‘fine car’ like you have- could Never Be like the roads around here ‘were’ in the 1970’s- simply wayyy too many Shit-Box cars with their many Lousy drivers ( I m sorry to say!) As I also lived in Saudi Arabia- consider marketing your cars there or even China as - there ARE people there that would pay whatever your asking!

[@classicperformance]

Hi, and yes I recall your story. appreciate all the details and experiences. We have successfully had buyers from Europe over the years via online sales with ebay motors and Bring A Trailer. About 50% of sales seem to be overseas. Our last Healey 100 shown on the channel went to Belgium. The '64 prior to that went to France.

[@yodheyvavhey9525]

Glad to hear you are in the international market arena finding the right people for fine English cars! Oh’ my last time behind an English car was back in London ‘85 taking my ‘English’ girlfriends 1978 Mini Cooper up North- driving on the L- side and shifting with my L- hand I found ‘difficult’ coming out of The Pub’s late at night 11:PM! Good luck to you mate!

[@classicperformance]

Haha, I don't think it was the 11pm time of night as much as it was what happened up till 11pm to make that shifting a bit more difficult.

[@MattiusMaximus]

Interesting video, thank you. The level of detail reminds me of the Harry’s Garage channel.

[@classicperformance]

Why thanks, Matt!! I will check out Harry's Garage. Take a look at our most recent upload Highlands Motoring Festival for some unique cars and details. There was also an MG there I think you would be interested in seeing.

[@petergoyer1606]

At 5:53 you say they are both 1622 cc engines, but later at 9:48 you say the black car has an 1800 cc engine?

[@classicperformance]

Peter, good catch as I did say that and might not have been clear in my delivery. I was referencing what they would have originally but the referenced the drive train upgrade swap on the black one. Take a look at the driving video of the black MGA and that shows the MGB swap clearly. Thanks for watching and your input!!!

[@antonbruce1241]

No, if you'll do a video of the 65' MG 1100....I'd be happy!!! I've had three MG's in my life. An early 60's Midget, the 1100, and a '71 MGB-GT (with right hand drive!). Love them all!

[@classicperformance]

Anton, you are somewhat in luck! We have located an MGB-GT barn find that has been sitting since the mid 80's. We hope to gain access to the property soon. We'll also be spotlighting our 1500 "TF" soon too. Lots more to come if you like MGs.

[@donmal886]

Are these vehicles still for sale? I once owned 2 Triumph GT6's but always loved the MGA. Thanks! DonM

[@classicperformance]

Still have both. Probably going to keep the black one for a while. Red one is likely for sale if someone wants it. It does have an MGB 1600 motor but with MGA trans. 35k is the talking range.

[@christopherdealwis243]

I too owned a Triumph GT6 MK III when I was 17 years old. Totaled it less than 2 months after I bought it. Miss it terribly. Bought a '58 MGA in '94 and hoping to put it back on the road by next summer.

[@classicperformance]

@@christopherdealwis243 Best of luck, and keep us posted!!! Sorry to hear about the GT6!! ouch

[@gerardbitton4631]

Hi, do you have the MKII with the MGB engine, the black one and red inside for sale?

[@classicperformance]

I do, but it's priced a bit high for the market still. We put a lot of time and money into it, especially the new Moss leather interior.

[@craigevanson8063]

How much does the state charge for a vehicle tax on a classic car? Thinking about moving to South Carolina and I am curious if the state discounts for old cars.

[@classicperformance]

Craig, one of the great things about the low cost living in SC is also with vehicles and taxes. On a new purchase there is a cap of $500 where in some states it is a sales tax percentage on the entire purchase price. Secondly, the annual property tax on cars 15-years old and older, goes to a flat depreciated rate of about $30 per year no mater what it is. After 15 years it is no longer taxed on valuation. So, if you have a 15-year old Ferrari or a 15-year old Crown Victoria, the property tax is the same, about $30 annually.

[@rayschoch5882]

Ah, nostalgia. My first car was a baby blue 1960 1600 soft top like the red one, including the steel wheels. It held up quite well under the thrashing of an eager 16-year-old with fantasies of being a race car driver. My aged knees and spine would never tolerate getting into and out of one now, which is OK because I doubt I could afford either one of these beauties.

[@classicperformance]

Thanks for your interest in story! As we like to say, you always feel like you are 16-years-old behind the wheel, but for some of us, feeling like 76 trying to get out :) Give a look at an MGB, very reasonable, easier in and out, as well as more footwell room!!

[@johnclarke2553]

Doug, just so I know...could you let me know what price you're looking for for your MKI? It might well be out of my reach, but then....!

[@classicperformance]

John, the '60 1600 could possibly by bought, PM me for details. Thank you for your interest!!

[@johnclarke2553]

@@classicperformance Hi again Doug, PM seems to be a bit of a challenge on KZbin these days! We could start a conversation via [e-mail]

[@nandoknows]

Hi I seen your video and I don’t know when you posted it but you mentioned that his cars may be for sale are they still for sale can you send me a message and if they are how much and where are they located

[@classicperformance]

@nandoknows You can contact us through direct message on our instagram platform. Classicperformance1. Thank you!

[@shawnmccall6918]

Looking for crome bumber mgb 5 Main with od fixer upper any leads

[@classicperformance]

We have an early style (through '74) MGB OD transmission for sale if you decide to collect parts and build your own. engines are easy to come by.

[@jettrink7510]

I'm a steel wheel man myself... and have been for forty five years

[@tomeitnier524]

Do you still have the Mrk II? Can I get an email or website, I don't have Instagram.....

[@classicperformance]

[e-mail]

[@johnclarke2553]

Great video. I used to own a 1961 1600 here in Australia, and it had a 1588cc engine, and our MKIIs had 1622, a slight upgrade. Were US spec MKIs supplied with 1622s?

[@classicperformance]

John, starting in '60 with the "1600" all came with the 1622 motor and disc brake upgrades till the end of MGA production in year 1962. These two cars are mechanically the same and visually different. Thanks for your interest Sir.

[@johnclarke2553]

@@classicperformance That's interesting, because here's a quote from CKD MGA MKIIs in Australia mgaguru.com/mgtech/ckd/ckd102m.htm he 1600 Mk II alterations. By the time of the introduction of the Mk II, development of the MGB was well advanced, with a number of pre-production examples already assembled and undergoing trials in the UK. Nonetheless a number of modifications both mechanical and cosmetic were introduced with this final version of the MGA. Some but not all of the changes introduced in the Abingdon built MGA 1600 Mk II cars were incorporated in their Australian counterparts. A number of these changes were controversial (the altered external appearances were not universally admired), but all the changes were in hindsight worthwhile developments of what had been thus far the most successful MG model by a considerable margin, with over 100,000 examples being ultimately built worldwide. Mechanical changes. Engine: The engine received a minor (34 cc) capacity enlargement by the bore size being taken out from 75.4mm to 76.2mm. This may seem an odd and almost pointless exercise, but the previous 1588cc displacement had been unique to MG (both twin cam and OHV), and the 1622cc size was to become the standard BMC B-series engine capacity with bore and stroke in imperial terms becoming 3” and 3.5”. It was obviously a troublesome, and presumably expensive exercise to do engine runs in a different bore size to that fitted to other vehicles in the BMC product range. Unfortunately for MG however this lifted the MGA out of the 1600cc class for racing and into the 2 litre category, where they clearly would struggle to compete. Other internal engine changes however were significant and advantageous. At the bottom end, the crankshaft was now stronger with slightly narrower centre bearing “cradle”. The flywheel was also modified, being lightened by about 8.5 lbs. (The engine components were still fully imported from the UK and assembled locally, even though the B-Series engine was being fully manufactured at the Zetland plant. The Australian 1500cc and 1622cc 4 cylinder engines used for mainstream locally manufactured medium and large sized BMC saloons were however constructed without the beefed-up bottom end.)

[@classicperformance]

@@johnclarke2553 most correct you are. I was inaccurate since I call both "1600s" indeed the MKII was again enlarged from 1588 to 1622 cc. Thanks for your accurate information.

[@johnclarke2553]

@@classicperformance I hope you don't think I was trying to be "smart"! As I said I thoroughly enjoyed the video. While I was watching it I kept thinking whether I was up to another MGA at my age, RHD conversion, etc etc! In my case it would be the 1600 MKI as we called them here. Interesting that our MKIIs didn't have the padded dash, because one reason given was that no one noticed it on the instructions!

[@classicperformance]

@@johnclarke2553 happy to hear your comments as always John! Go for the 1600 MGA!!!! :) 😀

[@vetbcrazy]

I had a 1960 MGA 1600 from 1970 to 1980. Loved that car. Bought it for $450 and sold it for $3,000. After maintenance, I probably broke even.

[@classicperformance]

Great cars! Once you get them sorted, they are very reliable and easy to maintain!

[@film_magician]

Yes! Awesome video. Keep em coming

[@Watauga1772]

Nice! So did you put a later MGB rear end in the MGA MKII? Or did you swap in the MGB Banjo Rear 3.909 gears for the MGA 4.3:1??

[@classicperformance]

MGB 3.9 was the easiest option at the time. Appreciate the interest, William!!

[@hondateam248]

Is the black MGA still for sale?

[@classicperformance]

sorry, it is not.

[@deep6thisdeep6this92]

after high school my buddy that i had known since kindergarten and i both bought MGAs his was a 1962 MKII with the twin-cam chassis and mine was a 1961 1600. his was stolen (not surprising) and i ended up restoring mine (engine, transmission, paint and interior) and selling it a few years later to help finance college. now, fifty years later, i just purchased a 1952 MG TD. the full frame-off restoration was finished in 2008. it now has 20,000 miles on it, post restoration and is in need of a couple thousand dollars worth of maintenance. i.e. all the shocks need rebuilding, the suspension bushings have deteriorated, the water pump bearings are nearly ready to send the pulley and fan through the radiator if it's not replaced soon, and the distributor cap and wires have seen better days. and because the car does not seem to need the choke to start properly, i suspect a carb adjustment is in order. otherwise, i plan i driving it from my home in coastal central california to visit my sisters in ohio and back this summer. really nice frame off restorations including drive train can be had for 20-30,000.

[@classicperformance]

Great story, deep6this. Love the twin cam cars and keep us posted on the T car!!! And the trip too!!! We'll spotlight a "TF" 1500 later this month. Stay tuned!!

[@charleshayes120]

Is the MK ll still for sale

[@classicperformance]

Yes! Not activly but we'll sell it. DM me in Instagram @PerformanceClassics or leave a contact in comments.

[@qhuydao1257]

My dream car! I will definitely buy one right when I can afford it. Do you know where to buy?

[@classicperformance]

Great cars and there are plenty of them out there on Hemmings, Bring A Trailer, and many other sites. Might even find one of Marketplace! Best of luck!

[@qhuydao1257]

@@classicperformance Thank you so much!

[@classicperformance]

most welcome!

[@MartyM73]

I'd be interested to see how the harnesses are anchored in the MkII.

[@classicperformance]

Can you give more detail, Martin?

[@897firefly]

Just curious, did you use the 66 or 67 B engine?

[@classicperformance]

Actually this is a '74 MGB 5-main bearing motor. 18AG I believe. Tag is missing

[@ricedj2003]

How much for the MKII

[@classicperformance]

direct message us on FB or Instagram. Links in bio

[@robertcallahan4065]

The taillights on the '62 Mk.II are the same as the period Austin/Morris Mini. Lucas lenses, used on almost all English cars.

[@classicperformance]

Robert, We appreciate the knowledge and your interest!

[@lewisrusso3276]

My MGA was a black 1960 1600 with red leather and wire wheels. It taught me how to drive, VS some of my friends who ahs muscle cars and went fast in a straight line.

[@classicperformance]

So true! Thanks for sharing.

[@richardjensen2769]

Yeah, that valve cover was noticeable, but my eye was soon Drawn to that alternator. (One of these machines may be for "Show," but the other is made to Go!)

[@classicperformance]

Most observant Richard. The alternator is a GM style one-wire alternator. Both cars are road going cars and actually have never been in a show. I have driven both among at least 3 states, but the red one is a back road 2-lane cruiser and the black MKII can keep up perfectly at any interstate speed. So, it's a decision of how you wish to travel, which will dictate which car best fits. Appreciate your interest!

[@tonydoyle2375]

that was great very interesting thanks

[@classicperformance]

Appreciate your interest, Tony.

[@MrRea112]

This is by far the prettiest production MG they made

[@classicperformance]

We think so too!!!

[@robertjensen8913]

I have a 1962 MGA 1600 MKII and I set it up much the same, 1800cc engine and 5 speed trans, with B differential. The only thing I noticed that you said wrong was you said the 1600 had a 1622 cc engine, they had a 1598cc engine. The 1622 was only in the MKII.

[@classicperformance]

Yes, correct Robert. I was thinking on my feet and probably got crossed up; Sound like a great car you have!!

[@MGB-learning]

Very nice MGAs. I still prefer my MGBs. :)

[@classicperformance]

They do have MGB motors :) Thanks for the interest!

[@MGB-learning]

@@classicperformance The wind up windows is what got me hooked on the MGB vs the MGA. LOL!

[@markwise7221]

Your not comparing a 1600 to a mk2, so you missed the most significant difference. An original Mk2 has a higher final drive ratio that makes cruising at highway speeds better.

[@classicperformance]

True. We're comparing them visually here. And to be honest the 1600 has a 3-main B motor with tach drive.

[@lesobliteres]

I put in a 1800 mgb engine but a 3 main so I kept the mechanical rpm...4 speed mga .and 3.9 mgb rear gears

[@classicperformance]

Serge, that setup is actually what the red 1600 has. A '63 MGB motor and still uses the mechanical tach. Thanks for the interest!!!

[@ronpilchowski9898]

Ditch the Mikuni and get a Holley sniper EFI, easy to install makes It start and run like a new car Just did it on my 74' spitfire Absolutely love it

[@classicperformance]

Ron, now you're talking!!! Great idea!! might just do that.

[@michaeljoesmith3977]

SU the only carb you need.

[@ronpilchowski9898]

@@michaeljoesmith3977 if you like carbs, but if you notice no car manufacture use carbs anymore. I don't pull a choke, pump the gas peddle, it just starts like a new Honda , closed loop so the AFR is spot on under any conditions and all altitudes Hot, cold it does not care.... i will never own a classic with a carb , I'm not nostalgic for poor performance .... and the points gotta go

[@ronpilchowski9898]

@@michaeljoesmith3977 LOL... Whats your favorite brand of breaker points

[@michaeljoesmith3977]

@@ronpilchowski9898 Spark-O-Matic

[@johnholzhey8149]

Had 1960. Fun car.

[@mikewaite3746]

I don't get it with these people that do videos it's either you're promoting it to sell it or you're trying to do an overview and describe the differences I'm surprised you didn't even mention the tail lights good grief

[@classicperformance]

Yes, the taillights moved inboard on the MKII and are less "designed" and stylish than on the 1600 cars which had them fender mounted. The video is an overview and not a sales video. However as the saying goes, "everything is for sale at a price"

[@lib556]

Sigh. I miss my 61 MGA...

[@thetiredtourist3927]

Do you have a cold...

[@classicperformance]

Yes/no on the cold. Here in the southeast in the Spring we have a terrible tree and pine pollen issue, especially if there is no rain for a while. This was the case at the time of shooting the video and it's pretty rough on most people. The pollen can be so bad you can sweep it up with a broom into a pile.

[@thetiredtourist3927]

@@classicperformance Hope it's better... beautiful cars...

[@classicperformance]

All good, that month of mid march/till mid April is a killer. Thanks!

[@martyxray5171]

My first car was a 1960 MGA 1600 - paid $500 i n1970. I was16.

[@classicperformance]

It was quite amazing the prices of cars in the 70's and 80's. Even in today's, that $500 would be equivalent to $4,000 for a 10-year old sports car. You can't buy a 10-year-old vehicle for $4,000 today no matter what it is.

[@67daltonknox]

The Morris Oxford convertible - an awful old piece of tat. The Elan came out in '62 to show what a modern sports car ought to be like.

[@daviddensmore2606]

Actually, that's just nonsense, because in essence your comparing apples to oranges. The MGA, like MG sports cars in general, were good driving, fun and affordable every man sports cars that could be purchased by the blue collar working man. There's no doubt that the Lotus Elan was a great car and superior in many ways, but it was expensive to buy, expensive to repair, and out of the reach of many people.

[@keithmountain9437]

@@daviddensmore2606 Lotus...Lots Of Trouble Usually Serious.

[@simontemplar4093]

Thais SU‘s are HS4 …original on the MGA was SU H4 …

[@classicperformance]

Yes. Is that true on the red 1600 as well? The red one actually has a 3-main '63 B motor in it with tach drive. The black MKII has a '74 5-main with electric tach.

[@joedobbins870]

Grill was recessed on Mark2!

[@classicperformance]

Yes, Joe, you are correct. The black '62 is a MKII as all were designated in that year. Along with the recessed grill, rear Morris Mini light clusters mounted below the boot lid are another exterior change. Thanks for your interest!!

[@thewhitefordbronco]

Super cool?

[@classicperformance]

They are, and truth be told, the red one has an 1800 "B" motor disguised as a 1622 "1600 A" via paint, carbs, and valve cover. This '63 1800 is the only B motor you can swap in and still use the original mechanical A tach with. After that, the engine no longer had a drive since they went to electric gauge.

[@wolfgangweimer737]

Nice video but that constant sniffing of the nose was extremely annoying.And also car with a complete running gear change is NOT original.

[@classicperformance]

I agree with you. Was pollen season in the southeast. It's an eye and nose runner for sure.

[@boson2916]

Sexy MGAs, when you have one of this MGA, you will want to get the other one, please don't tell your wife.

[@classicperformance]

Haha, thanks for the tip!!

[@nicholascarson9924]

The presenters constant sniffing was very annoying -

[@classicperformance]

My apologies. We had a heavy pollen season this past spring and little rain. You ever experienced the spring pollen in the southeast of USA? It's a real problem. Damn nose won't stop running 😫

[@nicholascarson9924]

@@classicperformance - sorry just a cranky old man ! Thanks for the response. First time I ever hit 100 mph was as a 14 year old passenger in a brand new MGA 1600 in 1960.