Chassis No. GHDL2106722

Engine No. 16GCUH7050

After debuting to widespread acclaim in 1955, the free-spirited MGA Roadster was given a more refined, fixed hardtop in October 1956-an elegant transformation aimed at capturing the allure of the stylish GT cars then sweeping across Europe. The new Coupe design, with its generous glass areas framed by slender, delicate A-pillars, not only enhanced the MGA's visual appeal but also improved its aerodynamics. Contemporary motoring press tests revealed that the Coupe's design delivered slightly quicker acceleration than the Roadster.

In April 1961, the MGA received a significant upgrade in the form of a larger 1,622 cc engine, part of a broader engine expansion across British Motor Corporation models. The new 1600 Mark II version shaved 3.4 seconds off its predecessor's zero to 60 mph times. This final, fastest iteration of the MGA would also be the last, as production ended in late 1962 to make way for the MGB.

As documented by the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust, this particular MGA coupe was assembled on 7 March 1962 and shipped to the United States merely five days later. According to the North American MGA Register, it first entered their registry by Manuel De Carvalho of North Falmouth, Massachusetts, on 22 September 1977.

By the early 2000s, the car had found its way to Florida, where its owner commissioned a comprehensive rotisserie restoration. Under the expert guidance of Marcos Classic Restorations in Delray Beach, Florida, the car was disassembled in 2004. All body panels were sent to renowned European sports car restoration specialist Mark Smith of Classic Car Restoration in Dania Beach. After stripping and refinishing the panels in the original Old English White, the car was reassembled by the Marcos team, who also completed a mechanical refurbishment of the driveline components. The result was a beautifully restored car with a luxurious red leather interior, matching wool carpets, and a red-trimmed dashboard.

This delightful 1962 MG MGA 1600 Mark II Coupe is a true paragon of British motoring. Entering The Academy of Art University Collection in 2011, this refined and authentic example of the MGA coupe is a timeless classic that blends sportiness with elegance.