1963 MG MGA 1100

This 1963 MG1100 is one-family-owned car, bought new at Morris Motors, Bakersfield CA. This car is a true ‘California car.’ It has been in the possession of the Light family for 61 years. It was bought by my father who used it for rallying and gymkhana in the mid-60s local sports car club and later to be used by his three sons as their first car. My two brothers and I drove it through our high school years and handed it off to one another.

As I, the middle son, was looking for a project in my retirement I focused on rejuvenating this little car. It was a labor of love knowing the market value of these is softer than for the more popular cousin the Mini Cooper. I found it cathartic dealing with the dents and dings caused by those years of teenage users.

As the car was stored on blocks for about 45 years most of the hard parts were in reuseable condition. The interior not so much, I fabricated a new dashboard retaining the original ribbon speedo and odometer. I attached the replacement seats to the original brackets and replaced the headliner. All the window seals and door seals were replaced with new like parts. The bumpers were stored outside and not serviceable, so I removed the hangers and supports all together. I always thought the 12” wheels looked undersized thus installed 14” in their place with low-profile tires.

The engine was rebuilt to original specs with most of the internals in good serviceable condition. I used new std. bearings, rings, a timing set and seals. All the receipts for the parts used have filled a three-ring binder. Included is a copy of a factory parts manual as well as a factory workshop manual.