Here we have a superbly restored and improved example of an MGA. It started life being exported to the USA but has since been returned to its country of manufacture. Here it has received an extensive restoration which appears to have left no stone unturned.
This involved rebuilding the car from the chassis up, respraying the body, and upgrading the mechanical components. A refurbished five-bearing MGB engine was fitted along with a five-speed gearbox and many other improvements alongside.
So this is now perhaps the ultimate example of what can be done to an MGA without straying too far from the spirit of the original. It is a supremely capable car presented in delectably fine condition.
The interior of this MGA is resplendent in red leather upholstery, which is neat and tidy throughout. We couldn’t see any evidence of significant damage to the seat covers, which appear almost unused. Matching red door cards feature sizeable storage pockets and also show no scuffs or damage.
Black carpets complement the red very well, and are expertly trimmed. They appear to be very clean and again show almost no wear. Inertia reel seatbelts have been discreetly fitted, mounted in the boot, where the black carpet continues and we find a full size spare wheel.
The dashboard was recently fitted, during the change to right-hand drive and features a full set of Smiths instruments and Lucas pull switches. The speedometer and tachometer have been recalibrated for accuracy and the gauges all look smartly presented. Only two issues can be found on the interior: the screenwash pump is not currently functioning and the heater fan control knob has fallen off.
Body-off restoration of the chassis, body and suspension
Resprayed in 2018
Dinitrol weather protection has been liberally applied to the cavities
New hood and five new tyres
Finished in Old English White, the paintwork on this MGA suits the car very well. It was resprayed in 2018 and remains in excellent shape. The only issues of note are a small crack near the A pillar and a little paint missing on the leading edge of the driver’s door.
The vendor tells us that the wiper blades will need some attention, rubber door stops will need to be fitted, and the bootlid seal could do with some fettling. During the restoration the cavities were thoroughly protected with liberal use of Dinitrol wax, this can reportedly sometimes still drip out on hot days.
The hood is new and a tonneau cover provides protection when the car is not in use. Rear lights have been replaced with later 1600 MGA units, to provide better illumination.
Sitting proudly on silver painted steel wheels, the car looks like it means business. These are wearing a set of five newly fitted tyres.
The B-series engine fitted to this MGA is not the original 1,500cc unit, but instead it has been replaced with a Moss-refurbished and balanced five-bearing unit from an MGB. This is attached to a five-speed Ford Type 9 gearbox, which allows for relaxed motorway cruising, this conversion was supplied by Hi Gear Engineering.
The car was extensively restored and returned to the road in 2019. This included the following mechanical work:
If you’re looking for a thoroughly restored example of an MGA, then you need look no further. This particular car also benefits from the fitment of an 1800 engine, a five-speed gearbox and much else besides.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
More about buying with us
1956 MGA Roadster
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