1957 MGA 1500 Roadster
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Highlights
• Fully restored example
• Superb condition
• Excellent mechanical order
• Show worthy vehicle
• Rebuilt engine
• Well maintained
The Appeal
Produced from 1955 to 1962, the MGA was the novel successor to the MG TF 1500 Midget and paved the way for new body styling and mechanics. The name itself signalled a turning point for the brand, with this vehicle being the first model (A) in the radical new MG lineup.
This particular MGA is one of the few original UK-supplied home-market examples, now presenting itself here today in absolutely superb condition. Having been extensively restored in the past and treasured over the years, this MG presents an incredible opportunity to own a near-concourse example of the historically significant MG roadster.
The History and Paperwork
• Just 2 former keepers
• Originally registered in Belfast
• Extensively restored in the past
• Resprayed and renewed once more in 2015
• Engine rebuild in 2020
• Incredibly well cared for
• Fantastic history and accompanying paperwork
• Original logbook & chassis plate
• Garage kept
• Heritage certificate
Built on the 30th April/1st May in 1957, this MGA was one of the few examples destined for the home market and would be first registered in Belfast. The roadster remained in the Belfast area prior to returning to England in 1984 for a full body-off restoration. Here, the vehicle received a red leather interior with black carpets, along with a new respray in Orient Red. Following the restoration, the car would return to Northern Ireland for the following 23 years, before finally settling on the English roads.
Whilst in England, the car was maintained to a very high standard, receiving a range of new parts and consumables as required. Cosmetic improvements would follow shortly after, in the form of new chrome bumpers in 2012, and another full respray in 2015. After covering around 15,000 miles on the English roads, the roadster was treated to a full engine rebuild in 2020, prior to arriving at its current home.
Throughout its time with the current owner, this beautiful MGA has continued its pampered lifestyle, covering very few miles when not tucked away in its dry garage. Despite seldom seeing the roads, this MG has been somewhat of a show star, with notable features at both the November 2021 NEC Classic car show and June 2022 classic car show at Castle Howard. Although the vehicle will be sorely missed by the current owner, lack of use and the desire to preserve the car’s superb condition set this gorgeous roadster on course for a lucky new owner.
Throughout its time with the current owner, this beautiful MGA has continued its pampered lifestyle, covering very few miles when not tucked away in its dry garage. Despite seldom seeing the roads, this MG has been somewhat of a show star, with notable features at both the November 2021 NEC Classic car show and June 2022 classic car show at Castle Howard. Although the vehicle will be sorely missed by the current owner, lack of use and the desire to preserve the car’s superb condition set this gorgeous roadster on course for a lucky new owner.
As you would perhaps expect given the history of the car, this MGA comes with a superb amount of supporting paperwork and noted history. In addition to the original brown logbook and original chassis plate, the paperwork includes a large folder packed with invoices for key maintenance, restoration work, replacement parts and more. Also included are a collection of photographs from the restoration process, the previous MOT certificates, the V5C document, the heritage certificate, and the pictured handbooks/manuals.
The Interior
• Red leather upholstery
• Black carpeting
• Red leather tonneau cover
• Fantastic condition
• Striking colour combination
• Well cared for
In keeping with the vehicle’s striking Orient Red paintwork, a glance inside the cockpit will reveal sleek black carpeting and retrimmed red leather upholstery. As the vehicle has covered so few miles since the interior overhaul, buyers can expect a superb interior condition throughout, with hardly any signs of use.
Both leather seats are not only exceptionally comfortable but present themselves with no noticeable signs of wear. The dashboard, centre console and trim pieces follow suit, showing only minimal signs of age as pictured. In fact, the overall cabin could quite easily fool you of its actual age, and will no doubt present passengers with perhaps the most pleasant and pristine environment available.
In the boot, you will find more tidy carpeting, along with the jack, a superb red leather tonneau cover and a painted spare wheel. Should you wish to travel without the side windows in place, a beautiful new set of glass and chrome “wind wings” are also included within.
The Exterior
- Superb Orient Red paintwork
- Incredible condition
- New mohair soft-top
- New front & rear bumpers in 2012
- Show-worthy finish
- Fully restored example
- A collector’s dream
- Painted chassis with Waxoyl protection
Few words can do this magnificent MGA justice, it’s simply an absolutely stunning example, no doubt one of the finest available across the globe. As the roadster has covered very few miles since its respray in 2015, the Orient Red paintwork is in near-immaculate condition.
All chrome and brightwork is in a similar condition, with the exception of the pictured lower front bumper section. Fortunately, this is a rather small section that can be rectified quite easily, allowing this near-pristine exterior to achieve its full glory.
Contrasting the Orient Red paintwork is a new set of chromed wire wheels, complete with spinners. Each wheel is in superb condition, no doubt the result of superb attention to detail and great care. Keeping the iconic roadster planted to the tarmac is a matching set of Kinetica tyres, with plenty of tread for the new owner to enjoy.
The Mechanics
• Rebuilt 1500 engine
• Low miles since rebuild
• Drives beautifully
• Uprated rear springs
• Upgraded Polythene bushes
• New clutch
• Stainless steel exhaust
• Rebuilt gearbox & differential
• Excellent oil pressure
• Superb maintenance record
As the enormous paperwork folder will reflect, this MGA has been treated with absolutely everything as required over the years, now showing off an incredible list of new, and reconditioned parts. Perhaps most notably, the 1500 engine was stripped and rebuilt in 2020, with new pistons, new bearings and a high-lift cam. Accompanying the rebuilt engine is a new clutch, as well as a rebuilt gearbox, and differential.
As the vehicle has covered so few miles since its mechanical overhaul, buyers will be pleased to know that the vehicle presents itself without a single known mechanical or electrical fault. The 1500 engine fires up right away, and happily purrs through the stainless steel exhaust, awaiting your next command.
Summary
This MGA is perhaps one of the finest British roadsters available worldwide, presenting buyers with an incredibly rare opportunity to own a near-concourse example. This MG benefits from a near-endless list of new/rebuilt components, a stunning Orient Red finish, and a care-filled past.
If you’re looking for a show-worthy example of the historically significant roadster, this example leaves very little to be further desired and should be considered by any collector or enthusiast.
If you’re looking for a show-worthy example of the historically significant roadster, this example leaves very little to be further desired and should be considered by any collector or enthusiast.
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.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1957
- Make MG
- Model A Roadster
- Colour Red
- Odometer 9,471 Miles
- Engine size 1489
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Location Yorkshire
- Country United Kingdom
15
bids
from 8
bidders
- do•••• £33,000 10/12/22
- de•••• £32,750 05/12/22
- mi•••• £32,500 05/12/22
- de•••• £32,000 05/12/22
- Un•••• £31,500 05/12/22
- Un•••• £31,250 05/12/22
- mi•••• £31,000 04/12/22
- ro•••• £30,000 30/11/22
- mi•••• £23,000 28/11/22
- st•••• £21,000 28/11/22
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