Restored in 2018 and significant mechanical improvements since
Thick history file detailing work since the car’s return to the UK
Limited use since its return to the UK in 2018
Dry stored in garage when not in use
Useful upgrades to steering rack and brakes to improve driveability
Factory correct Orient Red paintwork recently professionally detailed
Tax and MOT exempt
The Appeal
The MG brand is currently experiencing a resurgence, but it owes a lot to the MGA, the car that saved the firm from oblivion in the 1950s. Its advanced aerodynamic styling secured its future, with over 95% of the more than 100,000 built going overseas to earn lucrative export income.
This pretty Orient Red roadster was one of those LHD export models, originally sold to North America. It appears from chassis records and the heritage certificate to have originally been a coupe.
It is in excellent condition, apparently having been fully restored and resprayed before the Seller acquired it in 2018. He has made ongoing improvements to the car to improve its reliability and driveability. MGA ownership is backed by an unrivalled spares and club scene and this gorgeous example looks very useable and ready for summer. dtLVS3iIUKU1kaIph80T6mKo7ju8oqgp3OXV99wS.jpg851.17 KB
The History And Paperwork
Built 26th to 30th April 1957
Despatched 1st May 1957 as a LHD to North America
UK registered on 1st June 2018 and two owners since
Chassis and heritage certificate indicate it left the factory as a coupe
Thick history file of invoices covering its return to the UK and totalling several thousand pounds
MOT expired April 2019
1,000 miles covered since last MOT test in April 2018
Factory correct red leather seats in good condition with patina of age
Black carpets and MG over mats in very good condition
Leather dash rail and door cards unmarked
Dials and switchgear present in very good condition
New Mota Lita wood rimmed steering wheel fitted by Seller
New unused side screens included in sale
Seatbelts fitted by Seller
The bright, clean interior of this MGA is a particularly welcome sight, the body colour dashboard housing an array of dials and smattering of switchgear under a red leather dash top roll.
The dark red leather seats and trim of this MGA are factory correct according to the heritage certificate. The Seller states that the seats were refurbished before he bought the car. They are in very good condition, showing only a light patina of age-related creases. Seatbelts have been fitted as a useful and desirable upgrade.
The only demerits are to the driver’s seat base, which has a small tear in the leather, and the centre armrest which has a small number of marks in the leather.
Elsewhere the carpets are in very good condition, only some wear to the driver’s side over mat detracting. The carpet alongside the driver’s seat has also pulled away slightly from the retaining trim.
The bright body coloured dashboard is in very good condition, just a couple of barely noticeable marks beneath the map light on the right hand side detracting. The passenger door trim also has a small white mark on the lower corner, which may be polish that will clean off.
The Seller has fitted an attractive wood rimmed Mota Lita steering wheel. He states that all of the dials work correctly – the speedometer has been recalibrated during his ownership – but buyers may wish to check regarding the switchgear.eoNlhWt9eGMNPwKAnt712DYYwvrRiuL9R6HfQmbH.jpg543.28 KB
The Exterior
Believed restored during 2018 including full respray in original Orient Red
Older restoration in very good condition
Factory optional luggage rack fitted
New wire wheels fitted by owner since 2018
Bodywork professionally detailed in August 2022
15 inch Veento tyres fitted, a North America tyre brand
Soft top appears to be in good condition
Wood panels under car replaced by owner since 2018
The MGA represented such a departure from MG’s traditional models that the firm went back to the start with its name, calling it the A to signify this new direction. Over 70 years on it remains a beautiful shape, simple yet nicely detailed and impossible to mistake for any other car.
Period details like the optional luggage rack and chrome wire wheels complete the stylish picture.
Chassis and heritage records indicate that this car began its life as a coupe. It left the factory painted the same shade of Orient Red it now displays, a colour that certainly complements those svelte lines.
We understand from the Seller that the car was comprehensively restored by its North American owner before he bought it in 2018. It appears to have been resprayed to a high standard, with only some very localised marks that are not immediately obvious or visible. We are told that the paintwork has been professionally detailed twice during the Seller’s ownership, most recently in August 2022.
The forward edges of the offside and nearside front wings show small chips and there is a light scuff on the offside front arch. The bonnet also has several chips on the leading edge.
The chrome wire wheels and luggage rack were fitted by the Seller since 2018 and are in excellent condition. The chrome bumpers and other detailing are in very good condition.
The body panels all fit cleanly. The doors, often a cause of problems with body-on-chassis cars of this age, show a clean fit with no obvious variance in the gaps.
Converted from twin SU to single Weber carburettor
Significant expenditure by owner to improve driveability including new, smoother steering rack and switch to disc brakes
Converted to electronic ignition for improved starting and reliability
Revotec cooling fan fitted
New radiator, thermostat, coolant and water pump in August 2022
Converted to single 12V battery
Serviced in July 2020 with limited mileage since
Over £2,000 spent at MGOC Spares in May 2019
This MGA is a 1958 1500 fitted with the reliable BMC B-Series engine and 4spd manual gearbox. It appears to be a matching numbers car although the photographs do not fully display the engine number.
One of the attractions of MGA ownership is the ease with which these cars can be sympathetically improved. The wealth of parts specialists and enthusiastic owners means that there are many simple modifications available that keep the car original but make it significantly more useable.
This car has benefitted from several of those improvements, including a switch to electronic ignition, fitting a Revotec cooling fan and converting the front drum brakes to discs. The twin SU carburettors fitted by the factory have also been replaced by a single Weber, which makes the car easier to start and generally smoother running and more reliable.
The photographs show the extent of the history file and invoices since 2018. As well as these improvements the car has also received a new steering rack, which the Seller says delivers a smoother steering experience. Other work includes replacing the track rods, bearings and bushes on the front suspension and overhauling the cooling system. Alongside the new fan the radiator, water pump and thermostat were replaced in August 2022.
The car was last serviced in July 2020. Although it has covered few miles since the buyer may wish to factor in a service based on time elapsed. The last MOT also expired in April 2019. The car has only covered 1,000 miles since that test.P28trldHjhVL83R6Pb1qPVP7TnHinuT85b1z7Gsc.jpg696.32 KB
Summary
The pretty MGA is a staple of the classic car world for some very good reasons: it’s beautiful, very driveable and its reliable. And then there is the unrivalled spares and club support, which makes owning and enjoying one of these lovely British sports cars a real pleasure.
This MGA 1500 has covered few miles since a comprehensive restoration five years ago. That work has held up very well thanks to the fastidious owner. He has also applied some well chosen improvements that make this 65 year old car easier to drive and own. It looks gorgeous and ready to enjoy, perhaps barrelling down the highways and byways as the sun glints off its bright bodywork.
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.
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