The MGA was a complete sea change in the company’s direction. Moving away from the traditional post-war styling and drivetrains that MG had become known for, it introduced an entirely new aesthetic as well as new engines to the manufacturer’s range.
This particular example was exported to the USA after manufacture. Returning to the UK as a restoration project in 2018, the owner has spent three years comprehensively restoring the car to the lovely condition you see here. For anyone wondering what a brand new MGA may have been like, this is probably as good an example as you’ll find.GycyQ90RSbPmpjtAOBrbO5eXCVktHLVUkQHOVc8f.jpeg1.08 MB
The History and Paperwork
Manufactured in April 1956
Original specification: blue over grey
Exported to the USA
First registered in the USA January 1957
Californian car - imported back to UK in September 2018
Having undergone a complete restoration, it’s perhaps no surprise that the cabin presents so well. With its new, plush red leather upholstery it looks every inch the classic roadster from the driving seat.
The dash top is trimmed in matching padded red vinyl, while the fascia is colour matched to the exterior. All of the instruments and controls are presented in nice original condition, wearing a fetching level of patination. Everything is very clear and legible though, with the vendor assuring us that all the switchgear and dials operate as they should. It should be noted that the odometer was reset when the restoration was carried out, so the displayed mileage is what has been covered since the vehicle was returned to the road.
At the rear, the boot presents well, nicely painted out and containing a full-size spare wire wheel and an aftermarket jack. The spare wheel is in average condition, and may benefit from some restoration. Included in the boot is a gray new vinyl spare wheel cover, which is in as-new condition.cK8buReSqbZ2mMIbs0TJanEl3QTzT0RSkm1ayDpX.jpeg886.24 KB
The Exterior
Finished in Old English White
15” wire wheels with new Continental tyres
New hood, side screens and tonneau
As part of the restoration process, the owner tells us that welding has been carried out to the sills, wings and chassis crossmember. As a Californian car, however, everything was largely solid and straight. Now the car presents very well, with an elegant and period-correct Old English White paint scheme and smart wire wheels.
The paintwork itself looks to be nicely applied, with no evidence of corrosion, bubbling or notable damage we could identify. Similarly, all of the exterior badging and brightwork is complete and in excellent condition. We’re told by the vendor that there is a minor dent in the front grille surround, but otherwise the bodywork and trim is all in very good order.
New red fabric items were sourced during the restoration, so the car comes with a brand new roof, side screens and tonneau. As these are the items that usually perish first on roadsters of this vintage, this is an excellent bonus.
Underneath, the owner has clearly taken as much care in restoring the car to original condition as they have with the upper body. The running gear, floor pans and chassis look to be in exceptional condition. Straight, very clean and with no evidence at all that we could see of surface corrosion or damage.Yn5Q2n593l27wtFVbSVVkTzgwIvn0OlYRvLw41EZ.jpeg921.41 KB
The Mechanics
1,489cc B-Series inline-four
Twin H4 SU carburettors
Four-speed manual transmission
Engine and gearbox rebuilt
One of the major tasks the owner undertook during the restoration was to completely rebuild the engine and gearbox. The advantage of the B-Series engine is that there is excellent parts supply still, so tracking down spares and maintenance items should not be a problem.
The vendor made some tasteful and practical modifications to the drivetrain, in order to make the car a much more usable daily classic. An alternator conversion has been carried out, as well as installing electronic ignition and modern inertia reel seatbelts.
Looking under the bonnet, the engine bay is very clean and tidy, evidently with many new and restored parts, as well as a freshly painted block and rocker cover.
In terms of the rest of the drivetrain, the MGA features rack and pinion steering, coil and wishbone suspension at the front and a solid axle with semi-elliptic springs at the rear. It’s a robust and easily serviceable set-up that suits the car well.PHJqJ0PAD3PUyTMnOjD4ukAbLIqhDp92hSwb5Bpw.jpeg1.01 MB
Summary
Having been significantly restored cosmetically and mechanically, what we have here is, to all intents and purposes, an MGA that almost presents as a new car. Considerable work has clearly been carried out, and to a very good standard.
As such, this handsome and smartly specified little roadster presents a unique opportunity – to obtain a 1950s roadster that has less than 300 miles on the clock!
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