Highlights

Dry stored and regularly maintained
Restored to a high level in 2017
Mechanically and aesthetically sound

The Appeal

The MGA was developed as a replacement for the MG TF 1500, and represented a large shift in vehicle styling for MG. Instead of the typical running boards and articulating fenders of most MG cars in the past, this ponton styling vehicle body was marketed as being “the first of a new line,” showing MG’s versatility, and setting the stylistic standard for many MG automobiles to come.

This particular 1957 model is furnished with the standard 1498cc inline-4 engine, developing around 68 to 70 brake horsepower. In addition, it comes complete with a custom-made real leather tonneau cover and soft top; both of which were handmade to a very high standard and have a perfect fit both dimensionally and stylistically to the vehicle.

The History and Paperwork

Imported from South Africa in 2022
Full restoration completed by the previous owner to a very high standard
Like-new custom leather tonneau cover and soft top
MOT exempt but passed in 2022
Over £2000 spent in the last three months on parts

The vehicle began life in South Africa where in 2017 it was restored and renewed. Since being brought to the UK in March of 2022 by the current owner, this MGA has done just over one hundred miles, and has been dry-stored in a de-humidified specialist vehicle storage facility. After receiving the vehicle last year, the current owner had the vehicle “health checked” by a classic car specialists, where it received new spark plugs, battery, and coolant flush. It now remains in excellent condition after being checked over, and ready to be driven to its fullest.

Care has been taken to preserve the originality of the vehicle while keeping it drivable and comfortable, and it has been re-finished down to bare metal. An exception to this is an updated gearbox—which the owner states is from a Toyota Celica—being fitted to provide a bit of creature comfort and modern reliability to the MGA. Additionally, the cooling system has been refreshed with a new radiator, which the owner states functions flawlessly.

A file of restoration photos does come along with the sale. In addition to that, some recent UK-purchased memorabilia as pictured will also come with the vehicle.

The vehicle is MOT exempt, but the current owner last had an MOT performed in 2022 (less than 100 miles ago), with one advisory that was remedied immediately.

The Interior

Tan leather interior, a perfect colour combination to the Iris blue paint
Overall condition is near perfect
All electronics and gauges functioning as they should

The tan coloured interior perfectly suits the paint job and chrome. The interior is in overall nearly new condition. It’s very clear that the vehicle has been dry stored and was cared for during its restoration and afterwards, as the soft bits are in great condition and show no signs of sun-fading or neglect.

The interior and dashboard are simple and very functional, clearly to-the-point and with usability and practicality in mind. Everything is placed within easy reach, all of the dials are easy to read, and it all feels solid and robust. The polished wooden steering wheel with beautiful red MG logo detail matches gracefully to the gear shifter, upholstery, and car colour. The owner states the electronics, knobs, and toggles are all in working order.

The boot is clean and tidy, with all elements looking as new. The boot rubbers and fittings are all present, and in great condition. The vehicle comes with a full-size spare tyre with a matching wheel as well as tyre cover finished in black.

The MGA has also been fitted with a new custom hand-made tan leather soft-top, which is still in near perfect condition on the inside and out. Putting the top up and down was performed easily and effortlessly when fitted for the photo shoot. All of the buttons and catches lined up to the body posts and snapped easily into place, as is not always the case with custom soft-tops.

The Exterior

Excellent condition paintwork and chrome
Iris blue paintwork – perfectly suits the elegance of the vehicle shape
Underside of the vehicle shows no signs of corrosion and is near-flawless

The outside of the MGA is just as good as the inside. The stunning Iris blue paint and sparkling chrome-work really reinforce the nature of a true roadster; it’s built to cruise and it's ready to move. The bodywork is all in order as well; while the chrome brightwork is shining like new everywhere you look. There are, however, a few small cracks in the paint as pictured, on both sides of the front grille.

The vehicle’s side window and windscreen glass are in excellent condition, with hardly any signs of use whatsoever. Headlights, taillights and indicator lights are all in above average condition and show no signs of fading or hazing.

Exterior rubbers and seals are all in excellent condition and have no signs of age or wear at all.

The convertible top exterior is also in good condition, with no age-related marks, tears, or holes evident. The rear plastic window on the top is not faded or sun damaged, and is easy to see through when driving. The connecting buttons, convertible mechanics, and overall operation of the top all perform flawlessly and with ease.

The wheels are in great visual condition, with no signs of curb rash or damage. While there are some hardly-noticeable watermarks and very light pitting as is usual from any chrome finishes, they can easily be cleaned right up with a quick polish; but currently present as near-perfect. All four tyres are matching and there is plenty of tread remaining.

The Mechanics

Absolutely flies through MOTs
1498cc inline-4 engine healthy and willing
Owner states Toyota Celica gearbox is fitted for comfort and reliability
Owner states it runs perfectly, shifts smoothly, and handles with finesse

The engine bay shows very few signs of use. It has been cared for since the complete restoration, and as such is said to be in an absolutely ready and reliable state. With an exhaust system replacement in the restoration, the vehicle sounds great and has a throaty exhaust note which is refined and quiet enough to still enjoy the sound of the twin SU carburettors at the front.

The owner states the suspension, steering, and pickup are all as good or better than to be expected. The suspension and entire underside of the car looks almost-new, with little signs of use since the restoration. The car runs straight and does exactly what it’s told. There are no unexpected quirks to quarrel with and the ride reinforces its sport cruiser roots.

The roof comes down quickly and with hardly any effort, meaning that it can be used as often as desired without any hassle.

Summary

This MGA is ready to be driven. The owner states it as being in immaculate condition, and that they fell in love with it and had to have it. The only reason it’s being sold now is due to it not being driven as often as they had hoped, as the storage facility is not always accessible as it’s a half-hour drive from their residence.

It is an absolute blast to drive, and is the definition of what a classic British roadster is all about. What could be better than feeling the exhilaration and sense of freedom that only a chromed-up classic convertible can provide. Being completely ready to roll, this is a great chance to pick up a fully restored and well-maintained, mechanically sound example of a British motoring icon.

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.

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