Highlights
- Right-hand drive example
- Just two former registered keepers
- In the previous ownership for 58 years
- Frame-off restoration completed in 2004, including engine and gearbox rebuilds
- Spent most of its life in the dry climate of Gauteng Province, South Africa
The Appeal
The MGA Roadster marked a bold new direction for MG in 1955, replacing the upright T-types with a sleek, wind-cheating body that looked every inch the modern sports car. The 1,500cc variant, with its eager B-series engine and sweet four-speed manual gearbox, remains one of the most enjoyable and accessible ways into 1950s British sports car ownership, and right-hand drive examples are always keenly sought.
This 1957 example carries notable provenance. Acquired by its second keeper in 1967, then a medical student at the University of Cape Town, the car remained in his devoted care for 58 years. Between 2002 and 2004, it was treated to a frame-off restoration encompassing an engine and gearbox rebuild along with all running gear. Since completion, it has seen only minimal, gentle use. The vendor states it presents and runs well, making this a fine opportunity to acquire an MGA with a long history of careful stewardship.
Key Information
- Mileage: 3,015 miles (not verified)
- Country of registration: South Africa
- Technical inspection status: registered under vintage 'S' license; last roadworthiness inspection completed upon the seller's purchase in June 2025, which reportedly resulted in a pass ('S' license disc pictured in the image gallery)
- Technical specs: 1,500cc four-cylinder petrol, four-speed manual
The Detail
- Frame-off restoration completed in 2004, including engine and gearbox rebuilds, and all running gear
- Stainless steel exhaust system fitted from manifold to tail pipe, including silencer box
- Red paintwork with chrome trim elements
- Mesh headlight protectors
- 15-inch wire-spoke wheels with two-eared knock-off spinners
- Brand new aluminium side screens, never fitted to the car
- Battery cut-out switch fitted
- Non-original electric fuel pump fitted
- Black vinyl interior described as good by the vendor
- Black four-spoke steering wheel, Smiths dials
- Black soft top and tonneau cover described as very good by the vendor
- Spare wheel supplied in the boot
- Maintained by a respected local classic British car specialist
- Speedometer reads incorrectly
- Fuel gauge is erratic
- Small one-inch crack in windscreen, reported as not spreading
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