MGA 1500, 1958

1958 MG MGA Description

I bought this car in Georgia, years ago, and at that time I was told it was a complete, fresh restoration which I confirmed when I inspected it In every way, it appeared to be a first class, frame up restoration to a high quality. Having owned MGAs for forty five years, I knew what to look for.
Body is excellent and I went over it with a kitchen magnet to try and find plastic filler. No indication. Looked underneath, chassis rails are all excellent, wood floors are excellent, body boxes are excellent, inside wheel wells and dust shields....excellent. No rust on the trunk floor, when painted done under the dash and firewall, inside the trunk, engine compartment, little details like a beautifully painted and detailed heater unit, wiring appears to be fairly new and has 90% of its original cloth covering intact (often a hearty meal for a little critter). In my eyes, one close to perfect MGA.
And of all of the MGAs I have owned, I always like the looks of the MGA 1500 best, the beautiful grille and smaller tail light assemblies.
I have owned a good number of fine classics sports cars but don't consider myself a nit picking 'purist.' Although I do like my cars to be fairly original (no fender flares, wings or air dams...please...). One key reason I purchased this car is that it is fitted with, what I consider the perfect engine for an MGA....an early 3 bearing 1.8 liter MGB engine as used from 1963 through mid 1965 (and thus, fairly rare). Visually identical to the original A engine AND with one key element...only the early MGB engines, much like all MGA engines, has a speedo drive off the back of the block. So, IF I cared to use a die grinder and grind the 1800 on the side of the block to a 1500, it would difficult for even an expert to tell the difference. Until he floored the gas pedal.
Anyway, engine was rebuilt and I have put less than 500 miles on the car so it still a fairly 'fresh' restoration. Compression is 165 psi in every cylinder, runs 60-65 psi oil pressure when hot, with no oil leaks, the engine and engine bay look 'as new.' Oil cooler and radiator were replaced. BUT, just in case some perspective buyer feels shaky on this subject, I have a freshly rebuilt correct MGA 1500cc engine (bored out to near 1600cc)....can make a deal for me switching the engines OR a deal for both engines. For now, this car has near the power of an MGA twin cam and if I chose to keep the car, would never fit an original. I mean, who would know and who really cares?
Has a set of nice tubular headers (hard to see with the proper heat shield), rebuilt SU carbs, the gearbox is excellent, quiet and with excellent synchromesh, new master cylinder with Aeroquip lines for both clutch and brakes, dash has a beautiful burled wood covering (again, IF you don't like it, easily removed), near mint tan leather seats, beautiful carpets, interior panels, gauges, switches, expensive cloth tonneau, original style side curtain bag, side curtains and a good top.
Chrome is virtually 'as new' as are rubber seals and trim (and no, WAS NOT painted with things in place....everything disassembled and replaced). Has been converted to negative ground, new stereo/CD surreptitiously mounted under the dash, nice wood steering wheel (don't like it? I can replace with an original), has an oil cooler in the correct factory location (under the valance behind the grille), brakes, suspension, steering, all first rate, has proper period racing seat belts, luggage rack (especially good on MGAs as the spare wheel occupies a substantial part of the trunk), jackand knock off hammer, NEW STAINLESS STEEL exhaust (expensive and will last forever), everything works, has (as you can see) wire wheels with new knock offs and new radials of the proper size, not much left to promote..........this is as nice an MGA as one might expect to find and while I am not a 'show guy,' I wouldn't have any qualms of driving it right to a show and not be spit on and be told I am embarrassing the other entrants.
As it sits, with around 100hp, this is one wonderful driving MGA. AND if you find you have a guilty conscience about having a livelier than stock MGA, as mentioned, glad to install the original 1500cc engine. Oh, and by the way, MGA 1500 chassis plates DO NOT LIST engine number...they just read 'see engine.' So....who cares? The 'MGA police' will not knock on your door, late at night, and drag you out in the street for having the nerve to defile the 'MG Octagon.'
I have over 400 transactions on eBay with a 100% positive rating, I have tried my best to show this car properly with photos taken of key spots underneath and inside, and have 'gone the distance' in representing a car to a distant buyer by doing a compression test, going over the body with a magnet, on and on. WHOEVER gets this car, now with Spring just a few weeks way, will be one lucky buyer. Car is available for immediate sale and would prefer if you have questions, JUST CALL as sometimes eBay emails don't seem to arrive. I am at 203-377-6746 weekdays EST. And can show the car any time to a local prospective buyer.
I can safely store the car while waiting for transportation, can deliver it within 400 miles, my terms are 20% within 48 hours of the end of the auction, full payment within 7 days. And, as mentioned, can discuss replacement of the engine or even a sale with both engines.