Vehicle Description
1958 MG MGA Roadster
The MGA is a sports car that was produced by MG from 1955 until
1962. Gone were the fender and running board looks and the car was
inspired by an earlier Lemans car which had beautiful integrated
lines and curved bulbous fenders. A new chassis was designed with
the side members further apart and the floor attached to the bottom
rather than the top of the frame sections. As it was so different
from the older MG models it was called the MGA, the "first of a new
line" to quote the contemporary advertising. There was also a new
engine available and the car took on the Austin Healey look which
made the MGA a top seller for the years it was produced.
For consignment, a former black painted car now in Old English
White, sporting a rebuilt engine in 2007 and driven sparingly,
always garaged since this rebuild. A new radiator, and now a 12
volt system car. Now offered to you, this 1958 MGA Roadster, a 2
owner car that our consignordoesn't have the time to enjoy any
longer...win you!
Exterior
The MGA was a big step forward for the British automaker and
somewhat shocking to MG fans around the globe. With its persuasive
yet delicate flowing lines all bathed in an older application of
Old English White that is retaining its shine with just minor
scratches and areas of rub off on the seams. Starting up front, the
raked back waterfall style grille which melts its way into the
rounded peak fenders with their chrome bezel headlights. Just below
this steel and chrome artwork is a clean bumper with added
bumperettes. Moving down the sides, a swooping body line melts into
the highly arched rear fenders creating a soft vee shape that keeps
eyes drawn and hearts pounding. These sides, devoid of all chrome
and trimmings, achieve artistic perfection with the sculpted lines
as they frame the knockoff hub wire spoke wheels and black wall
rubber. Just aft of the long bonnet is a chromed windscreen framed
with a black vinyl convertible top with clear plastic windows and
additional side curtains are present and accounted for in case you
hit a spot of inclement weather. On the back is the rear curved
bumper stretching from fender to fender with its near perfect
bumperettes, oval tail lights, and a chrome octagonal MG badge in
the center of the boot lid.
Interior
Reaching in and pulling the door release strap in the center of
black door panels, we are greeted with a bit of unexpected niceties
in the form of good condition white leather tuck and roll low back
bomber style bucket seats with a hint of wrinkling to the
upholstery. Also on the drivers seat is a small tear between the
insert and the bolsters along the piping seam. There is a padded
choice leather covered white center armrest tucked neatly between
the passenger's seat and on top of the center hump. An eyebrow
curved dash, also draped in black sports a litany of Jaeger sweep
gauges, which pepper a white painted steel curved dash front along
with the heater controls, bright radio speaker grille and framed MG
badge over more white steel in front of the passenger. This dash is
fronted by a black bakelite with a central X spoke banjo style
steering wheel. Deep black carpeting with minor wear on the
thresholds floods the floors and a rear storage area all looking so
inviting and beckoning me to feel its softness.
Drivetrain
A flip of the long swooping hood reveals a nicely restored
4-cylinder red painted engine block in 1489cc configuration. This
mill is fed by 2 SU's which are semi downdraft carburetors. There
is a 4-speed manual transmission attached to the back and a 4.30
rear axle way in back. The engine bay is very well done with just a
light dust coating of patina.
Undercarriage
All straight structural steel is underneath, and makes up a clean
undercarriage displaying just minor road dirt, patina and some
surface rust. The floor pans are strong and solid with factory
undercoating applied, meanwhile the side rockers and frame are
nearly like new. For the suspension, independent coil springs are
up front, and leaf springs for the back and drum brakes front and
rear are on for the whoa factor.
Drive-Ability
I never miss a chance to pilot a British sports car and this one
spoke to me dearly as it's the second of its kind to ever grace our
Hallowed Halls. A quick starter with a pull of the starter knob,
and after a nice warmup it ran incredibly smoothly and had great
snappy pickup. It handled well and just the open road feel of this
car is worth the price of admission. All was working just cracking
save for the fuel gauge which the consignor states is inaccurate
and the turn signals did not go on. The deep plush black carpeting
felt wonderful.
An older restoration job holding up just well today, this car
presents in nice shape as a driver and looker. It has a beautiful
look with the Old English White paint and black vinyl top over the
luxurious white hued leather interior. Mechanically it is sound,
and we are talking about a Brit from 1958, priced very fair for
today's market. So leave the cell phone at home, send the kids to
the neighbors and spend some much needed time in your own get-away
car. And no signals...who cares I'll just put out my arms for the
vintage feel.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our
showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just
1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The
website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888)
227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come
see the vehicle in person.
