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 consignor doesn'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.
