While some enthusiasts tackle a project build with a focus on originality, others are open to customization. If you fall into the second category, you may find this 1959 MG MGA irresistible. Its changes are more than skin deep, offering the possibility of massive performance gains when the new owner returns it to active service. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this amazing project candidate.
Ha, I bet you weren’t expecting that when you saw the first photo of this MGA! The car’s history is unclear, but it appears that someone invested considerable time and effort in replacing the front clip with a fiberglass flip. I’ve spent a considerable amount of time trying to ascertain the origins of the fenders and hood, and believe that some parts may have been molded from the later MGB. There is no denying that it is eye-catching, but it is also the most visible of a range of changes to the exterior. The doors feature aluminum skins, with the same material used on the trunk lid. It is worth considering that the materials used during the customization will have reduced the car’s curb weight, which should help to improve performance. The close-up shots reveal a few small areas of developing rust, although they are so minor that well-crafted patches would address the problems. The glass looks good, but it will be fascinating to gauge reader feedback regarding what path you would follow with the exterior trim.
Tilting forward the hood reveals a space that would originally have housed a 1,489cc four that sent a modest 72hp and 77 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. Performance would have been acceptable, but it appears a previous owner craved significantly more from this MGA. Therefore, they transplanted a 300ci Buick V8 into the engine bay, backing it with a three-speed overdrive manual transmission and what the seller believes is a Corvette rear end. Forget 72hp, because the driver would have had at least 210hp at their disposal. That would have allowed this MG to better its factory-claimed ¼-mile ET of 19.8 seconds by a considerable margin. Sourcing another Buick V8 to fill the vacant space should be possible, although, with the engineering work complete, there are other V8 alternatives for potential buyers to consider. Whatever path they choose, this will be a fast classic when it returns to active service.
The MG’s interior is a blank canvas, requiring new seats and a retrim to recapture its former good looks. The dash is essentially complete, although it appears that compatibility issues prompted the builder to replace the factory tachometer. Sourcing a complete set of matching gauges that can accommodate the mechanical modifications and provide accurate information shouldn’t be difficult, and will be a path that many would consider. Trim kits are readily available, and returning the interior to its factory appearance won’t cost a fortune.
Returning this 1959 MG MGA to its factory form is possible because the parts do do so are readily available. However, the idea of slotting another V8 under its tilt front and treating its panels and paint to a refresh sounds mighty tempting. The seller listed the MGA here on Facebook Marketplace in Walla Walla, Washington. Their price of $5,500 makes it undeniably affordable, and with the seemingly hard work complete, you can be sure that this classic would turn heads and draw crowds at a Cars & Coffee. Is that enough to prompt you to pursue this MG further?
A skilled mechanics version of a Sunbeam Tiger? I like it and would finish the project as originally intended.
A lot of time and hard work went into this and it’s a shame they can’t finish it but someone is going to get a bitchin’ custom when it’s done.
Personally tho I’d try to fit a better auto trans or in the best scenario a manual 5/6 spd.
This car is a product of its time. I know someone that has an Austin Healey that he’s raced continuously since the late-50’s. He had a small block in it since then. There were several others in the area that had undergone the same conversion racing at the local tracks too.
As fit this car, I’d find a late-50’s or early-60’s 283, possibly a 327 small block Chevy and install some period performance parts, make it a “day two” hot rod.
Someone loved this car, I’m glad it wasn’t cut up for parts when it was at the bottom of the depreciation curve. In the late-80’s it wasn’t uncommon to find engineless V8 swapped sports cars in the wrecking yards.
Steve R
Weight is the enemy, so the Buick smallblock was a good choice. An aluminum-block LS would be savvy as well, with the ability to run up to 7000 rpm and no drawbacks other than, well, it being an LS.
I think a cologne V6 would work well. You can get 200hp out of it and the weight is lighter than a 289. Back it up with a 5 speed and your good to go.
The ’64 Buick 300 had aluminum heads and intake, if you want to stay with the original swap.
It’s my kind of project. British roots with upgraded mods. It’s not for the purists yet can make a solid driver. I have 1600 Twin cam Toyota mated to a 5 speed trans which would probably drop right in with some modification. Weight and power would be a good balance for this undercarriage. After all, if you can’t put the power to the wheels, everything else is ego!! It’s a great start with most of the heavy lifting done!!
MGA Coupes had the coolest door handles ever.
There’s any number of modern 4 cylinders that easily exceed the HP of the Buick V8 and are probably even lighter (I haven’t checked). I agree with the comment above about a 5 or 6 speed manual.
That would be a great custom.
Honda K24 is my suggestion.
The door skins, trunk lid, and bonnet were aluminum from the factory on all MGAs.
I’d vote to install a Buick/Rover 215 V8. Lightweight, has a British history….
Anybody think about a late model 4 cylinder turbo engine. They will give you well over 200 hp. That’s a great hp to weight ratio. And yes a 5 or 6 speed manual trans. This would be such a fun day racer or back road screamer. Good luck to the seller.
The 4 bangers don’t give you the v8 sound.
A 327 SBC would be period correct swap. If you want to be more cotemporary the 6 speed and motor from a 350Z Nismo has 370 hp and doesn’t weigh an more than the iron 4 banger. Move the battery from above the transmission in the cowl to the trunk and it would be a serious ringer.
I really love the tilt front end but from the 3/4 front view it looks too much like a Cobra wanna be so I got turned off. Still a cool car though.