Barn Find! 1957 MGA 1500 Roadster

This 1957 MGA roadster was purchased by its previous owner in 1980. Five years later, the car was rewired and given new brakes and exterior lights. But since then, it has been sidelined in the owner’s garage. Now located in Silver Spring, Maryland, this MGA is listed here on eBay for $9900 with a “make offer” option. Prospective owners will need a trailer, because though the engine turns over, it hasn’t run for decades. Of course, I always wonder if a car like this will actually drive off if given fresh fuel and an oil change, surprising everyone with its capabilities after such a long slumber, but I wouldn’t trust the tires or the brakes.

In 1957, MG equipped its “A” with BMC’s B-series 1489 cc four-cylinder pushrod engine breathing via twin SU H4 carburetors, good for about 70 hp. Gear changes are handled by a four-speed manual with synchros on second through fourth. This engine bay has a few merits. The original Vokes Guilford air cleaner assemblies remain; the SU carbs retain their factory-supplied brass damper caps; the area around the master cylinder isn’t completely rusted through; that valve cover still has its metal oil filler cap. The accordion hoses leading from the heater through to the front grille are missing, but new ones are available. The water hoses have been replaced: the clamps are modern. The engine is painted the wrong color – so someone has been in here at some point.

The cabin is a surprise, sporting bright red upholstery expertly installed. The side curtains are intact, with clear perspex windows and good rubber seals. All the gauges are present, as is the radio blanking plate. Even the aluminum caps covering the frame rails where they protrude from the carpet are in place. On the other hand, the convertible top is misshapen, and its windows have yellowed, and the steering wheel is not original, but both items are only as far away as the phone. In fact, that’s the beauty of an MGA – its sinuous styling and frisky performance are easily maintained thanks to copious parts supplies and readily available technical support.

The underside appears nearly devoid of rust. The trunk lid, bonnet, and door skins are aluminum, which can corrode, but there’s no sign of that here. Both bumpers are straight as pins, and the grill is in good shape. MGAs are easy to find in any condition; other than the paint and questionable running condition here, this example is better than many. Running, driver-quality MGA roadsters will cost in the $20k area; does paying half price for a non-runner seem worth it?