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?
Good morning Michelle. Might try inching the price down some to help finance cleaning up the chassis but overall car looks good. You probably wouldn’t care for the color on our BMC race car engines but the Chevy folks love it.
Morning to you Bob. I love the orange engines! For one thing, they’re all one color except those snazzy valve covers etc. The MGA engine is a patchwork. Your engines would stand out in the sea of olive green Bugeye/Mini motors – a wonderful sort of trademark.
I will admit to not being a military green fan but the Chevy orange makes leaks etc. easy to find.
Wow! Quite the underdrive on the water pump! (Helps the generator bearings too!)
No generator. Small crank pulley keeps pump rpm down so 9,000 rpm engine won’t put air bubbles in the system.
These engines leak?
I believe Parliament mandated it with the British Engine Act 1901.
Any thing British leaks
Everything British leaks.
Great article Michelle Rand! You don’t have to worry about rusty floors, as they are wood! Love the MGAs! Would make a great daily driver, and so easy to work on! I can see someone having a lot of fun driving this car!
I wouldn’t have minded a couple more years of lovely MGAs while they designed something a little more inspired than the B.
289, 4 speed and a 9″. Five lug five spokes and updated brakes/suspension
Rover V-8. Basically the same weight as the 4 banger.
Repaint it in a more appropriate color-BRG or Royal Blue (either will complement the interior). Coolant looks clean-might be an easy recommission but at a slightly friendlier price please!(after all it has needs and doesn’t run) Reasonably priced good A’s are thin on the ground!
These are like British bulldogs they are just marking their territory
The MGA is missing the chassis number plate which should be located on the shelf in front of the heater box. The seller conveniently forget to mention that important piece of information
Don’t recall any original Silver MGAs, but have to say it looks nice with the red interior! Mine was a ’59 originally Glacier Blue.
This looks like a decent project.
I’m old enough to remember sitting in a new MGA coupe in a dealer showroom. Have always wondered something about British roadsters. Yes the engines leak. But what about the tops? Into each life a little rain must fall, but they all look like it never, ever rains in England.
The engines are factory painted in green , much like hospital scrubs…
The mechanics blood is less apparent !
Ex FIL would tell the story of a military officer stationed in England that bought a new Healy. On their way to a dress dinner it rained. Rain and dirty street was getting their their dress whites and evening gown drenched and soiled. They just happen to be driving by the factory and Donald Healy was exiting for the day. They pulled right up to him and started complaining about the moisture intrusion. Donald Healy explaind that the carpet and seats were designed to withstand the rain and don’t fret. And he turned and walked away.
Does that answer your question?(lol)
Yes, that’s perfect! Exactly what I was talking about.