The MG MGA was devised as a new sports car for the MG brand in the early 1950s. Previous models from MG had high seating positions, upright grilles, and separate fenders. The MGA, with its enclosed pontoon fenders, low-slung body, and the low driving position was a massive departure in styling for the MG brand. Announced in September of 1955, more than 100,000 examples were produced before the end of production in July of 1962. You can find this one here on eBay, where the current bid at the time of writing is $4,050.
This is a project in the truest sense of the word, and the seller says as much. The sports car is said to steer and roll, but the engine has seized and will need a rebuild. The floorboards and seats have been removed, and there is no interior upholstery.
Having said all that, the body looks straight, with only a few dents having already been repaired, the original wire wheels look decent, and the seat frames and windows are included. The frame is straight and has only surface rust, but the seller notes there’s “rust in the usual places for an MGA along the rocker arms, floorboard supports, fenders, and gearbox tunnel.”
This MGA is a perfect start for a restoration project, and definitely fits the description of “barn find” nearly perfectly, if only not having been found in a barn.
It’s located in Fairfax,Virginia,near Washington,DC.
Bought right this car could be a real good project. Lot of small areas to work on the body but no heavy duty stuff. Like it.
Bought right would be $1000-$1500, not the current absurd $4000+ bid. At that lower number, it could be a fun DIY. I bought one for $500 that was in 3-4 condition and was able to renovate it and sell it for $2500 in at least 2-3 condition. It’s going to take at least $10K to get this into driving condition, and that’s without a good paint job and rust remediation preceding the paint. Lots of (expensive) missing parts. DIY and maybe you stay above water at the end. Pay for the work to be done and you better want it for the fun of it and not for a profit. Don’t mean to be negative, but the current bid is not reasonable IMO.
If you Google Image MGA- you will see MANY beautifully restored “Smiles / per/ Mile. These cars are good looking and a steal- when fully restored- or having 5 speed Nissan tranny implants, or Coil Over Front suspension- or built to stock- a fun and head-turning jewel. However, all are a labor of love. Wait till somebody else throws away their 20 grand restoring one properly- then buy THEIR giveaway of tears be STOLEN for the average 25 grand that they sell for !!! Let the labor-of-love builder take it in the shorts for your benefit! Restored, these should easily take 45 grand. Yet, due to PERCEPTION ALONE- MG owners hold down the price by giving away their time and labor. Unfortunate stupidity! Build it right- and reap the rewards in the NEXT 10 years. By 2030- make it electric.
Looks like the cars is SOLD. The guy took the money and ran ,good for him, but the buyer is in for a huge money I spent 1k on my early B 1800 engine and I did the assembly myself, machine shop basic stuff is still not cheap if done correctly. And I’m still on my 58 A coupe project going on 10 years.