- Seller: David B (Contact)
- Location: Oakdale, Connecticut
- Mileage: 31,000 Shown
- Chassis #: BL166AV6653
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 1500cc Inline-4
- Transmission: 4-Speed Manual
Sometimes the history of an old car is nearly as interesting as driving it, and this MGA certainly qualifies. It has been titled and registered as a 1960 MGA for nearly four decades, yet closer examination indicates that its body and 1500cc engine date from 1956 while several visible and mechanical components are from a later MGA 1600. The paperwork story may require some explaining, but beneath it is a rust-free British roadster that has spent 22 years with its current owner and is said to be an excellent driver. Located in Oakdale, Connecticut, it is offered as a Barn Finds Classified for $20,000.
The unusual identity appears to trace back to a repair shop where the car had reportedly been left for years. According to the history supplied by the seller, an office fire destroyed the original paperwork and VIN tag. A later owner obtained an alternate VIN through New York, and a replacement MG data plate was affixed. That VIN does not conform to normal MGA coding, although the car has subsequently been titled and registered as a 1960 MGA.
Further investigation suggests the body itself is stamped as a 1956, while the engine is described as a 1956 high-compression 1500. However, the grille, emblems, driving lights, taillights, brake master cylinder, and front disc brakes are described as MGA 1600 components. So, what exactly is it? Probably not the MGA for the buyer obsessed with matching factory numbers. But for someone who wants to actually drive an MGA, the story may be less important than the car underneath.
The bright red lacquer finish is believed to have been applied many years ago and remains shiny. There are nicks, scratches, some bubbling attributed to old preparation work, and imperfections on the left rear wing, but the current owner says the bubbling has not changed significantly over the last decade. More importantly, the seller describes the body and frame as rust-free. The underside shows only minor surface corrosion on a few suspension components, while the MGA’s wooden floors have been replaced with clear-coated marine-grade plywood.
The current owner has cared for the MG since 2004 and even built a garage with a lift for it. Routine maintenance was performed at home, while more involved work was entrusted to local import specialists. Upgrades include an Advanced Distributors electronic-style distributor, FlameThrower coil, K&N air cleaners, and a custom tan tonneau cover. The wheels were powder-coated black when replacement MasterCraft 165R15 tires were fitted about ten years ago.
Inside are tan leather bucket seats, matching door cards and armrest, black carpeting, and a wood dashboard installed in place of the original red metal unit. Importantly, that original dash is included. The gauges, wipers, turn signals, headlights, and blower operate, with the horn listed as the only inoperative electrical component. The folding vinyl top is in good condition with clear windows, and the original side-screen frames are included, although their plastic panels will require replacement.
The real appeal arrives when the starter is pulled. The seller reports approximately 65 PSI of oil pressure on startup, settling near 50 PSI at warm idle. Twin SU carburetors feed the 1500cc four-cylinder, which is paired with a four-speed manual gearbox. The clutch is said to engage properly, the gearbox shifts easily, steering is precise, and the combination of front discs and rear drums stops the lightweight roadster effectively.
The odometer shows 31,000 miles. The seller believes that figure could conceivably be accurate given the car’s long period of inactivity, though actual mileage is unknown.
This MGA probably won’t win a concours based on pedigree, and the seller doesn’t pretend otherwise. What it offers instead is arguably more useful: a solid, cared-for roadster that starts easily, drives properly, looks good from ten feet away, and has enough quirks in its history to guarantee conversation whenever the hood goes up. If your idea of MGA ownership involves driving rather than judging, this one deserves a closer look.
One of the Brit’s best designs. The chore to keep it together and on the road is more than paramount.
It’s a ‘pieces’ car and there is nothing wrong with that for me. It looks like a nice example of a solid driver with good upgrades. I don’t know the market for these anymore as all Brit classics are are the downturn (which is s shame). The young people today just don’t have the desire for these. Growing up in 60’s, I had an aunt who drove an MGA and I always remember that banjo steering wheel. My first rides were MGBs and I stuck with them. The A’s are beauties, though. I hope he gets his number. It’s nice car!!
It’s a cobbled together MGA – however it’s a pretty nice cobbled together MGA.
I think at this point, most MGAs are “cobbled together”… …and there’s nothing wrong with that.
What is a Vin “Tag” ? The Vin plate is aluminum. How did a fire destroy it only ? The tail lights are 1600 the grille is ’62 1622.(Yes I know can be easily changed). The first half of my 41 years in automobile parts and service was with BMC/Jaguar dealership. To me it is 1600 body which if it has a 1500cc has been downgraded not upgraded. Just to add not a fan of grandma beige interior nor whatever that dash is. But I agree it cobbled together.
From what can be gleaned from the 2nd owner BEFORE the current owner’s story, all the paperwork and the VIN tag (it had been pulled to paint the car as opposed to taping it off .. ?) were in the office of this body shop. The office had a fire but it did not heavily affect the rest of the shop. The fire destroyed lots of files.
This was New York in the 70’s .. so draw your own conclusions.
The fact of the matter is that it has an assigned VIN from the state of NY and has had that VIN for nearly 40 years. There will be no issues transferring it to a new owner.
I had a ’59 A in the early 70’s. That started two impressions that last to this day. First, fuel injection is a wonderful thing. I worked on a lot of cars, including that A, and the twin SU’s were never exactly right. The second was the oh-so-wonderful invention of roll up glass windows. Still, would love to own this car.
That’s a lot of money for an Heinz 57 MGA.
When states assign a new VIN don’t they typically attach a state-issued VIN plate to the car as well? Here in CA the CHP installs the plate. Wonder if this car has such a plate/tag.
The “60 MGA” license plate lacks a year sticker in the upper right corner.
Agree that this appears to be a 1600 body with a ’62 “pre-bashed” grille and 1500 engine.
This was in NY in the 70’s. I can’t say what was normal for either regarding reassigned VINs. They did what they did. At least the correct MGA VIN tag is present with a number stamped into it that would match records kept in NY, if someone went that deep. It does not have a second VIN plate.
As the body is stamped as a 56 and the engine is also stamped as a 56, within the correct range for them to be together on the assembly line, I’m sticking to the fact this is a 56 1500 with 1960 1600 bits tacked on.
In West Virginia the paperwork will be a nightmare after a State trooper tries to verify vins and years
The VIN plate has the NY assigned vin. The only other VIN location on these, passenger frame section under the carpet, is obscured on this car.
If you’re a purist, please pass on this car.
If you want a fun driving MGA in fairly good nick, this may the car for you.
As some of you may have guessed or even simply known at this point, I’m representing this car for the owner.
He’s selling it after 20+ years of ownership because he tells me he simply doesn’t enjoy open air motoring anymore. He has two coupes (a 69 MGC GT and a Volvo 1800E) which will get to see much more road duty with the sale of this MGA. With the 3 cars sort of crammed into the garage, getting any out for a spin has been difficult, this one gone will leave enough space to hop in either and go for a ride.
This is a solid, great running MGA with a few paint foibles to hold it back. The VIN issue and the fact the body is coded as a 56 as is the engine is only an issue for the purist, the enthusiast, looking for a fun open two seater British sports car to Drive, will simply enjoy this car.
I have several hundred additional photos and several videos of the car. Any questions, please feel free to ask, or hit the contact seller button and I can get you the link for the additional photos, videos and complete write up.
Thanks for the comments and interest!
Only one battery. Has it been converted to 12 Volt?
Yes, 12V system.
My 48 MGTC is 12V pos ground from the factory so I’d assume the MGA was never 6 volt either.
The MGA was always a 12 volt system… but used two 6 volt batteries in series. Be aware the system was also positive ground. The earlier MGBs also used twin 6 volt. In my ’73 ‘B I converted to a single 12 volt… group 26 size… fits in the hole where one of the 6 volts fit… Use the newly empty slot for tools and spares….