It is often said that we get what we pay for, which seems to be the case with this 1958 MG MGA Roadster. It requires a lot of work before it graces our roads again, but the seller’s price could make it one of the cheapest complete British sports car projects in the classic market. The parts required to return it to its former glory are readily available, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Zappenduster for spotting this slightly sad drop-top.
MG introduced the MGA to replace its successful MG TF 1500 Midget in 1955, and it was as warmly welcomed as its predecessor. An impressive 101,476 cars found buyers before production ended in 1962. Our feature MGA rolled off the line in 1958, and to say it needs love would be an understatement. There is barely a trace of its original MG Red paint, with many of the exterior surfaces coated in Gray primer or heavy surface corrosion. The frame for the soft-top is present but will require restoration to become operational. However, those issues are the tip of the iceberg, because this little British classic has been beset with rust. It has impacted the rockers and some of the lower body extremities, with the seller indicating that it is also present in the floors. That sounds pretty daunting, but there are a few factors to consider before consigning this MG to the “too-hard” basket. Dismantling these cars for a total restoration is pretty straightforward, while replacement steel is readily available and fairly affordable. Other items requiring attention are many trim pieces and the beautiful wire wheels. However, it is worth undertaking a few hours of research to ascertain the parts cost, because if someone chooses the DIY approach, the restoration might be financially viable.
The further we dig into the MG, the longer the shopping list becomes. The seats and most of the crucial interior components are intact, but the painted surfaces are tired, the wheel has deteriorated badly, and it requires a complete retrim. As with the body steel, companies like Moss Motors stock virtually everything to achieve a factory-fresh appearance. Performing an interior restoration can be enormously rewarding, and that is one aspect of this build where the new owner could derive satisfaction from a hands-on approach.
MG made one significant mechanical upgrade with the introduction of the MGA. Its predecessor’s XPAG four was placed out to pasture, with the 1,489cc BMC B-Series four finding a home in the new model’s engine bay. Power and torque remained relatively modest, with 72hp and 77 ft/lbs fed to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. Neither figure sounds dazzling, but they represented a significant improvement when compared to those produced by the TF. It appears this classic hasn’t seen active service for a while, but its engine turns freely. Even if a rebuild is required, that is a task that a competent person could probably tackle in a home workshop.
The seller listed this 1958 MG MGA here on Craigslist in Jefferson City, Missouri. Their price of $2,250 makes it undeniably affordable. The big question is whether it is a viable project, or if its future will be as a donor for other projects. It certainly is an excellent treasure trove of parts, but do you think that will be its ultimate fate?
Oily rag over the ‘patina’, get it running and have the coolest rat on the block.
As the owner and restorer of a 1958 MGA, I can vouch for the fact that this car needs the maximum amount of love that the new owner can muster. Adam is correct in stating that parts are readily available and during my restoration I found that family owned Scarborough Faire had the best replacement parts at the best price. Cecelia knows more about the MGA than all the other parts suppliers combined. If this becomes your project, I highly recommend that you visit with SF.
I’m with William – get it running and safe, then drive the rockers off it.
As we say down under: “yea….nah”.
These things rusted just for feces and giggles. I guarantee that once you get into it, the tin worm will be far more extensive and deeper that it looks. A full nuts and bolts rotisserie resto is the only way to go and I am not sure this specific MGA is worth it. That’s my 2 cents, or should I say 2 pence.
Parts car. Getting it “running and safe” may not be that easy if the frame is as rusted as the rest of the car, which seems likely. MO salts its roads in winter and that practice rusted a lot of ’50s and ’60s cars before their time (former MO resident here). Plus MGAs just don’t bring the money they once did. A 1500, arguably the least desirable model, would struggle to hit $20k these days on the auction site and some don’t even hit that. You’d be way underwater on this one even if it were free.
Looking at the underneath is everything for these cars. This looks straight and complete and if it has just surface rust, it would be a ‘go-project’ for me to turn it into a solid driver car. If the rust is extensive, I would stay away. Everyone has a different viewpoint on a ‘labor of love’. Also with these cars, a ‘ground-up’ restoration will not not bring back your investment. MG’s are driver cars, not ‘trailer queens’. That however depends on your point of view and your checkbook rules!!