When is an MGA not an MGA? When it has a Devin custom body affixed where the MGA threads used to reside. News to me, so let’s take a look at this interesting mashup. This 1958 MGA/Devin is located in Champaign, Illinois and is available, here on eBay for a starting bid of $7,500.

Located in California and in business between 1955 and 1964, Devin Enterprises, founded by Bill Devin, was a specialty fiberglass autobody manufacturer that provided a wide range of sizes allowing bodies to be used on a very broad spectrum of cars. Rebodied Alfas, MGs, Triumphs, and Healys were common. Porsche, Volkswagen, and Renaults made the cut as well. While some Devin bodies also included a tube frame, this example is a Devin/MG which used the existing MGA chassis while allowing for a variety of powerplants to be employed. Even though the original Devin Enterprises closed its doors long ago, the intellectual property is owned by east coast based Devin Sports Cars LLC.

The seller states that “This car has not been on the road for many years“. That seems self-evident based on the images provided. The trim and bumpers are missing and the fiberglass body looks rough. I’m not sure what the strap across the interior compartment does, but it would seem to be holding something together. Devin bodies were known for their fiberglass durability and quality. Unfortunately, the fiberglass body here is flaking away in places with chunks missing – it’s going to need a lot of help. The wire wheels are dingy but they’re a nice inclusion and can be refinished to a like-new condition. Note the old rear bias-ply rear tires with the narrow white stripes – they were purchased back in the day when they could be acquired almost anywhere as opposed to having to go, today, to a certain specialty manufacturer that charges about $275 fa piece for reproductions.

Well here’s a nice surprise, there’s a 327 CI, Chevrolet V8, of unknown provenance, under the bonnet. Unfortunately, it’s missing a lot of components and will probably require a complete rebuilding along with parts acquisition. Fortunately, it’s not that daunting a task with a Chevy small-block. A Hurst shifted four-speed manual transmission is in use.

The interior is really sad. The instrument panel looks like it was jig-sawed out of a piece of cheap wall paneling. The one opening that is vacant is probably for a missing tachometer. The seats are pretty well destroyed and the floors are looking shaky. Interestingly, the driver’s side door panel looks like a piece of black-painted plywood.

Kit cars like this are a real throw-back to a simpler time, a time when federal regulations hadn’t yet sucked all of the fun out of most things automotive. Unfortunately, this Devin is going to take an enormous amount of time, effort, and $$$ to become road-worthy again. And at its current price point, it will be interesting to see if a bid is even received. I’m betting no, how about you?