The owner of this 1957 MG MGA drove the car regularly until recently. It has spent most of the past two years hidden away in his garage, and he feels that this situation must change. Therefore, he has decided to part with a car that has been part of his family for many years and has listed it for sale here on eBay. The vehicle is located in Miami, Florida, and has already received an incredible fifty bids. This action has pushed the price to $7,800 in a No Reserve auction. If you fancy a classic British sports car, this one could be worth a closer look.

There’s a bit to consider with this little MG. The seller admits that a previous owner treated it to a repaint in its original shade of Orient Red many years ago. While it still holds a shine, there’s no doubt that the car would benefit from a refresh. There’s nothing radically wrong, but there are a few bubbles and blemishes in the existing paint. None of these are severe, meaning that a buyer could drive the car as a survivor immediately. Rust doesn’t seem to be a major issue with this classic, with no evidence of any problems in the supplied photos. The owner has always kept this car parked in a garage when not in use, which will have helped its cause. The soft-top frame is in good condition, but the top itself is well beyond help. That means that the buyer will need to budget around $450 for a replacement top in the correct material and color. The front bumper has a few dents and marks, but the remaining trim appears to be in good condition. The steel wheels and hubcaps are close to perfect, and the wide whitewall tires add a classy finishing touch to this exterior.

Post-war British sports cars were never renowned for possessing mountains of power, and the 1957 MGA was no exception. Its 1,489cc four-cylinder engine produced 72hp that found its way to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. The journey down the ¼ mile would take a relatively leisurely 19.8 seconds. Focusing purely on straight-line performance is to miss the point of what cars like this MG are about. Their natural home is not a drag strip. Point them at a twisting ribbon of tarmac and they spring to life. They offer an engaging driving experience, and the low seating position makes them feel faster than they truly are. That is what attracts many people to cars like this MG. The seller says that while he doesn’t have proof, he understands that a previous owner treated the car to a drivetrain refresh. It included rebuilding the engine, transmission, carburetors, starter, and brakes. This classic has seen little use over the past two years, but it runs and drives pretty well. The owner says that while the tires are old, they show no signs of perishing. He suggests that potential buyers budget to replace the tires, flush the fuel system, and perform essential maintenance before undertaking any long journeys. With those few and inexpensive tasks tackled, he believes that the MG will drive perfectly.

If this MG has a low point, that dubious honor probably falls to its interior. It is presentable and serviceable, but it cries out for a refresh. The seat upholstery is worn and stretched, and there are a couple of holes and rips. The door trims are worn, and what is left of the carpet looks pretty second-rate. Companies like Moss Motors can supply trim kits to return the interior to a factory fresh state. When you consider how small this interior is, the price of around $1,800 sounds pretty steep. However, it’s worth noting that the seat upholstery will be genuine leather, adding a luxurious and hard-wearing touch to this car. Somebody has installed an aftermarket radio, and it looks out of place in the dash. Buyers could look for something more period-correct, or they could spend $40 on a reproduction blanking plate to address the problem permanently. The original wheel is gone, but the one that is fitted to the car at present probably suits its character. If the buyer intends to spend the money to replace the interior trim, it would be worth outlaying an additional $270 on a correct reproduction wheel. That would finish the interior perfectly.

There are many reasons why classic British sports cars remain popular today. Part of it is their inherent charm, allowing people to recapture earlier days when life was far less complicated than it is today. Part of it is that they feature very rudimentary engineering, making them ideal for restoration in a home workshop. Possibly their greatest attraction for cars like the 1957 MGA is that they remain affordable. It is possible to buy some extremely nice examples today for under $30,000. That figure can drop into the low $20,000 region if a buyer searches carefully. This car needs a refresh, but its No Reserve auction status makes it a tempting proposition for potential buyers. Does this classic tempt you?