Packed In Tightly: 1957 MG “A”

As of late, I have stumbled upon various British sports cars that have been in a rather dubious condition, examples include this 1954 Austin-Healey and this 1955 Jaguar XK140.  Well, here is another to add to the list in the form of a 1957 MG “A”. I genuinely like MGA’s I prefer their lines to the “B” but this example is rather taxed so let’s look it over and get the lowdown. This MGA roadster is located in Scappoose, Oregon and is available, here on craigslist for $5,000.

The listing states, “Complete project car comes with original 1500 engine. Not running. Needs full restoration. Wire wheels. Titled” and that’s it, the pictures will have to do the talking. And the pictures aren’t saying much as this MGA is packed in tightly and there’s no way to get a complete look at it. Some of the finish appears to have been applied with a rattle can and the top is fairly well shredded. The brightwork is pretty dull but most of it, save an MGA grille on the driver’s side fender, is intact. There is some surface rust evident but there is no indication of rust through or body panel damage – but then again, the viewing is very limited.

The  72 HP, 1500 CC, in-line four-cylinder engine is claimed to be original but it’s minus a bunch of parts though the intake manifold and carburetors are hanging out in the passenger seat. The radiator is disconnected and there are open valve cover ports, probably for breathers. It has probably been many years since this MGA last went on a road trip. The sole transmission selection for this year MGA was a four-speed manual transmission.

I wouldn’t call the interior rancid but I wouldn’t want to park my tuchus on either of those seats – they are rough! The floor covering is missing, as is the steering wheel center cap, and I’m not sure what’s up with that wire that is folded around the steering wheel. It’s not possible to get a clear look at the instrument panel but there don’t appear to be any vacancies with the gauges or switchgear. The radio looks like a dated AM-FM 8-track player so that has to be at least 40 years old, maybe older.

The seller states that his price is firm and, “If you see this ad it is still for sale“. Well if you continue to see this ad, that price might get unfirm – quickly. Is this a good restoration candidate? It’s hard to say because there is nothing of detail said about it and there’s no telling what’s really going on mechanically, structurally, or aesthetically. My thought is GLWTS, what’s yours?