Rarity claims are nothing new in the classic world, and all must be taken at face value. Such is the case with this 1958 MGA Roadster. It presents well, with the seller making the rarity claim surrounding its paint shade. Exactly how many of these classics feature this color is unclear, but further investigation suggests there might be a grain of truth to the story. It underwent restoration under the previous owner’s care, with the seller continuing the theme to ensure it presents well. Its next journey could be to a new home, with the seller listing the MG here on Craigslist in beautiful Baltimore, Maryland. They set their price at $24,500, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder PRA4SNW for spotting this British beauty.
It is only fair to dive into the story surrounding this MG’s paint color because that appears to be its chief claim to fame. The original owner ordered this classic in Tyrolite Green, which was only available on ’58 models until February of that year. The company replaced the shade with Ash Green, which remained on the palette until MGA production ended in 1962. A detailed online search will undoubtedly expose the truth, but it seems to confirm that there weren’t many 1958 examples ordered in this paint color. How many cars received the color before 1958 is unclear, but I’m sure interested parties could uncover the truth via one of the numerous owner’s clubs across the globe. A previous owner treated this gem to a fairly detailed restoration, with the seller addressing a few shortcomings while the car was in their care. It presents well, with a consistent shine and no panel damage or rust to cause sleepless nights. The chrome and beautiful wire wheels are in good order, as is the glass. There are no issues with the soft-top, and a new set of genuine side curtains, still in their boxes and packaging, are included.
The previous owner’s eye for detail extended to this MG’s interior. Cars ordered in this paint shade could only be equipped with an interior trimmed in Black or Gray. This car features the latter, which the seller confirms is correct. It presents nicely, with no visible issues on the upholstered or painted surfaces. The driver’s seat foam is sagging slightly, which is typical as these classics age. Locating and fitting new foam would be easy and inexpensive, but I probably wouldn’t open that can of worms unless the seat is extremely uncomfortable. The seller recently swapped out an incorrect speedometer for a correct and freshly rebuilt Jager unit. That means the actual mileage is unknown, but the replacement works as it should. The fuel gauge was also not functioning correctly, but rebuilding the sender unit addressed that issue. The heater is freshly rebuilt, meaning this interior has no presentation or functional shortcomings.
Powering this MG is its numbers-matching 1,489cc B-Series four-cylinder powerplant that sends 72hp and 77 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. Those figures don’t promise eye-watering performance, but with an MGA Roadster tipping the scales at 2,050 lbs, it is better than you might initially expect. However, the MG’s natural home isn’t the drag strip but a twisting ribbon of road. In these locations, an MGA shines, with the low center of gravity providing an engaging and rewarding driving experience. These classics will hit 93mph, but they feel considerably faster with such a low seating position. This MG is in excellent mechanical health, running and driving perfectly. It has always been meticulously maintained, the tires are relatively new, and potential buyers should consider it a turnkey proposition.
This 1958 MGA Roadster looks like a gem and is a classic that would suit an enthusiast unwilling or unable to tackle a project build. It has no apparent needs, meaning it is ready to provide its new owner with instant motoring gratification. Values are climbing slowly but steadily, with no evidence of the trend ending. The seller’s price is competitive in the current market, and it has only been listed for a few days. However, interested parties might need to act fast because someone could easily beat them to the punch. After all, he who hesitates is lost.
Well, I’ll be. I never thought this would be a factory color, as generally, the British were rather drab with car colors then, but by golly, it’s Tyrolite Green, code GN7 and was available through Feb.1958. Color on cars here was huge in the 50s, and I’m sure cars this color were destined for the US. The MGA changed everything for MG. No longer this spindly T series, but kind of a mini Jaguar, and was an immediate hit. It’s important to note, over 101,000 MGAs were sold through 1962, and only about 5,800 for the home market. If you have a late 50s sports car story, there’s a good chance it was in a MGA. I say that because, I was too young for a MGA, but you can bet your bippy, my 1st sports car was a MGB, and put a quarter mil on that car. Like many, met, or more accurately impressed my ex-wife with my choice of cars, and while this cars color may be a bit loud for today,( that’s slowly changing to nicer colors, btw) but in this case, got fun all over it,,,except, of course, the price. Oh, come on, years ago, nobody in their right mind would ever think of paying 5 figures for one. This car sold new for 10% of the asking price, around $2500, again, a ’58 Corvette was only $600 more, so it had some tough competition. Most of the stories you’ll hear, are when these were $100 beaters in the late 60s nobody wanted, that many ended up running through the winter, like me, and rusted away. I just can’t get over such a dramatic increase in price for any of this stuff. Fun for us was worth $100,,,
It’s just inflation. $2500 in 1958 is $26,600 in 2023, so this price is actually a discount!
lovely car wish i could buy it ,love MGs ive had 2 MGBs & a Sprite in my time but never an MG A would love it,
My Dad’s ’57 was a slightly darker shade of green, but very close to this color. Most of the green MGA’s were painted a dark “Forest” green, or as we called it back in the day, British Racing Green, or BRG for short. The lighter green was much less popular. Other more popular colors were black, red and silver. This one has the wire “knock-off” wheels, Dad’s had the painted steel wheels.
I owned a 58 and loved it. The yellow fog lights were not standard.
I see there are alignment issues with deck, doors and bonnet which would suggest body work in past. The sheet metal stretched when hit. No photo of the small trunk. Wonder when the spokes were last professionally tuned. It has a badge bar.
The side windows did not have the front air deflectors either. Unable to see attach points for side curtains, and for wheels that are that old, the knock offs should show some dings Is there a jack and tool kit with a hammer? Nice looking but wierd color…seems bay area and inner fenderwalls match.
What is that? The friendliest car in the world in its magnificent apple green colour. At least you don’t have to wear sunglasses while driving, but anyone looking at the car should.
I love this car , need to ask Santa for it lol