If you’re searching for a classic with performance that can drain the blood from your face, you may need to look no further than this 1957 MGA. It doesn’t merely look stunning; its original engine has been replaced by a stove-hot 350ci small-block V8. The rest of the drivetrain has been upgraded to handle the extra power, making this a “total” package that needs nothing but a new home. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the MGA listed here on eBay in Lakeland, Florida. The seller set their auction to open at $30,000, but has received no bids at the time of writing.
MG introduced the MGA in 1955 as its replacement for the MG TF 1500 Midget. It proved to be the company’s most successful model to date, with over 100,000 of these classics leaving the Abingdon factory before production ended in 1962. The first owner ordered this MGA in 1957, and little of it remains in its factory form. The bumpers are long gone, the Rally wheels aren’t original, and MG never offered buyers the dazzling Forest Green Metallic paint cloaking its laser-straight panels. Finding fault with the car’s presentation is seemingly impossible, with the builder adding a Gray soft-top perfectly complementing the interior trim. The car is rust-free, while the hood bulge isn’t decorative: it is a practical feature.
MG dipped into the BMC Parts Bin when developing the MGA, utilizing the company’s 1,489cc B-Series four, producing 72hp and 77 ft/lbs of torque. The four-speed manual transmission came from the same place, providing pretty respectable performance by the standards of the day. We have seen plenty of examples of builders merging the best of both American and British vehicle manufacturing, resulting in cars like the Shelby Cobra and the Sunbeam Tiger. This MGA continues that theme, with its entire drivetrain consigned to the nearest scrap heap. Occupying the engine bay is a Chevrolet 350ci V8, producing a verified 375hp. The power feeds to a 9″ Ford rear end via a five-speed Tremec manual transmission. The brakes and suspension didn’t escape the builder’s attention, loaded with plenty of parts from Wilwood, QA1, and other renowned high-performance suppliers. The suspension configuration, including the four-bar setup, is designed to deliver power to the pavement effectively while ensuring the car enjoys handling and stopping capabilities that match the engine performance. With five times the power of the original motor, you can be sure that this turnkey classic will demand respect wherever it goes.
The TLC continued inside this MGA. The custom dash features gauges to monitor the car’s health, while the body-hugging bucket seats should securely hold occupants during hard cornering. The additional under-thigh support will be welcome on long journeys, as will the thick sports wheel. The multi-shade Gray interior trim looks excellent, with no evidence of wear or other problems. It may not benefit from creature comforts like a radio, but who needs one when you can enjoy the tune being belted out by the small-block under the hood?
If you’ve dismissed classic British sports cars due to their general lack of engine power, you wouldn’t be the first. No such criticism could be leveled at this 1957 MGA. This would be a genuinely fast car, an impression heightened by its low seating position. I suspect that pointing this MG at a twisting ribbon of bitumen would be a blast, and it could drop a few jaws at the local drag strip. Placing a value on this classic is seemingly impossible, and we can only speculate about the seller’s reserve. However, if you consider what it would cost to recreate this car, the opening bid figure suddenly makes a lot of sense. Are you tempted to throw caution to the wind by bidding on this potent classic?
Is it me, or does the “hood bulge” seem to migrate from passenger side, to middle, to driver side in the eBay photos?
Good eye!!! It’s always silver but in different places in different photos! Interesting..
The first time somebody showed up at the HS with his Austin Healey 3000 sporting a Chevy 265 it was “game on!”.
Really nice build, I am sure it didn’t come cheap. To be honest this is probably a scary ride, power to weight ratio is probably pretty sweet. Nothing like what the Morris Garage put together.Maybe that’s why it’s for sale? Bound to put a smile on your face!
Looks like it is there to accommodate the air filter, so it’s probably an optical illusion.
The hood bulge is too distracting and needs to be painted green. Oh–and dispense with the johnny come lately looking hood straps. Otherwise, the car looks great.
A rocket ship.
Driving would either put a smile on your face or pure terror Myself I would be laughing like a lunatic I’m not so much for top speed but love the feeling of acceleration
Anyone can find expensive cars . Some that’s all they do
This isn’t barn finds it’s a hobby of finding cars that are beyond affordable or a good investment to be part of a website.
Beg to differ.
More than a few here especially lately that are well within the range of most reader ranging from $3100 and up.
I would not call it an MGA anymore. It’s a RestoMod custom that looks to be done right! Mostly Chevy with the engine and it looks like they used Chevy rally wheels. I like that it’s a stick and not an automatic. Usually when these projects are done, an automatic trans is used because it saves a lot of work not dealing with a clutch set-up. I would be happy to see it in person, drive it for about ten minutes and…… that would be enough! This is a car for someone with a lot of cash to burn and wants a special hot rod. All in all, I like it and the creativity put in, however it is no MG…….anymore!
Had a friend back in HS, 1963, that put a 283 in an MG. What a ride but had to cut holes in the fender wells to get at the rear plugs. Only thing faster was an Ariel square 4 motorcycle.
Impressive work and you couldn’t build it with the opening bid, so not overpriced but it will take a very specific buyer. I do hope that they eliminated the plywood floors :-). Glad to see seat belts at least. I think I would have opted for a seat with a head rest. The rear body line is directly in line with one’s neck. What is that devices on the captain’s side on the inner sill? Fuel shutoff?
It would have been nice to see the underside work with the suspension and brakes.
If you look on the eBay link it has photos there.
I did. There are no underside pictures at all.
Eric_13cars, I think that knob is to adjust brake bias. If you google “brake bias adjuster” several will come up, most have a similar knob. That’s the location you’d expect to see one.
Steve R
Pretty neat build. And tastefully done. Cheaper than a Cobra. Perhaps a handful but I bet it’s a hoot. Wouldn’t not call it an MG, even they eventually dropped GM derived V8s in Bs.
5x original horsepower.
Nuff said!
;)