The MGA was a British sports car produced by MG from 1955-62. It was propelled at first by a 1500cc engine, later enlarged to 1600cc. The seller’s 1961 edition looks like a project car that needs completion and comes with an extra body shell if needed. Located near Treynor, Iowa, this car has a drivetrain and rolls, so it’s available here on craigslist for $4,200. Another tip from Barn Finder Gunter Kramer!
A complete styling departure from MG’s earlier sports cars, the MGA replaced the MG TF 1500 Midget in 1955. Over the next seven years, more than 101,000 units were produced, with all but five percent exported to other markets (the U.S. was a big destination for the cars). The MGA would be replaced by the MGB, which would be an even bigger seller.
The 1500 cc inline-4 engine would be replaced by 1600 cc (1588cc) in 1959, with the new powerplant producing 79 hp. Front disc brakes would also be new and the little cars were little changed in appearance along the way, mostly limited to trim and badging. Road tests found that the 1600 cc MGA was capable of 96 mph and could accelerate from 0 to 60 in 13.3 seconds. The average fuel consumption for U.S. models was about 25 mpg.
We don’t know what it might take to get the seller’s car running again. The motor is not seized, but that’s all we’re told about it mechanically. The odometer reading is 40,000 miles, but that device is broken so the actual mileage is unknown. Its body looks good, but the interior seems to have the biggest problem with a separation in the transmission tunnel. Does that signal other uses with the car and why the spare body shell was secured.
Parts alone are worth the money but looking at the interior sure makes you wonder how you get something that grungy. Would take a good look at the frame on this one before throwing $ at it. It looks good on the surface so maybe there’s something to this car. FYI, these cars are a blast to drive.
Put a later model MGB engine and transmission in my 58 MGA to get the synchromesh 4spd. Had to cut out the tunnel to accommodate the newer transmission. Made a new tunnel section with fiberglass. Huge performance improvement over the 1500.