Tweed jacket, a proper cap, and a glove box that actually contains a pair of driving gloves: few things evoke the world of classic motoring like this 1957 MGA, located in Canton, Georgia. It’s available here on eBay, with a current bid of $12,433 and five days left to go at the time of writing.

Produced from 1955 through 1962, the MGA was a complete departure for MG. By 1955, the latest entry in the venerable T-Type series, the MG TF, was showing its pre-war roots. Although it was originally planned that the XPAG would power the MGA, the new car would ultimately share only a modified chassis with its predecessor. The running boards and articulated fenders were gone, replaced by a svelte, low-slung, streamlined body. With the 1.5L BMC inline-four, performance radically improved, the engine in this car making 72 brake horsepower when it left the factory. Although later models, including the Twin-Cam and 1600, were equipped with disc brakes, this example would have been provided with drums on all four wheels. In keeping what seems to have been the custom for British cars at the time, the four-speed transmission only had synchromesh on the top three gears. I blame the Austin 7.

How much work has to be done before a car no longer qualifies as a survivor? If this little convertible isn’t one, surely it’s not far off. The car is numbers-matching and as original as anyone might expect. There appears to only be surface rust on the frame, which is a good sign in a vehicle that is somewhat notorious for rust issues. On that note, if the buyer wanted to run a straight pipe, some of the work has already been done. The seller mentions some pinholes in the fenders and rust through in the inner sill panel. Some bodywork has already been done: there is a patch in the right rear fender and the outer rocker panels have been replaced. Aside from this, the car is said to wear its original nitrocellulose lacquer. Commonly found these days on musical instruments, nitrocellulose lacquers are temperamental and somewhat delicate. It will take some careful work to bring out the best in this finish.

The interior seems complete and original, and in pretty good shape for 64-year-old leather — though it’s quite clear that it is very old leather. The electrical systems and gauges all work, ammeter and radio excepted — only a mild case of the Lucas curse, knock on wood. Values on these cars, restored, tend to rest above $25,000. What appeal, and value, is added by the original equipment and condition is anyone’s guess, but depending on how the bidding goes, someone might just get a bargain — along with a beautiful vintage British roadster!