1959 MGA Mk I Roadster

With just the one previous UK keeper recorded on the V5, this MGA was converted to right-hand drive as part of its restoration when it arrived here from the United States five years ago. The work was done ‘in house’ as the seller owns a company that does this for a living and he had them turn their talents to his personal MGA.

Now finished in red, the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate that accompanies the car shows it went to New York in July 1959 as a black car with a grey roof and tonneau cover, and a beige interior.

Still sparkling from its restoration having seen little use since, this chrome-bumpered and wire-wheeled MGA looks every bit the British sportscar superstar it is and is only for sale because the owner is thinning his collection.

The receipts you can see tell part of the story, a story of diligence and care and, almost certainly, too much money spent, albeit with his own company.

But, it’s not just about the amount of money he invested in his MGA but rather how wisely that money was spent – and it looks to have been spent very wisely indeed because the panel fitment and painting is first-rate with attention having been paid to ensure they’re correctly aligned, a labour of love that makes itself known by way of consistent shutlines.

Their condition, even after the passage of some years, is still very good with no ripples or dents or other damage.

And then there’s the paintwork, which is still bright and vibrant and beautifully applied. Free of drips and runs, the only flaw we can see is where a small area of paint has been rubbed away (#159).

Another nice touch is the grey beading between panels; it would have been easy to use black - and a bit obvious to use red - so the hue that was chosen shows an unusual degree of thought and care, which can only be a good thing, surely?

The white roof is another quirky touch, and one we approve of wholeheartedly. It fits well too, and is free of damage and a matching pair of door tops complete the MGA’s weather protection.

The chromework is all good, too. But then you’d guessed that by now, hadn’t you?

The wire wheels, painted rather than chromed, are very good and they’re fitted with a matching set of Woosung tyres, all of which have very good tread. The spare wheel is another wire jobbie, and both the jack and the copper-faced mallet look new.

Work to do is minor and depends entirely on your attitude to patina with one front over-rider showing a small patch of rust (#118) and some areas of the white hood looking a little grubby.

The interior continues the theme being trimmed in burgundy, a colour that complements the vivid red coachwork very well.

And the seats have been trimmed in the correct vinyl fabric; there’s been no unnecessary leather upgrade here with the previous keeper wisely choosing to keep things standard by sourcing the same sort of stuff the factory would have used, back in the day.

The two seats are comfortable and still beautifully finished, and there’s an armrest between them, although it does need fastening down (#175).

The top of the dashboard, doors and the rear edge have all been trimmed in matching material.

The door cards are good too, although we did notice a small area of fabric has come away and needs re-gluing (#142). That’s it for remedial work though, so that’s not a bad list for you to attack this coming winter, is it?

The upholstery is nicely set off with a wood-rimmed steering wheel, a painted dashboard, and black carpets on the floor and transmission tunnel.

It’s very simple but beautifully done and because you’re never going to use the roof, it’ll always be open to the elements for passers-by to enjoy.

Speaking of being open to the elements, an electrical cut-out switch has been fitted, which does double-duty as a battery saver and an effective anti-theft device.

The engine bay is as nicely finished as everywhere else and the professionally refurbished SU carburettors not only make all the right noises but help the MGA deliver sparkling performance: as the seller puts it, “it drives very well”.

The underside has been very neatly protected by a good layer of underseal. It looks as solid as you’d expect, given the vast amount of time, attention and money that’s been lavished on it. If you were of a fastidious nature you might like to cover the overspray with a fresh coat of underseal but that’s very much in the nice-to-do category rather than anything more urgent.

Despite not needing one, the MGA’s MoT certificate is valid until April 2024, which is always a good sign. This history stretches back to 2017 and every single one since then has been similarly clear, which is hugely impressive.

The recent Vehicle History Check is clear bar the marker for an imported car, and the MGA comes with its import paperwork showing the relevant customs fees have been paid.

It also has its Ohio title plus some expired MoT certificates. The history file also includes some invoices from Leacy MG Ltd for miscellaneous parts including many body panels for its UK restoration, a process that was photographed.

A beguiling blend of classic looks and almost modern handling and performance, the MGA 1600 balances looks and performance better than most of its contemporaries, making it a perennially popular choice for the discerning gad-about-town.

This means that prices remain strong, something that might be a little disconcerting when you’re buying into one but is a fact that you’ll appreciate when the time comes to let it go…

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at the Bonhams|Cars Online HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.