1958 MG A Coupe

This example is a late-model MGA produced prior to the introduction of the twin-cam cars. Benefitting from the additional structural rigidity and everyday usability of the coupe, the history of this vehicle is rich and well-documented throughout, having remained in the custodianship of the same family for over 50 years.

Delivered new to Rotherham, Sheffield in 1958, the car then passed through two owners before coming into the care of the current owner’s father. Having then purchased the vehicle from him, the current owner has been in possession of the vehicle’s title since 1973.

Since 2007, the vehicle has been in the care of a close family friend, who has ensured it has been maintained regardless of cost, documenting this expenditure and work in a way that will astound even the most detail-focused home mechanics and enthusiasts, with the vehicle remaining largely original throughout.

Highlights of work carried out during the last 50 years include the conversion from positive to negative earth wiring, a full interior reupholstering and regular maintenance. The result is a vehicle that starts without hesitation, is “simple” to work on by-and-large and turns heads wherever it goes.

The exterior condition of this MGA is very good given its age, with the bodywork remaining largely straight and exhibiting a wonderful ‘patina’ that is only gained through genuine use. While a large proportion of the bodywork is still original, both the front wings, rear wings and front apron were replaced and resprayed in 1981 at a cost of £1870.05. Due to the time that has since elapsed, you’d be very hard pushed to tell the paintwork wasn’t original.

One of the benefits of the MGA Coupe over the convertible was the inclusion of external door handles and these - along with the rest of the chrome detailing on the vehicle - are in good shape, though the usual age-related wear and pitting is beginning to show. The front end is in good shape, though again the bar across the front bearing the ‘MG’ crest is showing its age now.

There are some localised areas of paint bubbling, along with numerous minor scratches, chips and dents from the vehicle’s use, though these are all documented in the extensive photo gallery below. The steel wheels have also seen better days from a visual standpoint, though there are no issues with regards to their structural nature as far as the current keeper knows, nor is there any issues with them holding air.

Keen-eyed viewers will note a crack on the lower offside of the windscreen. This has never been an MOT failure, and the caretaker notes that since 2007 the crack has not got any worse.

As previously mentioned, the cabin of this wonderful MGA has been completely re-trimmed, and as such presents in outstanding condition throughout. The seats, door cards and carpets were re-upholstered and are free from any major issues, blemishes or stains. The dashboard itself retains a wonderful wear that is commensurate with the age of the vehicle, though the current caretaker notes that the radio isn’t working, which is “likely due to the conversion from positive to negative earth” though this hasn’t ever been investigated.

The headliner is still in excellent shape with no signs of sagging, and the interior as a whole is a wonderful place to spend time, with very little in the way of distractions for the driver - this was, and still is, a driver’s car.

The luggage compartment looks to be nice and solid, though it would benefit from a thorough cleaning up, but the caretaker notes that there are no known issues. All five wheels - including the spare - are fitted with brand-new tyres.

Of note is the indicator switch, which is a temporary item. The original item appears to still be working, and is included with the sale of the vehicle.

Thanks to the current caretaker being a keen mechanic with garage facilities, we were able to get underneath the front of this MGA for a good look around, with plenty of photographs provided near the end of the gallery below.

Underneath, this MGA looks to be in solid condition, though the usual exposed areas such as the control arms, suspension and exhaust all exhibit what appears to be surface corrosion and ‘bloom.’ The sump, too, appears to have a misting of oil, though there were no puddles on the floor which suggests that there are no major issues here.

The history file included with this MGA is nothing short of astounding, and even includes some wonderful period documentation in the form of the original owner’s record and even a full book of fuel rationing cards from during the time of the Suez crisis.

While there is no formal servicing history book to speak of, there are numerous invoices for work carried out both during and prior to the current ownership, along with a veritable mountain of paperwork for parts. The current custodian, who has always maintained and worked on the vehicle himself has kept the vehicle “wanting for nothing” which is certainly an encouraging sign.

That strict maintenance appears to have paid dividends, as this MGA ‘purrs’ like a kitten when driven. The raspy exhaust note from the twin-carb four-cylinder engine is intoxicating, with this classic British sports car icon appearing more than happy to run whenever requested. The oil pressure and water temperature come up as expected, and there were no issues with repeatedly re-starting the engine while warm during our photo shoot.

The V5 document in the photographs is a copy of the official document, though of course the genuine V5 will be included in the sale.

The MGA is a true ‘cult classic’ of British sports cars, retaining a wonderful character and following even today.

While many people immediately think of the later twin-cam models when the MGA is brought up into conversation, this early pre-59 model with a wonderful low mileage and extensive history offers a fantastic opportunity to get your hands on a low-mileage, low-ownership vehicle that has been in the same family for over 50 years.

As a result of the vehicles condition, we expect this wonderfully honest and characterful MGA to reach in the region of £15,000 - £18,000 and have no doubt it will prove popular once the auction goes live.

Viewing is always encouraged, within Govt. guidelines of course, and this particular car is located with the owner at post code RG25; 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’.