1959 MG MGA

Imported from the United States in 1989, the car remained at the importer’s premises until the current owner bought it in around the year 2000. He then subjected the car to a full restoration, taking his time to make sure the work was done job properly, including converting it from left-hand-drive to right-hand-drive.

He has only covered a few hundred miles in the MGA since completing it and, like so many of us, now finds himself needing to reduce his collection, hence this reluctant sale.

The car is here with us and the quality of the work is far, far higher than anything that the original owner would have enjoyed.

The vehicle was stripped to its component parts before being painstakingly rebuilt with new and refurbished parts as needed. The floor was completely replaced and the bodywork was refurbished, restored and replaced as necessary from there. The quality of the work is beyond reproach, as can be seen from the tight, even panel gaps.

It was then resprayed in the original colour of Old English White to a far higher standard than it would have had when new, before having new front and rear bumpers fitted, along with the rest of the brightwork, which is in very good condition.

New carpets and black leather seats were only the beginning; each and every single fitting was either restored or, if it was too far gone, replaced. So, while the speedometer and rev counter needed nothing but a good clean, the other instruments needed more attention and most of the switches were replaced, work that should help keep The Prince of Darkness at bay for a few more years…

The steering wheel was cracked, so a new one was sourced and fitted, along with a new hood and side screens.

The interior is as close to original as the owner could make it with the exception of a windscreen washer system, fitted in order to make the car more usable. He fitted the press button to operate it on a bracket beneath the dashboard, which would’ve been our preferred solution too but the new owner could re-site it or remove it all together, depending on his or her views on originality versus usability.

The 1500cc B-series engine was completely stripped and rebuilt, complete with restored and correctly set-up twin SU carburettors. As a result, it starts on the button and performs very well, being lusty and responsive. 

The one issue that remains is the emission of an engine rattle. Tappets have been adjusted by MG specialists Frontline Developments but the remaining noise is in their opinion indicative of a single small end bearing or similar. The new owner should account for an full or partial engine strip and repair. Below is a video of the working engine to help with initial diagnosis.

Every other mechanical system was similarly checked, and is working faultlessly.

The only work for the new owner to do is to consider replacing the tyres. While they have plenty of tread on them, they are eight-years-old now and may need changing simply due to age-induced degradation.

The MGA comes with a folder full of old receipts plus a Heritage certificate, confirming the numbers and specification it left the factory with. It has a V5 registration document and is UK registered.

The car has been fitted with a reproduction engine plate to neaten up the underbonnet area but the old one was retained and is available with the car.

Our advice is always to buy the very best car you can afford; buying a project might look like an interesting way to save money but it almost inevitably ends up costing more in the long run. To find a car that has had a full body restoration but has a relatively simple mechanical issue is incredibly rare and offers a fantastic opportunity for buyers.

If you’re looking for a fantastic MGA, your search is over. This is one of the very best we have seen, and if it was in perfect order we would be setting a guide price of £30k. As it is we are setting it at £25k which looks something of a bargain. If it doesn't sell then the owner will take the car back from us, rebuild the engine and offer at a higher price meaning the opportunity to pick this up  with a considerable saving is a limited one.

The car can be viewed with us in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, to arrange please contact us at market@getpatina.com or use the 'Contact Seller' button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions in the comments or view our frequently asked questions below.