1958 MG A Roadster Race Car 1,800cc

There is little ambiguity about this MG A’s natural habitat. It may wear number plates, but the flyscreen alone hints at a life best lived at speed, and the documentation supports that impression. Dating from 1958, the car began life as a US-market MG A Coupe, later converted to right-hand drive and modified for competition use, with the roof removed prior to 1974 as part of its transformation into a purpose-driven machine. Period competition appearances at Silverstone and Snetterton underline its long-standing association with circuit use.

Developed over many years with racing in mind, this MG A has been prepared with a clear emphasis on mechanical integrity and performance rather than originality for its own sake, while remaining usable for fast-road enjoyment. A major engine and gearbox overhaul was carried out during the winter of 2006, when the engine was removed, stripped and fully inspected, marking its first strip-down since an earlier build some twelve years prior. At that time, the engine was comprehensively refreshed with a high-performance oil pump, new big-end bearings, timing chain, distributor drive, cam followers and valve springs, along with a Piper 300 rally cam and roller rocker gear. The cylinder head was skimmed to achieve an 11.1:1 compression ratio, with the inlet and exhaust ports reshaped and gas-flowed. A lightened flywheel was fitted, alongside a refreshed clutch assembly, upgraded cooling system with electric fan and high-capacity radiator, Lumenition ignition and a new MGB starter motor.

More recent correspondence within the history file references further work by recognised names in the historic racing world, including Simon Hadfield, Maxspeeding and Hungerford, together with a subsequent engine rebuild by Slark Racing. Capacity was increased to approximately 1,800cc, delivering a notable uplift in performance and a quoted output of around 150bhp. Internally, the engine benefits from balanced rods and crankshaft, uprated pistons, a tubular exhaust manifold feeding a large-bore tuned system, and a high-output oil pump with additional oil cooling.

Transmission specification mirrors the car’s competition focus. The original three-synchro gearbox was removed during earlier works, with the transmission tunnel modified to accept a later four-synchro MG B overdrive gearbox. A Quaife limited-slip differential with a 4.3:1 ratio is fitted, located via a Panhard rod and anti-tramp bars. Chassis and braking modifications include front MG A disc brakes with MG B calipers and servo assistance, uprated suspension with telescopic dampers, an anti-roll bar and revised geometry throughout. Weight reduction and driver safety have clearly guided the build, with a pared-back cockpit featuring a bucket seat, TRS harness, roll-over protection, alloy wheels and a competition fuel cell.

MOT certificates on file span from 1991 to 2015 and indicate minimal road mileage, rising from just over 1,000 miles in 1991 to approximately 5,000 miles by 2015. Meticulous handwritten notes from a former owner accompany a substantial collection of receipts for quality components supplied by Brown & Gammons.

As with any competition car, it is necessary to check the suitability and currency of any safety related equipment: seats, harness, cage, tank and fire extinguisher etc.

Today, it presents as a well-prepared MG A with clear historic competition intent, equally suited to track days, historic racing or ownership by an enthusiast seeking an uncompromising, road-registered car with genuine period-style race preparation and provenance.