1959 MGA 1500

The MGA is a sports car produced by MG division of the British Motor Corporation from 1955 to 1962. The MGA replaced the older T-type cars and represented a complete styling break from the older vehicles. The car was officially launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1955.

This car, "670 YUC', has a B.M.I.H.T. certificate showing that it was built as a lefthand drive car over December 1958 - January 1959 and despatched to the U.S.A. on 5th January 1959. There remains in the extensive history a California Ownership Certificate from last keeper in the U.S.

In June 2009, the car was re-imported to the U.K as confirmed by shipping documents which also show that taxes and duties are paid. Upon landing, a very thorough inspection was carried out by a professional bodyshop who reported no corrosion whatsoever in any part of the vehicle. They then stripped the body down to bare metal, removing all traces of filler from some minor dings that had been repaired in the U.S. before carrying out a very high quality repaint in Blaze red.

The car was completely stripped down to every nut and bolt and carefully rebuilt with no expense spared by the current owner. Where possible, original parts were used, however the result still includes invoices for new parts totalling in excess of £5,000. The level of craftsmanship is truly impressive. Rarely do we see such accurate bodylines and perfectly fitting door-shuts on cars over 50 years old. It is testament to the skill level of the vendor who has with the help of some professional workshops completed the restoration.

Mechanically, the engine was found to have been expertly maintained with a lot of new parts including timing gears, chain tensioner, big end and main bearing shells, oil pump, piston rings, camshaft, followers and cam bearings. To be certain of its quality the vendor carefully rebuilt aspects of the mechanicals with all new gaskets, seals and core plugs, head and manifold studs & nuts, and converted the cylinder head to unleaded with new valves, guides and seals. Similarly, the SU carburettors were rebuilt, as was the fuel pump with the tank and the fuel lines being replaced with new resulting in a spritely and reliable driving car reported to pull well through the gears.

"670 YUC' sports a completely new braking system, master cylinder, wheel cylinders, all hydraulic lines (hard and flexi), brake shoes and handbrake cable to ensure stopping. The ride benefits from the steering and suspension having been rebuilt front and rear with all new bushes, rubbers, seals and track rod ends, the kingpins had already been renewed at an unspecified time. Every rubber component was renewed also at this time, the shock absorbers rebuilt, and fresh tyres fitted all-round on new grey wire wheels.

Electrically, the car was treated to new wiring loom, righthand drive halogen headlamps (LHD lamps with vehicle), new tail lamps, new water temperature and oil pressure gauges, though all other original switches and gauges found to be working correctly so cleaned and re-used. Starter motor, dynamo and wiper motor serviced. At this time it was also converted to single 12volt battery with isolator and key.

The cabin benefits from being entirely stripped and refitted in all new black leather with red piping. This work, including the seats and cockpit rails were re-trimmed by Bob West who is recognised to be one of the UK's leading MGA specialists. To finish the impressive aesthetics of the car, new bumpers, grill and wheel spinners were added and the windscreen frame re-chromed.

The car is fitted with a brand-new and bespoke tonneau cover which fits perfectly and a hood frame which is in excellent condition, requiring only a lick of paint to bring it to the standard of the rest of the car. No hood or sidescreens are offered with this Lot, but buyers can satisfy themselves that these items are readily available from specialist stockists.

Rarely do we see cars of this type which really make you stop and take notice, but this is one such car. In this price range it is nearly impossible to find a car as usable, efficient and attractive as this MGA Roadster. Come and see for yourself at Silverstone on November 3rd for viewing, and November 4th for the Auction. You won't be disappointed ...