MGA Roadster
ENGINE 1489cc/4-cyl/OHV POWER 72bhp@5500rpm TORQUE 76lb ft@3500rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 94mph 0-60MPH 15sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 25-30mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-speed manual MoT 12 months from sale ODOMETER 4502 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
A joy to drive, this MGA feels like it’s in excellent mechanical condition – not something that’s been dragged out of storage, but used regularly. The engine springs instantly into life, warms up quickly and performed well throughout our test. It accelerates smoothly and corners well with excellent road manners. We can’t say this car feels much less refined than an MGB, but it is loaded with charm. Grasping the enormous steering wheel with bonnet flowing in front of you is a great experience. The lovely stubby gearchange is precise, the clutch is lighter than you might expect and the brakes are adequate too, bringing the car to a halt in a controlled fashion without pulling to either side.
BODYWORK CHECK
Overall the bodywork does make a good impression. The car was restored some 30 years ago and has been carefully used ever since. The chrome, including the radiator grille, is quite presentable – though not concours winning – and there is a mysterious patch in the paintwork on top of the
offside rear wing which spoils things cosmetically. The car appears to be extremely sound underneath, the doors shut as they should, and the hood looks up to the job. The wheels and tyres look good too.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The seats are sagging due to the filling inside the squabs spreading under the lining, making it look as if someone has been crushing Crunchie bars! This is hardly a great problem, though it does detract from the fact that the interior is otherwise generally very good, from the door trims to the lovely spoked steering wheel. The painted dash is unmarked and all the instruments appear to work as they should.
UNDER THE BONNET
The BMC B-series engine starts and runs extremely well and we could find no evidence of overheating, nor of any hoses starting to split. The wiring appears to be in good order and the radiator is ready for years more use. The transmission and suspension give no cause for concern as far as we could tell. Thumbs up all round.
THE CCW VIEW
This is a really nice MGA. Nowadays, when many of these cars are restored to an almost sterile condition it’s a breath of fresh air to see one that’s in slightly care-worn condition. Overall this is an excellent car that would hold its own at any show, and most importantly it’s full of character. Interestingly this MGA was exported to the USA when new; in 1990 it was shipped back to Britain where it was converted to right-hand drive. We understand that it has been enjoyed by just one family ever since. The car certainly does seem to represent good value in today’s classic market, and you could upgrade it or simply enjoy it as is.