MGA Buying Guide
Where Do I Get Started?
Although the MGA has been out of production for many years there are plenty of places where you can get advice. Spare parts are also generally available, which makes any project fairly straightforward for experienced restorers. There are also several owners clubs in the UK, including the MG Car Club www. mgcars.org.uk and the MG Owners’ Club www.mgownersclub.co.uk.
The MGA was available with several engines and two body styles. Open-topped MGAs are worth a lot more than closed models. There is little difference in values between the 1.5 and 1.6 litre editions, but Twin- Cam versions attract a premium. Finding a car in original condition may be difficult, as the majority will have undergone some sort of modification. This can include replacement mechanical components, like a non- matching engine.
What To Look Out For
Corrosion was the bane of many cars from this era, including supposedly ‘dry State’ American imports. Start by checking the sills and A- posts, which are tricky to repair. Other problem areas are the wings, door bottoms and boot floor. Electrolytic corrosion can also be a problem between the steel and aluminium body panels.
The B-Series engine is generally a reliable unit and is easy to rebuild. Blue exhaust smoke can signify excessive wear and oil pressure should read 50- 60psi at 3000rpm. Cracked cylinder heads are a common problem and a worn twin-cam engine will be expensive to rebuild.
MGA four-speed gearboxes were weak, so many may have been rebuilt. Check second gear synchro for baulking and listen for chattering in first and reverse. Also look for signs of the differential leaking oil onto the brakes due to worn hub seals. The trunnions also need greasing annually to avoid excessive kingpin wear. Differential casings can get damaged when the hub nuts are left loose and these need a special eight-sided socket.
There can also be issues if cheap replacement rear springs have been fitted, as these can spoil the car’s ride and handling. Steel wheels can crack around the mounting holes and wire wheels can suffer from worn splines and rusty spokes.
Where Do I Get Parts?
The MG car clubs are a useful starting point. In addition there are a large number specialist suppliers like Moss Europe (www. moss- europe.co.uk), SC Parts Group, (www.scparts.co.uk) and David Manners Group, (www.jagspares.co.uk).
What Should I Pay?
Bearing in mind its iconic reputation, the MGA is still quite affordable. If you are considering a restoration project, £ 3000£4000 should be enough to acquire a coupé and £ 7000 for a roadster. Ironically, although roadsters cost more to buy they are cheaper to restore. A lot of imported left- hand drive MGAs have now been converted to right- hand drive and these cars can be worth less than genuine UK models, so check the paperwork carefully.
If you are just looking for a car that needs a small amount of work, budget upwards of £8000 for a coupé and £12,000 for a roadster. This assumes that any existing work has been carried out to the required standard, as poor quality work could end up meaning a full restoration. For a car in top- notch condition be prepared to shell out more than £ 20,000 for a coupé, and as much as up to £ 27,000 for a roadster.
Twin-cam models attract a hefty premium. Average examples are £13,000-£22,000 for a drophead or £10,000-£17,000 for a fixed-head.