1957 MGA 1500 £34,995
If it’s an exceptional MGA 1500 you seek, this completely rebuilt example looks and drives like brand new says Mike Renaut
Extensive files of history accompanying this 1957 MGA show it was originally exported to the US, then returned to the UK around 1989 as boxes of parts with all import duties paid. Originally left-hand drive, it was converted to right hand using new components as part of an in-depth restoration by its then owner. That project stalled in the late Nineties and the car was garaged until 2015, when it was sold and work began again.
In the past three years it has been completely rebuilt including a bare-metal respray and virtually every component has been refurbished or replaced, down to the ignition key. With fewer than 100 miles on the zeroed odometer, it is said the car was put up for sale because the owner wanted to buy another desirable vehicle.
Photographic evidence as well as stacks of receipts trace a high standard, body-off restoration with the rebuilt chassis receiving new suspension and brakes. The engine, differential and four-speed gearbox were also rebuilt. The only digressions from originality are electronic ignition and an unleaded cylinder head.
The body boasts perfect panels with high quality paintwork that is smooth and appears blemish free. To really nit-pick, we noted the new boot rubber has made the bootlid sit slightly proud of the body and it sometimes needs a slam to close properly. Every other panel is perfectly aligned with all gaps even; the whole car gleams and even the underside appears factory fresh.
The beige interior, entirely new in 2016, is in excellent condition with no scuffs or marks spotted. Mg-branded floormats are fitted; the boot carpet appears perfect, as does the spare tyre. The soft-top is matched to the upholstery colour and similarly in as-new condition. No seatbelts or radio are fitted, but the original specification radio and speaker blanking plates are installed.
Those original steel wheels are unmarked and shod with new Kelly tyres. The hubcaps, along with all the shiny trim, look like new. Bumpers were rechromed to a high standard and the grille is a new part. It’s the same story under the bonnet – an immaculate engine bay with virtually every piece looking brand new and no leaks. There’s not even a layer of dust.
It drives like a brand-new MGA – there are no squeaks or rattles to be heard, and all controls feel tight and operate perfectly. The four-speed gearbox, with synchromesh on all but first gear, is precise and the clutch is light. The MG accelerates well, considering it’s the smaller-engined version and brakes just as nicely. The steering is light even at low speeds and very responsive. All the rebuilt dashboard instruments have been calibrated by a specialist so there are no jittering needles. New wiring and Halogen headlamps are fitted, and the original flashing red brake light indicators are retained.
The vast majority of this MGA is little more than two years old and it has to be among the best examples currently available. If you’re in the market for an A, put it on your list of cars to inspect.