MGA (p104) vie for your wallet contents this month
It’s top money, but as Dale Vinten explains, this may well be the closest thing you can get to a new MGA
This MGA really does seem as fresh as the day it left Abingdon. As a result, it’s edging the top end of the price scale, but in this case you really do get what you pay for. This is an impressive, turn-key restored example that can be enjoyed immediately. The car was treated to a full restoration to as-new condition by Pontefract, Yorkshirebased MGA specialist Bob West in 2019, and his workmanship is of the highest order. Inevitably, the car could be accused of lacking patina with its flawless bodywork – the paintwork is unblemished and all panels are perfectly aligned with consistent gaps, probably to a better standard than they left the Abingdon factory.
All of the chrome trim pieces are spotless too and the wire wheels are in top condition. The matching Kumho Power Star 758 tyres are new-looking, all wearing evenly and will not need to be replaced any time soon. It’s a similar story underneath the car, which is astonishingly clean and thanks to the restoration the usual rust-prone problem areas, such as the crossmembers and rear spring hangers, are perfect. The wooden floorboards are rot-free and look factory fresh.
The matching red-on-red interior is a bold choice but it’s in superb condition throughout. The fit of all of the interior trim pieces is spot on. Nothing is loose or rattly and everything feels well put together. Full wet weather gear is included with a tonneau and hood pack, which are all in great condition and fit perfectly.
The carpets are dry with no evidence of any water ingress into the cabin and all of the switchgear works. The only fault we could find was the speedometer appearing to read higher than the car’s speed actually felt. It really needs to be checked and, if necessary, recalibrated.
As expected, the engine bay is just as tidy as the rest of the car and all of the correct identification plates are present. It’s also clean and free from grime and corrosion. All belts, leads and hoses are fresh, and the radiator is in great shape. Both engine and drivetrain are free from any fluid leaks and the idle speed is exactly as it should be, at 1050rpm. Suspension components, including the rear leaf springs, are in fine fettle and the drum brakes work perfectly. The car comes with a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate and a full step-by-step photographic record of Bob West’s restoration process.
The engine fires up immediately and behaves impeccably, returning good 20-25psi oil pressure with a water temp reading just below the middle of the gauge. The twin-carburettor B-series engine performs admirably. It sounds amazing on full chat and the steering is as accurate and direct as a good MGA’S should be.
It’s only a few pounds away from our top dealer price for an A, but deservedly so.