Car
#1958 #MGA - CHASING CLASSIC CARS
#MG
Gather round, MGA fans – this car has to be one of the finest examples for sale anywhere, and with some useful upgrades.
BODYWORK
Black is the perfect colour for a car under inspection as it shows even the slightest mark. We can only say this car appears to be in perfect condition bodily courtesy of a careful restoration – and it is exemplary in every way! Even the beading between the panels is the correct grey, rather than painted black as you often see. The side screens are in good condition too. We’d want to fit either door or wing mirrors though – neither is present but they would add to safety when joining slip roads.
INTERIOR
The red leather interior has just been retrimmed – there’s a slightly matt look to the leather which indicates it’s barely seen use, and indeed the car’s done just 30 miles since restoration. The dash is good too, with a full complement of instruments in excellent condition. It’s comfortable, and the black vinyl hood makes it a snug place in inclement weather. The door cards, carpets and dashboard trim are all new too, in matching red – even the boot carpet is red to match. Unsurprisingly, it’s all in excellent condition. In fact, just try to find a fault!
MECHANICALS
The engine is an uprated unleaded petrol 1840cc
#MGA-B-series unit, though the original 1500cc unit comes with the car too. The MGA now has a five-speed Ford Type 9 gearbox too, along with the fitment of a new brake servo, clutch and adjustable shock absorbers all round. Unsurprisingly given the amount of new components, this car feels as a brand new MGA must have felt – not a squeak or a rattle from any mechanical component – though with a simpler gearbox! Another major plus point is the brand new stainless steel exhaust.
ON THE ROAD
If you’ve ever wondered what a brand new MGA might feel like, this car is your answer. It’s quite dainty at first, with communicative light steering, a better ride than many of its contemporaries and handling which is just as sweet if not sweeter. You can feel the extra grunt of that 1840cc engine, though we didn’t press on as it still requires running in. The gearbox is good too, though it feels rubbery going into second – we think it’ll loosen up as the car is run in. The brakes bite well and the fly-off handbrake works perfectly. All in all, a first rate example.
OUR VERDICT
If you want an MGA then give this one a look. It’s not cheap, but it’s as close to a brand new MGA as you’ll get. Well, one with some useful upgrades that is!
AT A GLANCE
EXTERIOR
Chrome wires, unmarked body, perfect chrome
INTERIOR
Retrimmed, new carpets, good hood
MECHANICALS
Uprated engine, five-speed ’box
PROS The best MGA in the country
CONS Far from a cheap classic
SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE 1840cc/4-cyl/OHV
POWER
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TORQUE 87lb
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MAXIMUM SPEED 101mph
0-60MPH 14.2sec
FUEL CONSUMPTION 22-27mpg
TRANSMISSION RWD, five-speed manual
MoT 12mths from sale
BUY IT FROM
Exclusive Classic Cars, 13 Uxbridge Street, Burton upon Trent, Burton-on- Trent, Staffordshire DE14 3JR