RESERVE LOWERED – 1958 MG MGA Coupe

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RESERVE LOWERED – 1958 MG MGA Coupe

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Mileage~49,872 on Clock
TransmissionManual
Engine1.5-Litre
LocationN,W London

AUCTION CLOSED

RESERVE LOWERED – 1958 MG MGA Coupe

I’M INTERESTED

Introduction

Dom Ginn

Professional Consigner

An elegant MGA Coupe combining one of the most attractive British sports-car designs of the 1950s with a sympathetic five-speed gearbox conversion.

Launched in 1955, the MGA represented a dramatic departure from the upright appearance of MG’s earlier sports cars. Its low seating position, separate chassis and beautifully flowing bodywork gave the company a thoroughly modern model capable of competing in important export markets.

The fixed-head coupe joined the range in 1956, adding a permanent roof, wind-up windows and lockable doors while retaining the fundamental character of the open MGA. Far fewer coupes were produced than roadsters, making the closed version a particularly distinctive choice today.

This 1958 MGA 1500 Coupe is finished in a rich shade of blue with a contrasting black interior and light-grey dashboard and door cards. Steel wheels with polished MG hubcaps, extensive chrome detailing and a rear luggage rack complete its attractive period appearance.

Power comes from the familiar 1,489cc B-Series four-cylinder engine. The original four-speed transmission has been replaced with a Sierra Type 9 five-speed gearbox, giving the MG an additional cruising ratio and making it especially suitable for longer journeys.

This listing was written from information supplied by Dom after meeting Chris the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

I had always wanted an MGA Coupe, and when the opportunity came to own this one around seven or eight years ago, I couldn’t resist it.

Chris always looked after the car properly and has enjoyed using it, including taking it on some considerably longer journeys. It has always driven well and has never caused him any problems on those trips.

The five-speed gearbox conversion makes it much more relaxed when covering longer distances, while it still retains all the steering feel and character you expect from a lightweight classic sports car.

Chris still thinks the MGA Coupe is a beautiful car, but he now has a real desire for a convertible. That is the only reason he has decided to sell it, and he hopes it goes to someone who will enjoy and care for it as much as he has.

Chris would be happy to answer any questions in the comments section.

Chris

Vehicle Owner

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CONTACT OWNER

Exterior
Interior
Mechanics
History
All Images

EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

Finished in blue, this MGA presents very attractively and shows off the elegant curves of the comparatively rare coupe body particularly well.

Wheels and Tyres

The MGA is fitted with painted steel disc wheels, accompanied by polished MG-branded hubcaps.

The simple wheels suit the understated character of the car and present well overall. We did not notice any significant damage or heavy corrosion during our visit, although light marks and other age-related imperfections may be visible upon closer inspection.

The tyres appear to retain a suitable level of tread.

Please take time to review the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior, wheels, and tyres so you can make your own assessment of their condition. Tyres are a key safety item, and you should consider replacing any that are cracked, perished, unevenly worn, or over 10 years old.

Bodywork

The flowing bodywork is undoubtedly one of the MGA’s defining features, and the fixed roof gives the coupe an especially elegant and cohesive profile.

The panels appear straight overall, with consistent-looking shut lines around the bonnet, doors and boot. We did not notice any significant dents or obvious areas of bodywork damage during our visit.

The coupe roof flows neatly into the rounded rear bodywork, while the low bonnet, pronounced front wings and gently tapering tail create a shape that remains immediately recognisable as an MGA.

A polished luggage rack is fitted to the boot lid, providing useful additional carrying capacity for touring and complementing the car’s extensive chrome detailing.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our hi-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view at what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

The blue paintwork presents well, with a strong colour and attractive gloss across the car.

The finish accentuates the curves of the bonnet, wings and coupe roof particularly effectively. It also provides an attractive contrast against the chrome grille, bumpers, light surrounds and polished hubcaps.

We did not note any major deterioration during our visit. Some light age-related blemishes, minor chips or localised imperfections should naturally be expected, but these do little to detract from the MG’s overall appearance.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these hi-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The coupe’s curved front and rear screens form an important part of its appearance and help distinguish it from the more familiar MGA Roadster.

The exterior glass appears clear overall, while the window surrounds and associated seals look presentable in the photographs. The wind-up side windows provide greater weather protection and security than the detachable side screens fitted to the roadster.

Chrome detailing is used generously across the grille, bumpers, light surrounds, door furniture, hubcaps and rear luggage rack. These components present well overall and create an effective contrast against the blue paintwork.

The MG badging, light lenses and remaining exterior trim also appear complete and in good order.

Please view the photos and video below to review the condition of the glass and trim for yourself.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

The compact two-seat cabin retains the wonderfully simple and driver-focused appearance associated with the MGA.

Seats and Carpets

The individual front seats are finished in black upholstery and present well overall.

Both seats retain their shape and supportive pleating, showing only light creasing and ordinary signs of use. A central armrest has also been fitted, providing some additional comfort and storage between the seats.

The dark carpeting complements the seats and appears presentable, while light-grey door cards provide an attractive contrast. The door furniture retains a suitably straightforward period design.

The rear luggage area provides useful additional storage beneath the coupe’s large rear window. Together with the external luggage rack, this makes the car better suited to touring than its compact appearance might initially suggest.

Please take a look at the photos and video below to decide on the condition of the seats and carpets for yourself.

Dashboard

The leatherette light-grey dashboard retains the uncomplicated layout that makes the MGA interior so appealing.

A collection of chrome-rimmed Jaeger instruments is arranged directly ahead of the driver, with the speedometer and rev counter accompanied by smaller gauges and straightforward switches.

The odometer indicated approximately 49,872 miles during our visit.

An MG-branded panel sits ahead of the passenger and adds some welcome visual detail to the otherwise purposeful dashboard.

The instruments, switchgear and surrounding trim present well overall, displaying the gently aged character expected from a classic sports car of this period.

Finally, the Speedometer has been recalibrated to match the gearbox, so it reads true.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The large, thin-rimmed steering wheel is perfectly suited to the MGA’s compact and lightweight character.

There is no power-assisted steering, but the MG’s low weight means assistance is unnecessary once the car is moving.

A tall manual gear lever sits within easy reach of the driver. The original four-speed gearbox has been replaced with a Sierra Type 9 five-speed unit, providing a more usable selection of ratios and a valuable fifth gear for longer journeys.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

The MGA’s straightforward mechanical design, lightweight and responsive controls remain central to its enduring appeal.

Engine and Gearbox

The car is powered by the 1,489cc B-Series four-cylinder engine originally associated with the MGA 1500.

Fed by twin SU carburettors, the engine started immediately during our visit and settled into the distinctive note expected from a classic MG. Chris reports that it runs well and has proved dependable throughout his ownership.

He has completed several longer journeys in the MGA without encountering any problems, demonstrating that the car can be enjoyed for more than short local trips or occasional shows.

A major usability improvement is the Sierra Type 9 five-speed gearbox conversion. The additional fifth ratio allows the engine to operate at lower speeds when cruising, making longer journeys more comfortable and reducing the sense that the car is being worked unnecessarily hard.

The gearbox performed well during our drive and selected each ratio smoothly. We noticed no unwanted noises or other obvious concerns from the engine or transmission.

Please watch the mechanical and on-the-road videos to hear the MG starting and running and to see how it performs away from the camera.

Suspension and Brakes

The suspension naturally feels firmer than that of a conventional saloon, reflecting the MG’s purpose as a lightweight sports car. Despite this, Chris finds it comfortable, including when covering longer distances.

During our drive, the car felt composed and controlled, with no unwanted knocks, rattles or other concerning suspension noises noted.

This 1500 model is equipped with hydraulic drum brakes at all four corners. The brakes performed well, bringing the car to a stop without any obvious pulling or vibration.

The unassisted rack-and-pinion steering also felt consistent and direct. Although it requires slightly more effort when manoeuvring at very low speeds, the car’s compact proportions and low weight mean it does not feel excessively heavy.

Overall, the steering, suspension and brakes performed as expected from a well-cared-for MGA.

The Drive

The MGA provides the kind of engaging driving experience that has become increasingly difficult to find in a modern car.

Its low seating position, panoramic coupe glass and view along the curving front wings create a strong connection between the driver and the road. The steering is direct, the controls are straightforward and the compact dimensions make the car easy to place.

The 1.5-litre engine feels willing and well matched to the MG’s low weight. It started readily and performed without concern during our time with the car.

The five-speed gearbox conversion is particularly beneficial. Around town, the MGA retains the light and engaging character expected from a 1950s sports car, while fifth gear makes faster and longer journeys considerably more relaxed.

The suspension is firm enough to keep the car feeling controlled without becoming uncomfortable. No unwanted noises were noticed, while the drum brakes provided reassuring stopping performance.

Chris’s experience of completing longer trips without difficulty reinforces the MGA’s credentials as an enjoyable and usable classic rather than simply a car for occasional local journeys.

Electrics and Other

The MGA’s electrical system is relatively straightforward, operating the exterior lighting, windscreen wipers, instruments and other essential equipment.

No specific electrical concerns were raised by Chris during our visit. The dashboard retains its traditional Smiths instrumentation and simple arrangement of switches.

The car also benefits from the greater security and weather protection offered by the coupe body, including wind-up side windows and lockable doors.

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History and Paperwork

Chris has owned the MGA for approximately seven or eight years, having fulfilled a long-standing ambition to own the less commonly encountered coupe.

The most significant modification is the Sierra Type 9 five-speed gearbox conversion. This is a popular usability improvement that provides an additional cruising ratio while preserving the traditional appearance and character of the car.

This represents an appealing opportunity to acquire a handsome MGA 1500 Coupe that combines elegant 1950s styling with a discreet and genuinely useful five-speed gearbox conversion.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
28/09/2020	MOT	44882
21/01/2019	MOT	43523
08/08/2012	MOT	43155
28/10/2011	MOT	43119
26/08/2010	MOT	43116
08/04/2009	MOT	43116
16/05/2007	MOT	43116
07/06/2006	MOT	43116
13/06/2005	MOT	43007

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Key Details

Year1958
ModelMGA
TransmissionManual
Year1958
V5 Reg. Date25/04/1979
CC1489
Mileage~49,872 on Clock
ColourBlue
Interior ColourBlack/Grey
Interior TrimLeather
Chassis #HMD 13/45550
Engine #5GB0H35792
MOT ExemptYes
Road Tax ExemptYes
HPi ClearYes - All Clear
Former Keepers6
LHD or RHDRHD
VisitedYes
Sale TypePrivate
Owned~7 Yrs
Key FeatureKeen Reserve
Vehicle Registration648 UXN
Driver’s SideRight
Fuel TypePetrol
Body TypeCoupe
Auction ID3966

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Vehicle Location

N.W London

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Auction Closed

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This car didn't meet its reserve price and may soon be available as a private sale - please contact us for more information or let us know if you want to be notified when a similar car comes to market.

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Seller : ChrisMGA1

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3 Comments

ColinB

Admin

2 days ago

*** RESERVE LOWERED ***

Chris has decided to lower the reserve so the highest bidder is more likely to win the car tomorrow, good luck!

Thanks,
Colin.

octagon

1 day ago

hi, strange question;, if i bid and won, would you be able to store this handsome mga till early november when i am back from europe? i would happily pay something reasonable if you were able to do this. Many thanks
christopher ealand

ChrisMGA1

Seller

octagon

1 day ago

Hi Christopher,

The MGA is kept in a garage I rent, and while I’m looking to buy another classic I haven’t found anything suitable yet, so there is the possibility we could come to an arrangement.

Cheers,

Chris

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Vehicle Location

N.W London

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