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1959 MG MGA Roadster 1500

This vehicle has now been sold - click ‘Register Similar’ below to get notified when we consign a similar vehicle.

Sold Price

£25,228

  • Mileage~50,000
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine1.5L
  • LocationGlasgow

SOLD

1959 MG MGA Roadster 1500

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Introduction

Stuart McIntyre
Professional Consigner

With links to the 24hr Le Mans, the MGA is a classic car with racing pedigree at its heart.

The MGA is a fabulous British sports car that was produced by MG (Morris Garages) from 1955 to 1962. It was considered a design breakthrough from the earlier MG’s, a streamlined body to aid aerodynamics when racing.

This particular example has had an extensive restoration completed. Acquiring the car as an unfinished project, the owner has completely overhauled the engine, gearbox and rear axle to leave it in the fine fettle we see it today, a real beauty in its original colour of Old English White.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Stuart after meeting Jim 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've loved restoring this MGA, and have enjoyed using it for high days and holidays.

Jim took on the car as an unfinished restoration, after it was imported from American and sat unused for 21 years. The car was stripped back and disassembled, it certainly didn't look like an MGA when he first acquired it, to see it in the condition it stands now is a testament to his work.

He has loads of invoices regarding the restoration of the vehicle. When possible, reconditioning parts to maintain the originality was the approach used, it really does look stunning a year on from completion. Jim has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to engineering/mechanics, and so carried out the restoration on the drivetrain himself. You'll hear it running etc in the mechanics section, it sounds super smooth, a lot of man hours having been put in to the rebuild.

Jim
Vehicle Owner

Jim saved £4,500* when they
sold their MG with us.

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Exterior

Fully restored, the bodywork and paint on this MGA roadster looks beautiful.

Wheels and Tyres

An early MGA, this one has steel plated wheels with hub caps. They are in excellent condition, just one small exception of a small dent on the plated edge of the front O/S wheel.

A full set of Maxxis tyres have excellent tread all round, having been added last year upon completion of the restoration.

Bodywork

A sleek and slender design that was worlds away from the MG TD, even the door opening mechanisms are inside the car. All panels are free from dents and the shut-lines across the entire car look visibly correct, both doors close evenly.

Paint

Old English White is the order of the day with this stunning example. This was the original colour as the car came out of the factory over 60 years ago.

Jim had the car resprayed to ensure the condition matched the mechanical rebuild quality too.

Glass and Trim

All chrome work looks free from pitting. All glass and trim were either replaced or reconditioned in 2018, please see the invoices. Just one point to note as you will have seen in the photographs, a dent and crack in the front grill.

Interior

Colour-matching dashboard and reupholstered leather seats, a simple smart cabin.

Seats and Carpets

Leather seat covers were added to the car, providing a more luxurious feel to the cabin, and giving the new respective buyer the comfort they deserve. The seat look in very good condition.

Having been restored, a protective layer has been installed under the carpets as you'll see in the video.

Dashboard

Colour-matched to the Old English White exterior, the seamless sense of style follows through to the cabin.

The dials and gauges look to be original with some of the glass showing some dust and marks a little, most likely age-related.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

Classic style think steering wheel, and a simple gearstick to work the controls on this car. The gearstick particularly looks to be original, the steering wheel may well have been replaced as some point in the cars life given the excellent condition.

Mechanics

A complete overhaul and rebuild of the drivetrain, many more miles of enjoyment to come in this roadster.

Engine and Gearbox

The 1,500cc inline-4 water-cooled engine was rebuilt by Jim during the restoration, it looks absolutely stunning with a freshly painted cover. It sounds great too, starting first time from cold upon our visit.

The gearbox was also rebuilt, and the rear axle too, so that the running order of the car matches the body and interior restoration.

Suspension and Brakes

The suspension utilises coil springs, wishbones and lever arm dampers on the front with alive rear axle, half elliptic leaf springs and lever arm dampers on the rear. As mentioned, the underside looks excellent, free from any unwanted rust and corrosion.

You'll see in the exterior review video that the underside of the car although protected where needs be, hasn't been covered in tons of wax oil. Suspension components are visible, so that you can see the excellent condition.

The Drive

Back in the day, the MGA was the essence of a street-legal race car. Designed to be driven daily and raced on the weekends, this stunning roadster offers a highly versatile driving experience.

Most of the emphasis was based on performance, perhaps less on comfort back then, lucky Jim opted for leather seats for a bit of luxury!

Electrics and Other

During the restoration from 2014 - 2019, lots of electrical components were refurbished as necessary, take a look at the invoices of parts replaced etc.

Jim informs us that everything works as it should do, and that the petrol tank was replaced with one to handle unleaded petrol.

History and Paperwork

Fully restored, the condition of this car is testament to the owners careful and detailed work.

A US market LHD originally, this car was imported to the UK after being acquired as part of an inheritance. It sat unused for some 21 years, with a restoration unfinished, at which point Jim acquired the vehicle. He has since completed a full restoration and conversion to RHD, the project completing in the summer of 2019.

We have pictured spare parts coming with the car that can be seen in the paperwork gallery that will be included with the sale. Two certificates from the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust pertaining some of the original details that were logged upon the construction of the car.

Checks carried out by us:
- Photo ID of seller.
- V5 checked against seller's photo ID.
- HPi checked and clear.

Key Details
  • ModelMGA
  • TransmissionManual
  • Reg. Date17.03.1959
  • CC1,500
  • Mileage~50,000
  • HistoryVery Good
  • ColourOld English White
  • Interior ColourBlack
  • Interior TrimLeather
  • Chassis #HDR43/65396
  • Engine #15GD-U-H4264
  • Restored2014 - 2019
  • Engine RebuildYes - 2019
  • MOT ExemptYes
  • HPi ClearYes
  • Former Keepers0 in UK
  • Tyre TreadExcellent
  • Tyre BrandMaxxis
  • LHD or RHDRHD Converted
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned~2 years
  • Key FeatureFully Restored







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Ask Questions
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21
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Kulraj Salh
Admin

Not long to go now, good luck if you are involved in the bidding! Best, Kulraj

paraicm
Member
paraicm

hi there , is the car sold to me then at 23800 plus fees?,, paraic

Kulraj Salh
Admin

That’s correct Paraicm, congratulations.

Paraic mooney
Guest
Paraic mooney

Has this car got a reserve ?

Kulraj Salh
Admin

Hi Paraic, yes indeed the auction does have a reserve. When the reserve has been met, we’ll update the listing to notify bidders. Best, Kulraj

Tudorhouse
Member
Tudorhouse

Are you available for a viewing this week?

Kulraj Salh
Admin

Hi, could you give us a call on our office number during business hours to help organise this please. Best, Kulraj

JimG
Guest
JimG

Yes, just let me know when it suits

Howard Skelton
Guest
Howard Skelton

Hello Jim. Are all panels steel. What jobs need doing now…if any to make you happy. I already own a Deluxe. So serious buyer. Is there a tool kit and Jack. Nearly forgot. What are running and idle oil pressure and temperature ranges.

Jim
Guest
Jim

Hi Howard, all panels are steel, except the doors, boot and bonnet which are aluminum. Oil press 40psi at idle when hot, temp normal I have a jack, but no original tool kit, also have a fair amount of spares including a lhd conversion kit. I have no issues with the car, it runs beautifully and is real fun to drive. If you need more info please call me, regards, Jim,

Howard Skelton
Guest
Howard Skelton

Hello Jim. Thank you for that info..,.I was aware of the aluminium he he he. I only asked as there have been several cars out there with non steel used. I am looking at several 1500’s for more regular use as my de luxe is so rare. (One of only 22 UK production cars and only 9 still exist). I am not sure I will be near your estimate though as to here are several for much less. I will see how it goes regards. Howard

Jim
Guest
Jim

Hello Howard, thanks for your enquiry, my car has had no welding to the chassis, which is unusual.every part that I felt was not up to standard was replaced. I have seen several cars that look great on top but have rust underneath and still sell at really good prices, regards, Jim

Kulraj Salh
Admin

Hi Howard, we’ve added photographs that Jim has sent us of the body off etc. You can see them from this pictures onwards; https://www.tradeclassics.com/auctions/mg/1959-mg-mga-roadster-1500/#gallery1-100

David Watts
Guest
David Watts

Does the vehicle come with a roof?

JimG
Guest
JimG

Hi there, it has a brand new roof and side screens, but I keep off in the summer as it is much more fun to drive, regards, Jim

Jim G
Guest
Jim G

Hi there , I have a hood which is brand new, but in summer months I remove it. It is recommended to do this as the space behind the seats is quite cramped and can cause creases. I never got round to making a tonneau and the old one wasn’t worth repairing. Kind regards Jim.

Kulraj Salh
Admin

Jim has sent us some pictures of the roof both on and off the car, you can see them here; https://www.tradeclassics.com/auctions/mg/1959-mg-mga-roadster-1500/#gallery1-109

Tudorhouse
Member
Tudorhouse

Have you got a hood/side screens and tonneau cover for the MGA and are they in good order?
Thanks

Jim
Guest
Jim

Hi there, I have a hood which is brand new, but in the summer months I remove it. It is recommended to do this as the space behind the seats is quite cramped and can cause creases. I never got round to making a tonneau and the old one was not worth repairing. Kind regards, Jim

Jim
Guest
Jim

Hi there, I have a brand new hood and side screens, but no tonneau. It is recommended to keep the hood off the car in the summer months as it can get creased tucked behind the seats. Kind regards, Jim

Kulraj Salh
Admin

Jim has sent us some pictures of the roof both on and off the car, you can see them here; https://www.tradeclassics.com/auctions/mg/1959-mg-mga-roadster-1500/#gallery1-109

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Vehicle Location

Glasgow

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