1957 MG MGA Roadster

Description

The MGA revolutionized the MG corporation with a completely fresh design departure from the beloved T-series. Its story began in 1951 when MG designer Syd Enever created a sleek, streamlined body for George Philips' TD Le Mans car. The new body design was a radical departure from the articulated fenders and running board of the MG TF. Instead, it featured ponton styling, accentuated by a single-styled envelope that fully enclosed the car's width and length, giving it an uninterrupted and elegant look. The official announcement of the MGA was made on 26 September 1955, and it was finally launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Even though it was a total departure from the cars that came before it, the MGA continued the company’s ethos of “Safety-fast!” proving more than capable of weekend touring or competing in multiple motorsports genres including MG’s four “EX182” MGA works competition Roadsters that ran at Le Mans in 1955. Highlights 

• 29 year long-term ownership from 1995 to the present, 1500 miles added in that time 

• 2019 service by a British car specialist including: 

  • New brake, and clutch hydraulic components 

  • New engine mounts 

  • New rear drive shaft seals 

  • The H4 SU carbs were fully rebuilt and adjusted 

  • New 6 volt batteries 

  • New hand brake cable 

• Frame off restoration completed in 1989 to factory specifications 

• Originally finished in Glacier Blue, it features a repaint in Chariot Red conducted in 1988 

• A replacement 1489 cc engine (PB15GB #23385) rebuilt 1989 to correct 1489cc MGA specs in currently installed 

• Features its original four-speed manual transmission 

• This MGA Roadster is offered with the five-digit odometer currently showing just over 81,654 miles at the time of listing; however, the true mileage is unknown 

Features 

• The chassis number (HDL4325995) decodes as: 

  • HD – Roadster 

  • L – Glacier Blue 

  • 4 – LHD, North American export 

  • 3 – Cellulose (lacquer paint) 

  • Sequential Production Number – 25995 

• Parts added over the years include: 

  • Chrome Luggage rack 

  • Stainless steel exhaust system 

  • Electric radiator cooling fan 

  • Chrome badge bar 

  • New tan canvas soft top and aluminum side screens 

  • Two sun visors 

  • New safety belts 

  • New SU fuel pump 

  • New water pump 

Known Imperfections 

• Aged tires 

• The front hood needs adjustment 

• The front bumper needs to be adjusted on the ends to follow body lines 

• The front grille gasket needs replaced or repositioned 

• A small dent driver side rear fender 

• Missing paint spots under rear bumper 

• Slight surface rust underneath 

Included  

• Paperwork including restoration receipts, recent service work receipts, and receipts for additional parts 

• Tools and additional items included with the sale:  

• MGA bottle jack  

• Scissor jack 

• Tonneau cover 

• Steering column mechanical lock 

• Lead hammer for wire wheel center hub 

• Spare parts including: 

  • Ignition parts and new distributor cap 

  • SU fuel pump (used) 

  • Radiator hoses 

  • New fuel gauge sender unit 

  • Headlight protection screens  

  • Misc MGA gearbox internal parts  

  • Spare front chrome grill surround (new) 

  • Radiator shroud (new) 

Ownership History 

It was restored in 1989 to its current livery of Chariot Red over tan vinyl in 1989. Since 1995 it has been under the care of the consignor, featuring 29 years of long-term ownership. Most recently it has seen servicing by a British car specialist with receipts located in the Additional Documents section.