1.6L-Powered 1959 MG MGA Roadster

Description

The MG MGA, introduced in 1955, marked a bold departure from MG’s traditional styling and engineering. Designed as a sleek, modern sports car, it was a radical departure from MG’s earlier, more upright designs, featuring a sleek, aerodynamic body inspired by Le Mans prototypes. Its low-slung profile, long bonnet, and curvaceous fenders gave it a modern, timeless appeal. 

As a replacement for the aging MG TF, the MGA was the first MG to feature a fully integrated body and chassis design. Initially powered by a 1.5-liter inline-four engine producing around 68 horsepower, the MGA offered spirited performance and nimble handling in addition to its good looks. 

The 1959 model marked the final year of the original 1500 series and the introduction of the more powerful 1600 variant. This particular ’59 MGA is a blend of both — it was one of the last 1500 models built, but its engine has been swapped for the larger OHV 1600cc inline-four with twin SU H4 carburetors. The engine was rebuilt with a bore and stroke of 75.4 mm by 88.9 mm and a compression ratio around 8.3:1, producing 80 horsepower at 5,600 rpm. It is mated to a four-speed manual transmission. 

Highlights 

• Recent restoration, originally painted black, was refinished in high-luster red paint with light tan convertible top 

• Chrome surfaces replaced or replated 

• New tan patterned vinyl bucket seats with center armrest  

• Powered by a later 1600cc inline-four engine (with a bore and stroke of 75.4 mm by 88.9 mm, and a compression ratio around 8.3:1) producing 80 hp at 5,600 rpm 

• Twin SU H4 carburetors 

• Four-speed manual transmission with wooden shift knob 

• Front brakes retrofitted with more efficient discs 

• The chassis number (HDA4359735) decodes as: 

  • H – MG MGA 

  • D – 1500cc inline-four engine 

  • A – Roadster 

  • 43 – North American LHD 

  • 59735 – Sequential production number  

Features 

• Top speed of 100 mph 

• Side wind wings 

• Original banjo-style, four-spoke steering wheel 

• 120 mph speedometer and 7,000 rpm tachometer (55oo redline) 

• Seat belts 

• Luggage rack 

• Factory 15-inch steel wheels with standard “dog dish” hubs 

• Vredestein Sprint Classic 185/70R15 tires 

Known Imperfections 

• Scratch on the front passenger fender about 2-3 inches long 

• Dark paint spot on driver’s door 

Included 

• Spare tire 

• Jack 

• Lug wrench 

• Side curtains with storage bag 

• Car cover 

• Black, half-zip tonneau cover 

• MGA Service Parts booklet 

• MGA Workshop Manual 

• Records dating to 1982 

Ownership History 

The Illinois seller of this 1959 MG MGA has owned it since June 2024.