Description
Imperial War Museum | Duxford, Cambridgeshire
Viewing: Tues 8th April from 12pm
Auction: Wed 9th April from 9am
Location: IWM Duxford Airfield, Cambridge CB22 4QR
1958 MG A 1500 Coupe
Current registered keeper since 1973
Estimate
£12, 000 - £14, 000
Registration No: 5372 WB
Chassis No: HMK1339399
MOT: Exempt
1 of just 828 'home market' cars
Registered to the same family since 1972
Treated to a bodywork restoration, interior re-trim and rewiring forty plus years ago
Credible 37, 000 miles
Original buff logbook and invoices dating back fifty-three years in the history file
Introduced in Autumn1955, the MGA married a proven chassis design derived from its TD/ TF predecessors (independent coil-and-wishbone front suspension plus a well-located ‘live’ rear axle) to the new B-series four-cylinder, pushrod-ohv engine first seen in the Magnette saloon. Borrowing cues from the Abingdon factory's successful EX182 prototype racers (5th- and 6th-in-class at that year's Le Mans) its wonderfully elegant styling ensured strong sales in the all-important American market. Continually updated, the MGA range was joined by Coupe and 'Twin Cam' variants in 1956 and 1958 respectively. Equipped with a 1489cc engine, four-speed manual gearbox, rack and pinion steering and four-wheel drum brakes, the '1500' was reputedly capable of almost 100mph. MG A ‘1500’ Coupe production ended in 1959 by which time a mere 828 had been supplied to the home market.
According to its accompanying original buff logbook, this particular example was first registered as ‘5372 WB’ to Heeley Bridge Garage Ltd of Sheffield on January 1st 1958. An MG main dealer, they sold it to Wilfred Robinson of Rotherham some six weeks later. Bought by the current registered keeper’s father on August 24th 1972, he assumed ownership the following year (becoming the Fixed Head Coupe’s third private custodian). Believed but not warranted to have covered a mere 37, 000 miles from new, paperwork on file includes numerous old MOT certificates plus a service invoice issued by T. C. Harrison (Ford) on October 12th 1972 at an indicated 27, 493 miles. Entrusted to Central Garage of Rotherham for a bodywork restoration, interior re-trim and rewiring during 1980-1981, the two-seater was treated to new bumpers / over riders and had attention paid to its rocker cover and exhaust by the MechSpec MG Centre in 2004. Entrusted to a family friend for maintenance from 2007 onwards with five new tyres being fitted in 2019, ‘5372 WB’ now presents as an older restoration. Capable of use ‘as is’ but with scope for cosmetic improvement, this charming Fixed Head Coupe is now looking for its next long-term home. Offered for sale with V5C and history file.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
