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1957 MGA 1500 Roadster LHD

***Images supplied by vendor***

Highlights

  • Restored while in the USA
  • Recently overhauled engine and gearbox 
  • Beautifully retrimmed interior

The Appeal

This MGA, like most, was exported when new. In fact, only around 5 percent of them stayed in the UK. But this one eventually returned to these shores in 2015, having spent the intervening decades in America. 
Reportedly having been restored in 2009 while still in the US, this MGA remains in excellent condition, having received plenty of care and attention from its current owner, who has embarked upon a course of improvement and maintenance.  
Work carried out recently by the present owner reportedly includes an engine, gearbox and clutch overhaul, retrimmed seats and carpets, new tonneau covered hood and refurbished wheels. 

Along with the huge amount of other maintenance and restoration work undertaken by the current and previous owners, this will reassure the next custodian of this MG that it has been well cared for, and is ready to be used and enjoyed. 

The History and Paperwork

  • Manufactured in September 1957
  • Exported to the USA when new
  • First registered in January 1958
  • Restored in 2009 by Daniel Schmidtt & Co.
  • Re-imported to the UK in 2015
  • Heritage certificate
  • Road Tax and MOT exempt 

The Interior

  • Retrimmed seats
  • New carpets
  • Immaculate dashboard

The interior of this MGA is a fantastic example of how to undertake a restoration. 

The retrimmed seats are in fantastic condition, their fluted upholstery is free from marks, scuffs and blemishes, and they appear to be supportive and comfortable. 
With their matching leather coverings, the door cards and dashboard are in equally fine fettle, with a full complement of gauges present and all the switchgear being in almost new condition. 

A period correct radio is also fitted but the vendor tells us that the speaker has been removed, so it remains untested. 

A 12V charging point and two USB sockets have been fitted for powering accessories, and a wood rimmed steering wheel finishes the cabin nicely.
To the rear, the carpeted boot is spacious and well-finished. It contains a refurbished full size spare wheel, discreetly concealed by a fitted red cover, as well as a jack and a Thor hide hammer for tightening and removing the wheel spinners.

The Exterior 

  • Resprayed during restoration
  • New hood and tonneau
  • Refurbished wheels

We are informed by the vendor that this MG was restored in 2009 by Daniel Schmitt & Co. in the US. 

The resprayed paintwork remains in good condition, with a small number of blemishes which have been picked up since the work was completed. There were a few scratches which the owner has managed to buff out and a couple of small paint chips which have been repaired. 
The external fixtures and fittings are well presented, with good chromework. There is just one small dent on the nearside rear overrider and the wheels have been refurbished, so are in excellent condition, with tyres which are said to be new. 
The vendor has had a new soft top and tonneau cover fitted and these are said to have only been on the car during the past fifty miles. 

And underneath, there is no reported corrosion or damage, other than a small dent in the tubular frame under the gearbox, which reportedly does not affect the structural rigidity of the chassis. 

The Mechanics 

  • Engine overhauled
  • Gearbox and clutch rebuilt 200 miles ago
  • Stainless steel exhaust
  • Previous owner gave their word that the head was converted to unleaded 

During its restoration, the engine was reportedly checked over after being removed following which it was cleaned, painted and overhauled.

And more recently, the vendor tells us that the gearbox was rebuilt within the last 200 miles and that the clutch release bearing was replaced with a ball-race type. This is said to be an improvement upon the original graphite bearing. 
The rear axle and differential have been checked and the propshaft has reportedly been replaced with a rebuilt unit. We are told that the car drives perfectly, accelerates strongly and smoothly, maintains a healthy oil pressure and brakes well. 
It benefits from a stainless steel exhaust, which is said to enhance its sonorous engine note. 

And there is no reported smoke during startup or running, while there is the odd drop of oil, as we would expect to see from a classic British sports car of this age. 

Summary

The MGA presented for sale here is a wonderful example of the model, with an interesting transatlantic history. 

It is presented in excellent overall condition, having been resprayed, retrimmed and received thorough mechanical attention. 
We are sure that the next owner of this MGA will appreciate the care and attention lavished upon it in recent years, and will be able to enjoy it to its full. 


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This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*

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Vehicle specification
  • Year 1956
  • Make MG
  • Model 1500 Roadster LHD
  • Colour Red
  • Odometer 101,131 Miles
  • Engine size 1500
Listing Details
  • Seller type Private
  • Town Bromley
  • Location London
  • Country United Kingdom

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