1958 Gem: 1958 MG MGA Roadster – SOLD!

Update: This one got away, but if you have your heart set on something similar, email us the details of what you’re looking for or call Rudy directly at (908)295-7330

For the second time in as many weeks, we’re able to feature what we believe to be MG’s best-looking car ever: the “ponton” styled MGA.  This 1958 British Racing Green over Black Leather example LISTED in Hartford, Connecticut sports our preferred exterior color and has an asking price of $25,900.  Researching the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool reveals the private seller has his MGA priced between the current #2 “Excellent” appraisal of $34,400 and the #3 “Good” estimate of $19,000.

When MG designer Syd Enever created a streamlined body for George Philips’ TD Le Mans car in 1951, little did he know his creation would become the genesis for the new MGA launched for the 1956 model year. The new bodywork traded the MG TF’s articulated fenders and running boards for ponton styling, with a single styled envelope fully enclosing the width and uninterrupted length of a car.

The MGA’s predecessor, the TF, featured a high driver seating position with dated tractor-like ride and handling that was quickly falling out of favor with enthusiasts and as a result, sales began to decline.  Consequently, this new design was so different from the older MG models it was called the MGA, the “first of a new line” to quote contemporary advertising. There was also a new engine available, therefore the car did not have the originally intended XPAG unit but was fitted with the BMC B-series engine allowing a lower hood line. From a styling standpoint, its worth noting the MGA convertible such as the example featured here had no exterior door handles, while coupe versions did.

MGA’s relied on a body-on-frame design and used the inline four-cylinder “B series” engine from MG’s Magnette sedan driving the rear wheels through a four-speed gearbox. MGA’s features an independent front suspension utilizing coil springs and wishbones while a rigid axle with semi-elliptic springs supports the rear of the car. Steering was by rack and pinion. Buyers had their choice of either steel-disc road wheels of the car was available with either wire-spoked “knock-offs” such as the example here features.

MGAs remain ideal first collector cars. They’re affordable, simple to work on, rugged, and attractive. Parts are readily available and moderately priced.  The September 2008 Hemmings Motor New’s Buyer’s Guide for the 1956-1962 MGA remains a great resource to help familiarize yourself with these cars and what to look for.

The personalized license plate says it all:  this 1958 MGA appears to be a gem based upon the pictures and description provided.  The seller reports he keeps his MGA covered and save all of the maintenance records, so your in-person inspection will likely confirm the excellent condition of this stylish sports car.  Good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s description:

“Beautiful – 1958 MGA Roadster in British Racing Green with Black Interior. The car is in excellent condition, low mileage, always garaged, service/maintenance records saved. Comes with a car cover and blacktop, chrome wire wheels, and tires in excellent condition. It is free of rust, drives smoothly, and is the perfect little car for a British car enthusiast. ***More photos coming! Documentation of maintenance available – Contact Mike at 973-768-6426 –
Car is in CT“

Do you have an MGA story you’d like to share?  Comment below and let us know!