Recent Restoration: 1958 MG MGA – Sold?

July 8, 2022, Update – We just confirmed the listing for this “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found we’re assuming this ride “Sold?” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

With the unofficial start of summer set to begin this Memorial weekend, now is the time to enjoy, rather than restore, a classic British sports car.  This 1958 MGA originally listed in May 2022 on Craigslist in Rock Hall, Maryland (Eastern Shore) features a fresh restoration with only 250 miles traveled since completion. The cream over burgundy color combination is one we have not come across on an MGA before, but then again, we haven’t come across a hue we didn’t like on this generation of MG.

Currently offered for $23,000, Classic.com, the analytics and search engine for the collector car market, confirms the ask is slightly below the current one-year average of $29,583 for the eight similar examples ranging from $8,522 to $53,000.  By clicking on the green dots in the graph below, you can navigate to each comparable car sold as a way to help you make an educated bid on the car we are featuring for auction here:

As a second data point, the  Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the seller’s ask falls between this guide’s #3 “Good” estimate of $16,700 and its #2 “Very Good” appraisal of $26,500.

When MG designer Syd Enever created a streamlined body for George Philips’ TD LeMans 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 a 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 the 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, it’s 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 creator of this wonderful 4K video featured on YouTube provides a great perspective of the sights and sounds of what it’s like to drive an MGA:

While the sandblasted and epoxy coating will help preserve this 1958 MGA for years to come, the pictures of the undercarriage show many of the restored parts feature rough surfaces under the fresh finish. That’s a sign these parts were heavily corroded prior to restoration.  While it may detract from some purists, we say no harm, no foul if you plan to drive and enjoy what is arguably the best-looking MG ever made.

Here’s the seller’s description:

Show or go: What would you do with this MGA?  Please comment below and let us know!