1957 | MG MGA 1500

Transmission: 4 gears, Manual gearbox
Reference number: 0001460

This original left-hand drive MG MGA 1500 Roadster was delivered new in the United States on August 20, 1957. The car was later exported to Germany and in 1995 the MG was brought to the Netherlands. There it was extensively restored for 10 years. The car still has the original colour scheme with which it left the factory, namely Glacier Blue with an ivory interior. During the restoration the car was equipped with an 1800 cc engine from an MG B for better performance. The roadster is in very good technical and cosmetic condition and is the perfect car for touring, classic rallies and beautiful summer days.

The MGA is one of the first new post-war sports cars from MG. Introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1955, the MGA was a replacement for the pre-war MG TF Midget. A total of 101,081 MGAs were produced between 1955 and 1962.
The design of the MGA dates back to 1951 when MG designer Syd Enever designed a streamlined body for George Philips’ MG TD to race at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The problem with the TD was the high seating position for the driver. This was because the narrow chassis of the TF did not allow for a deeper seat. A new chassis was designed where the floor was attached to the underside of the frame, allowing for a more aerodynamic design. The idea was initially rejected by BMC CEO Leonard Lord, who had made a deal to build the new Austin-Healeys. When sales of the traditional MG models declined sharply, it was decided to produce the MGA after all.
The name MGA was chosen because this car was to introduce a new line of sports cars. The car also featured the new BMC B-series engine which allowed for a lower bonnet. The MGA convertible was also fitted without exterior door handles for aerodynamics and lighter weight. The BMC B-series engine was initially a 1489cc 4-cylinder unit with 2 SU H4 carburettors which initially produced 68 and later 72bhp. Mated to a 4-speed manual gearbox the car could accelerate from 0-97 km/h (0-60 mph) in 16 seconds with a top speed of 158 kilometres per hour. At the time the MGA cost £844, the equivalent of around €90,000 in today's money.