MGA Roadster

The MGA was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motorshow in 1955 and was a radical departure from the traditional ash framed models that came before. It was named the MGA as it represented a new beginning and was even marketed as the “first of a new line”.

Beautifully styled on the Syd Enever-designed Le Mans-bodied TD, it used a strong cross braced chassis with steel bodywork attached. Len Lord had originally rejected its radically modern shape having just signed a deal with Donald Healey to produce the Austin-Healey, however falling sales at MG prompted him to review his ideas. In production until 1962 when the ubiquitous MGB was launched, it proved a huge success with over 101,000 examples produced of which only 5,900 were sold in the UK market.

This 1957 1500cc example has spent much of its recent life being used for film and TV work. Described by the vendor as being a “nice presentable example”, he adds that “it drives very well and has its original interior which has a nice patina”. He describes the bodywork as "good, with steel wings and good panel fit".

MOTd until April 2013 - although being a pre-1960 car it won’t need a re-test when the time comes - it comes complete with a hood, badge bar and luggage carrier and is ready to be enjoyed over the long blisteringly hot Summer that we are all expecting this year!

Addendum: This car also comes with a hard top.