MGA 1500 Coupe

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It’s not very often that a closed coupe version of a sportscar actually looks as pleasing as its more glamorous open counterpart, however with the MGA Coupe this was definitely the case.

Derived from MG designer Syd Enever’s streamlined 1952 Le Mans car, the beautifully sleek and understated body was the equal of anything the Italians had to offer and even made Jaguar’s XK120 (to which it bore a passing resemblance) look lardy by comparison.

Of traditional body-on-frame design, the MGA had a notably rigid structure thanks to a triangulated bulkhead design allied to a massively stiff chassis. The 1,498cc engine initially produced 68bhp but was quickly upgraded to 72bhp and, according to a 1955 road test in ‘The Motor’, gave the car a top speed of 97.8mph with a 0-60 time of 16 seconds and a fuel consumption of 26.7mpg.

A standard model in the range from 1955, the Coupe was available throughout the model's lifetime in 1500, 1600, MkII and Twin-Cam forms. Mechanically identical to the open models, Coupe features included wind-up door windows, external door handles, locks and extra brightwork. With direct, vice-free rack-and-pinion steering, plus a great racing pedigree, it's no wonder that the MGA has acquired such a devoted fan club over the years.

Production finally came to an end in 1962 when it was replaced by the softer and rather less inspiring MGB. In total 101,081 MGAs of all types were sold, most in Roadster form and the vast majority to the booming US market with only 5,869 sold in the UK, the lowest percentage of any British car.

This particular Coupe is one of those rare right-hand drive UK market cars and would have been built in late 1957 according to the 40485 chassis number, although the V5C erroneously records it as being first registered in November 1953 (clearly impossible as the model was not even launched then).

It has had eight owners to date, being sold though Brightwells to an Austrian client late last year to be upgraded for International Historic Rallying. A change of direction has kept the car in the UK and it is now surplus to requirements.

Recently given a thorough service, which has included new wheel cylinders, brake shoes, hoses and a new three-piece Borg and Beck clutch, it has also had a new core plug, thermostat and housing, fuel pump and fresh oil and antifreeze. The combined oil pressure and temperature gauge has also just been replaced.

Bills on file show that back in 2006 it had been fitted a new headlining kit, radiator, steering wheel plus various other parts at a cost of £861. There are 12 old MOTs, the earliest of which dates back to 1981 when the odometer was showing just under 53,000 miles (now 62,380) and although no longer needing a test, it is MOTd until July 2016 which shows no advisories.

Now in good health and perfectly usable as it is, this pretty MGA Coupe can be smartened up over time as desired, although the vendor believes that it would be a shame to take things too far for fear of losing its nicely mellowed character. With top examples of the 1500 Coupe now pushing £20k plus at auction, it looks good value at the sensible guide price suggested.