1957 MG MGA ROADSTER 1500

• Imported from California in the late nineties by MGA guru, Bob West
• Completely restored over six years. Professionally converted to right-hand drive
• Engine lightened, balanced and converted for lead-free fuel
• Only two owners and 6,000 miles since the restoration. MGGC 'Concours' winner
• Paintwork, bodywork, engine bay and weather equipment remain in wonderful condition
• Massive history folder full of receipts, photographs and useful spares

Conceived as a replacement for the traditional T-Series MGs, the MGA combined a rigid chassis with the Austin-designed, 1,489cc B-Series engine that had first appeared in the ZA Magnette. Initially, this engine produced 68bhp at 5,500rpm, although this was later raised to 72bhp at the same revs to further improve performance. Running gear was based on that of the TF, with independent front suspension and a live rear axle, but as far as its road manners were concerned, the far superior MGA was in an entirely different league. Clad in a stylish aerodynamic body and capable of topping 95mph, the MGA proved an instant hit, selling 13,000 units in its first full year of production.

In common with the majority of MGAs in 1957, the car offered here was off to sunny California from new and was to remain there until the early nineties when it was purchased by MGA guru Bob West and returned to sunny Yorkshire. He sold it to a close local friend who over the following six years, with some help and assistance from Bob, restored it to a very high standard.

The car was completely dismantled and every part was either refurbished or replaced using many O.E (Original Equipment) parts. The engine was professionally restored and was lightened, balanced, and converted to run on lead-free fuel. The gearbox is a standard four-speed but the differential was upgraded to a 3.9/1 ratio for more comfortable high-speed cruising. Naturally, the carburettors, brakes, suspension and all the electrics were completely gone through and whilst everything was out, it was converted properly to right-hand drive using OE BMC parts. It's finished in Orient Red with a Black leather interior piped in Red and the paintwork and the interior including the Hood, Side-Screens, and Tonneau cover remain in excellent order, clearly illustrating the quality of the twenty-years-old restoration.

So all in all a great little MGA that has only covered just over six thousand miles since the restoration. It's been enjoyed by two owners in the last twenty years who, patently, have both cherished it. To quote Bob West