1958 MGA 1500 Roadster

This fantastic driving MGA spent 31 years in Skipton with its elderly owner having been bought in 1989 from an MGA specialist. Over 20,000 enjoyable miles have been covered since. After 31 years the long term owner asked us to find a new home for the MGA in early 2020 and we quickly sold it to one of our long term loyal regular customers - in fact long term friend would be more fitting. As the Skipton owner was approaching his mid-80’s, he decided to retire from classic motoring, and allow a new owner to enjoy his pride and joy, a real gem.
We put the MGA through our workshop and due to very little recent use we carried out a necessary brake overhaul. We replaced the front wheel cylinders, brake shoes, brake drums, rear wheel cylinders and further work included new track rod ends, washer pump, stripping the carbs and replacing gaskets and then we fully serviced the car. The MGA now comes back to us in part exchange against a 1950's MG Saloon so we are delighted to offer it back onto the market.

Going back further into the cars history, OSU 263 started off life in the USA, and in 1989 was UK registered and sold to its long-term owner. The sale agreement on the 10th June 1989 included a conversion to right hand drive, an MOT, service, some paintwork tidying and warranty. Over 31 years the MGA has been exceptionally well cared for, sympathetically restored and maintained with no expense spared as evidenced by the comprehensive file shwoing thousands of pounds spent over the years.

Almost one year into ownership during May 1990 the MGA required a new clutch kit and at the same time the gearbox received a new first motion shaft seal and lots of invoices from the early '90s for various parts are on file. In 1994 the car was stripped down to a rolling shell ahead of a bare metal re-paint. Whilst stripped down, it had some new panelwork including new sill sections and new inner and outer wing panels. All door, wing and sill gaps were set up, the engine bay was sandblasted and the car fully re-painted before being built up with all new seals and gaskets. The underside was Dinitrol treated and 26 years on since the body restoration, the MGA is still incredibly well preserved.

Continuing improvement into 1995 included a new exhaust system and front suspension lower fulcrum bushes. Annually the fitting of various replacement parts have kept the MGA in strong mechanical condition. In 2004 the B series engine and gearbox were removed and overhauled. The engine was rebuilt with a new oil pump, crankshaft and bearings, and the gearbox comprehensively rebuilt with new layshaft bearings and other parts as required. During 2006 a new dynamo was fitted, a replacement water pump in 2010 and the cars annual service that year included new rear shock absorber link arms and a brake service. In 2011 front shock absorbers were replaced, ignition items were replaced during the 2012 service and in 2013 the cylinder head was skimmed, combustion chambers de-coked, gaskets replaced and the carbs balanced. During the 2015 and 2017 services little above the basics were required and over the past couple of years the MGA has had very little use hence the recent requirement for a brake overhaul and comprehensive service.

The MGA has arrived with us in exceptionally good order throughout. 12,000 miles on since the engine rebuild in 2004 we can report a strong, fit healthy 1489cc engine holding very good oil pressure. The engine sounds excellent, and the driving experience is enhanced with a lovely rather rorty exhaust note. The gearbox is smooth, and the MGA handles well. This is a true driver's car, it has lovely road manners and is capable of long distance touring and regular use. OSU 263 presents well, the Old English paint has aged well with high quality look and feel, the brightwork is also in very good order and the car has a nicely toned down look with original steel wheels. The interior trim is well presented with patina, and the engine bay is very smart and clean. It is clear from the impressive maintenance file that this car has had anything it has needed over the past 31 years. OSU 263 is a credit to its last owners and will suit someone who wants to get out on the open road and enjoy a timeless '50's classic - the incomparable MGA.

[coolcarenvy]

Fantastic car, looks and sounds amazing. I bet it’s a blast to drive.

[warrenp]

I still have my 1958 roadster that I bought in 1967 for $300., some rust but on the road and driven, lot of fun. Sadly, it has deteriorated from weather and lack of extra money. But I am retired now with a lifetime of tools so it is high on my list to get it back on the road doing as much as possible myself.

[hueyhoolihan]

my 1st car in '70 was a '61 model. restored everything and still remember every nut and bolt... the 1600 engine would do 60MPH all day at 3500 RPM.

recently bought a nicely redone TD. thinking maybe another MGA would have been a better choice.... **wistful**

[martinbuinicki]

My 1600 MKII could melt your sneakers on a warm day!

[johnholzhey]

The stepping stone between the old school and the new school. The bad thing was the electrical system, If it was rainy, it wouldn't run. Then the fuel tank rusted and fill the carbs with rust in the float bowls.

[johnmidget]

Me facinan lo mga.tengo un mga 61roater 1600..Que valor tienen estos carro.enviame información