LOT 80

1958 MGA 1500 Roadster Chassis no. HDK43/47026 Engine no. 15GB-U-H/6579

Sold for US$11,760 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

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Lot 80

1958 MGA 1500 Roadster

The Scottsdale Auction|16 January 2020, 11:00 MST|Scottsdale, The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa

1958 MGA 1500 Roadster
Chassis no. HDK43/47026
Engine no. 15GB-U-H/6579

1,489cc OHV Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
2 SU Carburetors
80bhp at 5,600rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Independent Front Suspension - Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Drum Brakes

*Appealing 'Rat Rod' MG
*Former long-term NorthEast ownership
*Nicely sorted

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

'Throughout its history, the policy of the MG company has been to compete with cars developed from their standard production models, and the 1955 LeMans car, designated EX 182, is a further example of this policy,' reported Autocar in its June 3rd edition of 1955. Just three months later they revealed that the policy had indeed born fruit: 'From these Le Mans cars, known as the type EX 182, has been developed the production series MGA.'

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.

This MGA has been creatively configured as an understated sports racing machine in the modern 'rat rod' fashion. Originally when new the car is understood to have been supplied in red with a black interior. It emerged from long-term storage a number of years ago and was subsequently acquired by the present owner, who recognized its intrinsic soundness and originality, and had the creativity of placing it in this guise. The well-worn paintwork was stripped carefully, revealing generally solid bodywork and aluminum hood, door and deck panels. The car was mechanically sorted where at the time its motor was opened up, checked over and was found to be in good shape. Undeniably a success, this MGA and is reported to be running and driving well. Sure to provide plenty of fun and a few 'double takes', not least off the lights, this a great way to enjoy these legendary British sportscars.

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