Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 10
1959 MG A Roadster Electric Conversion Chassis no. HDR4362391
Sold for US$28,000 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 10
1959 MG A Roadster Electric Conversion
1959 MG A Roadster Electric Conversion
Chassis no. HDR4362391
Chassis no. HDR4362391
NetGain Hyper 9 IS Electric Motor
Approx. 33KWh Total Capacity
4-Speed Manual Gearbox
Independent Front, Live Axle Rear Suspension
4-Wheel Drum Brakes
*Over $125,000 spent on a modern electric drivetrain conversion
*Discreetly executed to preserve the original aesthetic
*Recent updates and upgrades performed by Flash Drive Motors in Austin, Texas
*Classic British styling meets modern technology
THE CAR OFFERED
The MGA hit the bustling sportscar scene in 1955, marking a huge stylistic departure for the Abingdon-based firm. After years of offering sporty roadsters and touring cars with quaint, 30s-inspired styling, the MGA introduced a sleek and modern new look thanks to its fully enveloped body inspired by George Phillips' 1951 TD LeMans car. While widely appreciated for its fine handling, the MGA was never meant to set the road alight, yet it has endured among sports car enthusiasts for its elegant looks and pure, unfiltered driving character.
This 1957 MGA Roadster is a unique example blending the classic appeal of the original with a modern electric drivetrain. This was previously converted to an electric drivetrain way back in 2000 by a team of engineering students from the University of Texas, Arlington. The conversion, nicknamed "Chuck Morris" was well executed and detailed for the time, utilizing a series of lead-acid batteries and off-the-shelf components. More recently, the car was acquired by a well-known electrical engineer, Mr. Raymond Auger, who decided to update the componentry to modern standards.
Noted electric conversion shop Flash Drive Motors in Austin, Texas was enlisted perfect the voltified machine. To do this, a compact and powerful NetGain Hyper 9 electric motor was fitted, adapted to the existing MG 4-speed manual transmission (with reverse lockout) and rated for approximately 120bhp and 173lb-ft of torque – a significant boost over a standard MGA! Flash Drive then fitted five Tesla Model S 6.4KWh modules, an Orion BMS 2 battery management system, and liquid cooling for both the batteries and the power inverter. Nothing was overlooked with the existing tachometer calibrated to the motor, a "fuel" gauge to monitor state of charge, and an onboard charger and Bluetooth™ module to communicate with a phone app. The whole conversion comes with a minimal weight penalty of about 520lbs – easily handled by the boost in power.
While this all sounds very Back the Future (yes, we know Chuck Norris was not in that one), it all comes together in an impressively cohesive package that, for all its tech, still maintains the enduring classic charm of the MGA, particularly in its primrose yellow livery. And while Chuck Morris may not cry tears that cure cancer like Chuck Norris (not that he'd ever shed one), this electrified MGA certainly packs an equally mighty punch.
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