1957 MGA Competition Roadster

• Built and raced successfully by Derek Baker between 1980 and 1992
• MG championship-winning car
• Present ownership since 2001 (bought from Derek Baker)
• Driven to many events including Le Mans and Le Mans Classic

The MGA roadster offered here is a former competition car which is road legal. The engine is an MGB race five-bearing 1,932cc unit, fed by a Weber 45 DCOE carburettor, which is fitted with a stainless steel big-bore exhaust system with tubular competition manifold. The engine is cooled by an MGB wide-core radiator ducted from the grille, and has an additional one-gallon stainless steel header tank. Power (approximately 140bhp-plus) is delivered via a five-speed close-ratio gearbox with short shift to a limited-slip differential. The engine was built by Derek Baker of MG tuning specialists BHB Engineering in Southampton. A detailed listing of its specification is available.

The MG rolls on Realm Engineering 15" Dunlop alloy wheels shod with 185/65R tyres. The front suspension features negative camber, Spax telescopic shock absorbers, lowered road springs, a 'heavy' anti-roll bar, and 'V8' wishbone bushes, while at the rear there are anti-tramp radius arms (Rose jointed), a Watts linkage, Spax shock absorbers and solid bushes. Braking is looked after by competition discs/pads and stainless steel hoses up front, with vented brake drums and competition shoes at the rear.

The front and rear wings are lightweight hand-built aluminium, as are the bonnet, boot and doors, while a firewall has been incorporated between the boot and cockpit. The latter is fitted with two race seats and FIA-approved harnesses, with protection provided by a roll cage and head support mounted to the chassis. Up front is a purpose-made Sebring valance with ducts for the 13-row oil cooler and front brakes. The MG is painted in British Racing Green with white roundels on the bonnet and doors, and the whole car weighs around 762kg.

Rebuilt in 1980, '148 DRB' was raced by Derek Baker up to 1992, winning three MG championships overall and with many other wins to its credit. Retired from racing in 1992, the car was used by Derek occasionally until sold to the current enthusiast owner in July 2001, since when it has always been kept in its own heated workshop. According to our vendor: "This is a very quick car and is at home on the track. The handling is excellent and perfectly balanced. Since in my ownership it has been slightly de-tuned to make it more comfortable for road use. I have really enjoyed owning and driving this car to events including Le Mans and Le Mans Classic on many occasions."

The original gearbox, a set of Minilite 14" wheels/tyres, and some other spares are included in the sale. The car has been serviced and MoT'd in March 2024 prior to the sale.