Description

1956 MGA 1500 Roadster


SOLD £17,920

Very sound and attractive American import; recent brake and carbs overhaul; ready to enjoy

The MGA was unveiled at the Frankfurt Show in 1955 and was a radical departure from MG’s traditional ash-framed models that had come before.
It was called the MGA as it represented a new beginning and was even marketed as the "first of a new line". Beautifully styled on the Syd Enever-designed Le Mans-bodied TD, it used a strong cross braced chassis with steel bodywork attached. Len Lord had originally rejected its radically modern shape having just signed a deal with Donald Healey to produce the Austin-Healey, however falling sales at MG prompted him to review his ideas.
In production until 1962 when the rather less sporting MGB took over, it proved a huge success with over 101,000 examples produced of which only 5,900 were sold in the UK market, the vast majority going to the USA.
Dating from January 1956, this smart MGA Roadster is one of those export cars which has spent its whole life in America, being imported back here in November last year and registered as 735 XVJ. A 1500 model with the 72bhp B-Series engine, it would have cost around £840 when new and had a quoted top speed of 98mph – not bad really when you consider that a contemporary Austin-Healey 100/4 would have cost you £220 more and only gone 8mph faster with its much larger 2,660cc engine.
As usual with American imports, there is not much history with the car but in early 2018 it had a full brake system overhaul and the carbs were rebuilt by Ragtops & Roadsters Inc. of Perkasie, Pennsylvania at the eye-watering cost of $6,440 (invoices on file). Apart from a couple of blemishes in the paintwork the car looks to be in good condition throughout and the vendor states that it drives very nicely.
Easily converted to RHD using a kit of parts from the many specialists who serve this model, this tidy MGA Roadster looks a snip at the modest guide price suggested.
For more information on this car please call James Dennison on 07970 309907 or email james.dennison@brightwells.com