1958 MG MGA Roadster Convertible 1500 Excellent Condition

1958 MG MGA 1500 Roadster Convertible

VIN #:HDR43/46537

ENGINE #:15GB-U-H-36076

BODY #:57306

Exterior Color:Red

Interior Color:Black

Body Type:Roadster/Convertible

Transmission: 4 Speed Manual

Engine: 1500cc 4-Cylinder

Odometer: 97,270

Up for sale is this 1958 MG MGA 1500 roadster. The MGA open-top sportscar is a great car to drive on the back roads of New Hampshire and is very easy to maintain - for anyone that is car-oriented and mechanically inclined.

I have three of these cars and have decided to sell one of my MGAs to make room for another restoration project. This particular MGA is in outstanding condition both cosmetically and mechanically, as can be seen in the listing photos. I acquired the car last year from an individual in Cape Cod, Massachusetts that owned and drove it for 10+ years. He acquired it from a another long-term owner (20+ years) that lived in Rhode Island. The paint and interior were in excellent condition when I purchased the car, but the car was in need of a mechanical refresh which has now been completed. Details are provided below.

I obtained an official British Heritage Certificate for this vehicle. Based on the Heritage Certificate, this car left the MG factory for the North America market on January 20, 1958. The exterior was originally painted “Old English White” by the factory, with a red interior and black convertible top. It originally came with a variety of factory options including factory disc wheels, heater, sliding side screens, adjustable steering column and tubeless tires.

A prior owner restored the car over 10 years ago and at that time changed the exterior color to red (which was another factory color available at that time). A new black interior was installed. The prior owner also converted the car to chrome (not painted) wire wheels which is an expensive, but very worthwhile, upgrade in my opinion. Note: a set of four (4) new chrome wire wheels from Moss is around $2,000 plus another $1,000+ in hardware (splined hubs, knockoffs, brake drums, hammer, etc.) to convert the car to wire wheels. The prior owner installed new tires which are in great shape.

Other than the color change and wire wheel conversion, the car mechanically has remained very original over the past 65 years. Before buying this car, I fully researched the engine code (15GB-U-H-36076), VIN code (46537) and body code (57306). Using research data provided by NAMGAR, I confirmed that these numbers are the correct sequence for this car. The generator, starter, SU carbs and radiator are also all correct for 1958.

During my ownership, I completed a wide variety of maintenance and mechanical refurbishment. This is the fourth MGA I have worked on, and I am a long term car restoration hobbyist. Feel free to ask any questions you may have. I have a complete set of records/receipts for all the work I completed, including photographs for the buyer. The major items recently completed include:

1. Refurbished original convertible top frame and installed new convertible soft top.

2. Cleaned and repainted entire engine compartment and trunk.

3. Removed, refurbished, and/or repainted all engine components (generator, starter, fan, fan pulley, valve cover).

4. Cleaned/rebuilt the SU carbs and intake manifold.

5. Replaced original front shock dampers with professionally restored units from Worldwide Auto Parts ($324).

6. Replaced the steering rack rubber boot gaiters and lubricated steering rack.

7. Removed, flushed and repainted radiator, installed all new hoses and period correct clamps.

8. Removed, flushed and repainted heater box, heater core, installed new heater valve and hoses.

9. Inspected and refurbished front and rear brakes, flushed all brake lines with new fluid and adjusted all brakes, including the brake/clutch pedal free-play.

10. Changed engine oil and installed new filter (original canister style).

11. Obtained/installed new VIN plate (also have the original).

12. Installed new plugs and performed a complete tune-up.

13. Installed new starter switch and cable.

14. Added the correct 4” air hoses for heater and cold air intake.

15. Added correct sill finisher strips and sill protector plates.

16. Installed new fuel filter and new rubber gas hoses/clamps.

17. Refurbished the original turn signal assembly.

18. Installed new rear axle rebound straps.

19. Drained/replaced rear axle fluid, and drained and replaced gearbox oil.

20. Buffed/polished entire exterior paint.

I also just completed a compression check on the motor with excellent results (see photo). Compression ranged from 144 to 150 in all 4 cylinders.

From what I was told by the prior owner, the car has always been garaged and the exterior paint remains in excellent condition. It does have a few minor imperfections which you would expect for an approximate 10-year-old paint job. The chrome bumpers are in excellent condition also. The prior owner replaced the seat interiors and installed a new fuel tank and new front coil springs.The car will be sold with correct window “side screens”, a painted wire wheel spare, and a factory correct engine hand crank. This is a car you will be proud to take to club meets or car shows as it looks great and has factory correct mechanicals. When you compare this car to other MGA's for sale, consider the value of excellent paint and tires, chrome wire wheel conversion, new convertible soft top, factory side screens, new interior, new front shock dampers and coil springs, refurbished engine compartment, etc.

The car is available for inspection and/or test drive in Hampton Falls, New Hampshire, about 45 minutes North of Boston. I have many photographs of the mechanical restoration I completed, and videos of the car starting up and driving.

I’m happy to answer any questions. The car is available for immediate sale.