1957 MG A

As if to prove the point, our example seems to have spent its early life in North America with little known about its early adventures there. We do know from the chassis number HDR43/29782, however, that the car hails from 1957 and was a left-hand drive roadster from the factory. Its sequence number shows it to be number 5,173 of a total of 20,802 built in 1957.

Starting life as an American market car, built with left hand drive and exported by MG to America, this MGA had returned to its homeland by 1995 at which point an exhaustive restoration was commenced. This culminated in 2003 with the MGA being registered with the DVLA in September of that year. At this point the odometer was set to zero.

Current owner, Steven, acquired the car in 2010 at which point a mere 2,500 post restoration miles had been covered. Steven had added around 6,300 further miles during his 14-year tenure bringing today’s total to a smidgen over 8,800 post-restoration miles. This light and considered use combined with diligent stewardship (Steven reporting use “almost exclusively on dry days”) resulting in its excellent, “just restored” presentation.

The MGA’s sporting pedigree and origins are plain to see when running an admiring eye over its low, curving profile. Front and rear extremities taper away for optimum fluid dynamic performance. The headlamp bearing wings at the front and pronounced haunches at the rear protrude to constrain the tapered panels and channel airflow to minimise turbulence.

The elegant simplicity of the design is striking with our car’s gleaming black livery helping to emphasise its clarity. Every compound curve exudes a deep lustrous shine from nose to tail and those, often troublesome, panel gaps appear good throughout. Just the right amount of deeply chromed brightwork punctuates the black with window surrounds, curved radiator shell and grill, bumpers and various rubbing strips jumping out in sharp and welcome contrast.

The simple, black hood trimmed in subtly textured vinyl, appears to be taught, tightly fitting and in pristine order. The acrylic rear windows are clear, un-fogged and devoid of creases or cracks. Light lenses look clear and fresh, and the period-correct silver and black number plate continues that charming duo-tone theme.

The 15-inch steel wheels are silver painted and centred with domed, deeply chromed hub caps. A matching set of correctly specified retro-look radial type tyres are fitted. These, together with the effective but simple wheel arrangement underscores that simplicity of concept theme so admired by many.

The cosy cocoon of the MGA’s cabin is an archetype of the period and yet exudes sophistication and luxury aplenty. The combination of burgundy hued leather, and glossy walnut veneer contrasts beautifully with the shiny black exterior livery.

The seats are upholstered into vertical box pleats complimented by a well stuffed central armrest mounted to the transmission tunnel. The door cards and padded, cabin encircling top roll are finished in a matching hue. All of these hide-bound elements share an excellent overall condition. The carpets are black, and edge bound in leather for added longevity and a touch of additional luxury. Heavy duty rubber mats are also fitted to help protect and preserve.

The dashboard fascia consists of a burr walnut veneered panel which is finished in a deep, high-gloss varnish. Four white on black British Jaeger instruments give the driver a snapshot of the car’s operating parameters. The larger pair of speedometer and tachometer sit behind the three spoke alloy Mota-Lita wooden rimmed steering wheel. The junior pair straddle the speaker mesh and monitor fuel level, oil pressure and water temperature. Owner, Steven, notes that the fuel gauge is decidedly non-linear in its operation. On the rear bulkhead a fuel pump cutoff and Accumate battery charger connector are also fitted.

The boot houses the spare wheel, tyre and associated tools. This area is finished in body-coloured paintwork and a spare wheel cover is present. This is also home, when not in use, to the back vinyl tonneau cover. This is zipped at the centre to allow for use when just the driver is in situ.

In original trim the MGA was fitted with an Austin B series inline four cylinder of 1,489cc capacity breathing through twin SU H4 carburettors producing 68bhp, although this was soon uprated to 72bhp. During this car’s restoration, however, the engine was bored out to a stage 2, 1,622cc specification with a fast road camshaft fitted and the ports polished. Hardened valve seats were also fitted at this stage to allow for unleaded fuel use. A full sports exhaust system is also fitted. These modifications, made less than 7,000 miles ago, combined with diligent and regular maintenance has made for a very well mechanically sorted example.

Lifting the small bonnet reveals a very well-presented engine bay, with electronic ignition and fuel pump. It is clean and well organised with the valve cover and some ancillaries stove enamelled in red. The level of originality is admirably high despite the thorough restoration. The expected data plates and mechanic’s prompts seem to be present and correct.

The underside of the MG helps underscore the depth of the restoration undertaken. For a 67-year-old car it looks remarkably straight, sound and well preserved. There is plenty of black, stone-chip or underseal present as well as obvious signs of recent and regular maintenance such as nice, shiny nuts and fixings.  

The turn-indicators are cancelled manually. If it is wished to restore the timed-cancelling feature the spring, which is amongst the spare parts with the car, can be re-inserted in the switch.

The history of the MGA relates to its restoration and post-restoration period. The current V5 registration document is present which classified the MG as an Historic Vehicle. This renders it MoT exempt and zero rated for VED in the UK. Despite this status the car has been through an MoT every year since 2003. Only one, easily rectified fail was encountered during this period and no advisories. The current MoT is advisory free and valid until September 2024.

Other highlights include some chunky, lever arch files of invoices and photographs from the restoration. Current owner Steven has also collated all the servicing and repair work undertaken during his tenure further highlighting the care taken over this prized MGA.

The MGA certainly deserved its “first of line” A, marking a significant departure from pre-war origin cars and taking the crucial North American market by storm. In the first year of production alone, over 13,000 were built, eclipsing the whole life production run of its predecessor.

This car is a perfect exemplar of the MGA breed. Beautifully restored and faultlessly cared for and maintained ever since. Its black livery works so well adding a level of stealthy mystique over and above more blatant options. The car has clearly been prized and treated accordingly and is now ready to use and enjoy immediately. Bid today to secure your own example from a time when British sports cars ruled the world.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £18,000 - £23,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am- 12pm or 2pm-4pm. To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.