1958 MG MGA 1500 FHC |

Closed Auction- Unsold

1958 MG MGA 1500 FHC

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Mileage~48,905 on clock
TransmissionManual
Engine1.5L
LocationPulborough

AUCTION CLOSED

1958 MG MGA 1500 FHC

Introduction

Alan Stuart

Professional Consigner

Making its debut at the 1955 Frankfurt Motor Show - the MGA was an immediate hit and went on to be one of the most popular sports cars of that time.

The MGA is a fabulous British sports car that was produced by MG from 1955 to 1962. It was considered a design breakthrough from the earlier MGs, a streamlined body to aid aerodynamics when racing and arguably one of the best-looking MG's of all time.

The MG brand has continued to resonate with enthusiasts, with the network of clubs and specialists helping to make the MGA a sensible option. Whether you're buying your first classic car or adding to an existing collection, the MGA is a worthy contender to be on your classic car shopping list.

The 1500 FHC has a great amount of driver focused upgrades added to it including an upgraded servo brake system, Crossflow MSX alloy cylinder head with twin 40DCOE weber carburettors, Spax adjustable rear suspension, a 12volt negative earth alternator, additional Kenlowe fan and also an electronic ignition added through its previous ownership.

Importantly, this is a UK "Home Market" RHD as confirmed by the heritage certificate. Finished in "Orient Red" with colour matched red interior, original UK cars are often hard to find.

This listing was written from information supplied by Alan after meeting Clive the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

It was a car I just had to have, even if it meant repatriating it from overseas!

Being a huge fan of all things MG, the MGA 1500 was on the current owner, Clive's list as a 'must have', he said, "I'd been looking for a model like this one for many years, it was a car that I'd had my sights on but just couldn't find one that ticked all the boxes".

Having spotted this model on an import website from Japan, Clive took the leap in getting the car shipped over, he went on to say, "The MGA was equipped with the kit I wanted and just looked so good in the images. With the added drivers extras, it was the car I really wanted".

With other plans on the horizon, Clive is reluctantly letting the MGA go to a new home - he said, "Its one of my dream cars but I just don't get to use it as I once did, I've realised its time to invest in some new elements for the home and need to free up the funds to invest into the house updates".

Should any further questions be required, Clive will be happy to answer these in the section below.

Clive

Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER

Exterior
Interior
Mechanics
History
All Images

EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

With its heritage in 24hr Le Mans, the MGA has racing history in its heart which is reflected in its low design, sweeping angles and streamlined body.

Wheels and Tyres

The MG is fitted with a set of period-correct chrome 15" wire wheels. These look in great condition and are free from curb marks or any major wear. The knock on centre spinners look in good condition too.

Complete with a set of Bridgestone Nextry tyres with a spec of 175/65. These are date coded from 2017 across the front and rear. The condition of tyres looks good overall with no obvious cracking or signs of major wear.

Please take a look at the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior of this MG MGA and a closer look at the wheels and tyres.

Bodywork

Bodywork around the car looked to align well - shut lines looked good and married up along their edges well.

Adding to the cars race inspired look is the removal of the original bumpers.

We noted a small imperfection in the bodywork at the rear of the car where there was a mark noted underneath the rear window section. Looking at the underside of the car, it does look sound and only shows a few signs of corrosion and paint lifting to the base section under the doors, which we go over on our mechanical review video.

The other point to note, is the MG comes with a rear rack that fits over the boot - although we were unable to make this align or fit on our visit to the car.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our hi-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view at what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

Finished in a lovely coat of Orient Red, the paint overall looks good but could benefit from a level of polishing by the future owner.

The paint looks even in finish and coat on each panel although there were a few signs of paint bubbling noted close to the edge of the drivers side door. There were also signs of micro blistering on the bonnet panels. Looking at the detail around the car, we did note a few signs of cracking to the paint above the windscreen section.

Again, we have taken high resolution images and videos of the car for you to assess the condition of the bodywork and paint for yourselves. The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these high resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The windscreen section and side windows all appear in good condition and we could see no sign of scratching or chips on the main glass sections. The lovely chrome grille, door latches, boot handles looked good too and in line with the rest of the condition of the car.

Looking over the interior, door cards and roof lining show nicely without major wear or concern. The window seals look respectable but do show with a few signs of wear to the rubber sections.

A great feature looking around the car is the innovative door handles, as featured in the interior review video.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

Colour-matching dashboard, chrome dials and beautiful red leather seats with coordinated seat harnesses; a simple and smart cabin that looks very stylish.

Seats and Carpets

Red leather seats suit the car so well, the MGA is a real eye catching car with its striking colour scheme matched through the cabin and exterior. Willans seat harnesses have been retro fitted and add an extra race inspired feel to the MG.

The seats do show with some signs of use and looking at the detail there was a very small section of the piping on the drivers seat edge that had worn off, but overall, nothing that stood out to us in a concerning way.

Looking over the carpet sections, these showed in a respectable way but would really benefit from a good clean to bring these sections up to a better standard.

We've captured high-resolution photos and a full interior video tour through the car. This covers off the angles inside the car for you to review and appreciate the condition of what's on offer here in our interior review section.

Dashboard

A luxurious touch in the MGA is the smart red trim on the dashboard. Colour-matched to the red exterior with chrome bezels and sharp dials, this section looks great on the car with its style flowing well through to the cabin.

The dials, switch and controls are well presented, all faces look clean and clear and show without fogging or major scratching. Please take a look at the gallery images for a closer look at the interior sections.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The classic Moto-Lita steering wheel with MG badging looks great and adds a lovely touch to the cabin section. Surrounded by a wooden outer ring the wheel presents in good condition for its age.

The four-speed gear stick shows well, with the surrounding gaiter in good condition. The design is simple here but does its job well.

We've captured high-resolution photos for you to review and appreciate the condition of the interior in our gallery section.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

With an upgraded cylinder head and twin Webers on the 1,500cc engine, the MG sounds and moves very well, easily able to keep up with more modern traffic.

Engine and Gearbox

We noted no issues on the start up of the car with the engine and exhaust running smoothly when we visited. The car drives well with its transmission working smoothly once out on the road. It is worth noting, there is no sync across the 1st and 2nd gear although we observed no issues or unwanted noise through the gear changes.

The MGA engine has been re-engineered to include a Crossflow MSX alloy cylinder head with twin 40DCOE Weber carburettors, a more race inspired setup from standard which sounded really great when out on the road. The MGA has also been upgraded with a 12volt negative earth alternator and electronic ignition.

We took the car on a short drive and it went through the motions without issue. Please watch the on the road video to see the detail and the car in action.

Suspension and Brakes

On the drive out, the current owner Clive, took us around some local country roads - we heard no major knocking sounds or unwanted noises from the suspension when we were driving on standard roads. There was just a slight knock noted on the review video as we went over a divot in the road. Overall the car performed as to be expected with no observed issues.

With front disc brakes on the car and the servo brake system working well, the MGA was almost reminiscent of a more modern car when testing the brakes out on the road, showing to be working very nicely. The MGA is equipped with Spax adjustable shock absorbers to the rear of the car.

Clive mentions the brakes and suspension provide an enjoyable journey with the kind of stopping power you'd expect. The brakes felt to have no pull or vibrations that stood out to us when on the journey, and brought the car to a stop without a problem.

The Drive

With its low sporty stature, the MGA really keeps its racing heritage feel to the driving style of the car. Coupled with the lovely engine sounds produced by the stainless steel exhaust system and twin carburettors - the MGA is a great example of a very lovely classic MG.

The 1500 is comfortable in its ride and a great option for summer adventures and trips to the countryside.

Electrics and Other

The MG is fitted with an after-market electronic Kenlowe fan which was tested and working. The fuel gauge doesn't work although the oil pressure and temp gauge are working fine.

The MG is also equipped with an electronic ignition system. Clive told us that he has had no issues with the other electrical elements on the car and to the best of his knowledge, everything else was working as it should do with the exception of the drivers side window regulator which is faulty and needs some assistance when operating.

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History and Paperwork

Exported to Japan in the '90s, the MG has been back on the UK roads since 2021 - this home-market MG comes on sale with a host of great driver upgrades as part of its deal.

Manufactured and originally used in the UK, the MG was exported to Japan in the '90s which is where the paperwork section shows a little more about its travels. The MGA was then imported back to the UK in 2021 as reflected in its updated V5 form. With its travels in mind, the MGA only shows one registered owner in the UK since its return.

The MGA has been upgraded with a few tasteful driver updates over its history including servo brake system, Spax adjustable rear suspension, Crossflow MSX alloy cylinder head with twin 40DCOE weber carburettors, a 12 volt negative earth alternator, additional Kenlowe fan and also an electronic ignition.

Despite being MOT exempt, Clive put the MG through a MOT in June 2021 which came back with no advisories. Since then, the MG has travelled fewer than ~200 miles and maintains its low mileage since it returned to the UK.

Should there be any questions required, Clive would be happy to answer these in the section below.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a HPi check on the vehicle.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house. Please note, the car may be in daily use, so the mileage may increase from that shown here - you can request an update check with us after you register your interest.