1957 MG MGA

4 Cylinder

4 Speed

HDR4350734

1957 MG A Roadster Frame off Restored California MGA Fewer than 3,000~ Miles Ago Mechanical & Cosmetic Restoration of a Dry New Mexico Car Finished in Striking Red / Black Leather Interior ____________________________________________________ NOTE: Our listings sometimes get rather lengthy. However, we continually hear from out of state / out of country buyers (many of our clients) that they prefer the level of detail that we provide. However, if you are not prepared to read multiple pages of description, we ask that you review the "Specifications" on the car along with viewing the photos. Also, if you'd prefer, please call us at 925-846-1451 and we'll gladly discuss any questions that you have regarding the MGA, the asking price, shipping, etc. The car is available for purchase prior to the end of the eBay auction. Prospective buyers should be aware that a very large percentage of our cars do sell prior to the end of the auction listing and waiting until late in the sale can result in the car being sold to another buyer. ALSO, PLEASE NOTE: EACH TIME WE LIST A VEHICLE ON EBAY WE RECEIVE COMMENTS THAT THERE ARE NO PHOTOS OF THE INTERIOR, ENGINE, UNDERCARRIAGE, ETC. OF THE CAR. THERE ARE A LARGE NUMBER OF PHOTOS, BUT WHEN YOU REACH WHAT APPEARS TO BE THE LAST PHOTO, YOU WILL NEED TO SCROLL TO VIEW THE REMAINING PHOTOS. IF YOU ARE STILL UNABLE TO SEE THE PHOTOGRAPHS, PLEASE CALL US AND WE WILL PROVIDE A LINK FOR THE PHOTOS (IT IS A VIOLATION OF EBAY POLICY TO LIST THE URL ON THE EBAY LISTING). All of our photos are taken in natural light and we do not "Photo-Shop" or touch-up the photos in any way. This is a truly special MGA that has received the benefit of a total body off, frame up restoration by its very particular owner. This absolutely lovely early MGA was disassembled and restored by a long time British enthusiast with considerable experience in the restoration of early British roadsters including an Austin Healey 3000 and others. The "madness" is underway in the various auction venues around the country. We often times see a wide range of collectible cars / special interest cars sell for inflated amounts in the "heat of the moment." This car is offered at a realistic price and, unlike bidding on cars in an auction environment, you will have the benefit of extensive information & history on the car prior to making a buying decision. Equally important is the fact that Classic Cars Ltd. has been in business for close to 20 years we enjoy an excellent worldwide reputation. Our 650~ positive eBay feedback items over the course of 12~ years is a reflection of our commitment to accurate and complete vehicle descriptions. We can provide references in addition to those left by customers. THANK YOU! CLASSIC CARS LTD. 925-846-1451 _________________________________________________ Listed below are several "Chapters" of information on this restored 1957 MGA Roadster: I. Introduction II. This Particular MGA III. The Cars Restoration Details IV. Our Recent Travels in MGA V. History of the MGA in General VI. Miscellaneous Information VII. Purchasing a Collector Car - Things to Consider VIII. About Classic Cars Ltd. I. INTRODUCTION We are the first to admit that we are rarely at a loss for words when it comes to the description of one of our vehicles. However, in the case of this MGA, it is difficult for us to succinctly describe the amount of time (and expense) that has been invested in the car. It is important to note that this car was a labor of love, not a car that was restored to be "flipped" or ever offered for sale, for that matter. However, the car's owner has reached an age (85 years old!) where he no longer finds the opportunity to drive the MGA so he decided to sell the car to another "Caregiver" that will continue to take care of the MG that he owned since 1997. We have owned hundreds of British sports cars since we opened our door in 1983. We have had our share of "trailer queens" and have sold them for their owners who are afraid to drive them for fear of picking up the smallest nick or chip. We have also seen major projects and everything in between. This car, while in the restored category is very usable and drivable. Perhaps what we like best is the car is totally finished..no excuses. We often hear from owner's statements like "Well it's done except for.."; but, not in this case. The MGA has had considerable attention paid to details that oftentimes separate an average restoration from a higher quality job. Specifically, the car has a fully usable top and restored top bows that stows as it should and fastens properly. The tonneau cover fits and the zipper is not broken. All of the snaps are in place that hold the tonneau around the cockpit and they fit well. The side windows are in excellent condition and fit into the fasteners on the doors (Note: the side "vent windows" need to be removed to use the side wing windows.a few screws). The side windows store (as designed) in the "holder" behind the front seats. The rear area behind the seats is clean and rust free. The trunk is spotless and contains a restored spare, carpeted cover, factory jack and tools. All of the lights and electrical systems are functional including the choke and e-brake. The engine bay is spotless and the new wiring harness is cloth, per the original. The wheels were restored and there were no changes made to the steering wheel. An inexpensive aftermarket radio was not added and there is no hole drilled for an antenna. The car is even fitted with "period" 5.60 x 15" Bias Ply tires that are older but show good tread wear. This is one area where an upgrade is recommended if the MGA is going to be used on a regular basis or on the highway. While these may seem like small items, they reflect the care and overall quality of the restoration and often times are overlooked, even on completely "restored" examples. Details of the major parts of the restoration effort will be addressed later in this write-up. HISTORY When the MGA was acquired by its previous owner several years ago, it was in serious need of a complete restoration. Photos of the car (shown in the listing) in its "Before" state show that it was virtually a barn find that needed to be gone through completely to bring it back to its former glory. However, the car had been in dry New Mexico for its entire life and the title reflects the "Year First Sold" as 1957. While the car was anything but pretty when it was first sourced, it did not have the rust that exists on MGA's in other parts of the world. In fact, any rust was surface rust and the "A" had virtually all of its panels intact. The restorer utilized virtually all of the cars original sheet metal and there was no accident damage to the cars structural components. The photos support the cars straight damage free chassis and underside along with the fact that the car was an original "unmolested" example when the restoration began. The car was a very "honest" and definitely worth rescuing and restoring. The restoration took several years of work on a part-time basis but the effort proved well worthwhile. The beautiful paint and body took considerable time and involved removing the body from the frame along with total disassembly of the bolt on components (front fenders, doors, hood and trunk). The effort paid considerable dividends and resulted in a high quality, high gloss complete re-paint in a striking shade of red. When it comes to paint quality, fit and finish and panel gap, the car is very nice, indeed. The MGA receives considerable attention and would be a welcome addition to any local show or event. Finally, the car was restored to 100% original configuration with no modifications to the body, interior or engine bay. These days, it is increasingly difficult to locate and MGA that not only rates very high from a cosmetic perspective but also is a superb running/driving car. The MGA British Heritage Certificate has been ordered and the cars specific history will be reported when it is received. The MGA has the correct and original ID plate in the engine bay but, as was often times the case, the number that was on an aluminum plate was lost when the car's engine received a total and complete rebuild a the time of the restoration. As with all restorations the project became more involved (translate considerably more expensive and time consuming!) than originally anticipated. However, in the end, the effort was well worth it despite the owner not coming close to recouping his investment in the MGA. The MG has been fully sorted and can be relied upon as a reliable weekend car or even a regular use sports car. The cosmetic and mechanical condition rate very high and, as the old saying goes "A photo is worth 100 words." We ask that you review the photos in detail to get a true sense of the effort that went into the construction / restoration of the MGA. Finally, it is important to emphasize that, unlike some of the cars offered for sale; this is not a "rattle can restoration" but a high level, comprehensive top to bottom restoration of an original, dry New Mexico car including "fresh" mechanical and cosmetic restoration. We ask that you consider the following items, many of which differentiate this MGA from others being offered in today's market: - Original New Mexico MGA - Clear New Mexico title is in the process of transfer to a clear California title for ease of the next registration transfer for out of country sale - Copy of the registration showing history of registration in New Mexico and "First Year Registered" of 1957 - British Motor Industry Heritage Certificate has been ordered to document the cars lineage and will be given to the new owner when received - Listed on the MGA Registry as car #5568 (supporting plaque on dash board, passenger side) - Comprehensive receipt folder documenting the thousands of dollars in restoration components, re-chroming, NOS parts, engine rebuild details, suspension rebuilt documentation, interior restoration specifics, etc. - A reported history of 3 owners - Current mileage showing of 67,034 but due to age of car cannot be stated as "true mileage" II. THIS PARTIUCULAR MGA - THE "NUMBERS" - This MGA is titled as a 1957, the various "Data Plates" are as follows: Car # HDR43 / - 50734 (Vehicle ID Plate located on the plate in front of the heater). - Based on data from the North American MGA Register (and the British Heritage Certificate), the car carries the correct car plate of HDR43 / 50734 G = MG H = Engine Type (1600 4 cylinder) D = Body Type L = Drive (Right or Left) - Left in this case - Chassis # 50734 - Body # 60924 (Located vertically on the steel tag on the firewall) III. THE CARS RESTORATION DETAILS It is considerably easier to describe the quality and level of restoration of this MGA versus a car that has had a partial, low quality restoration. The MGA was restored properly with a "Cost no Object" philosophy that separates it from much lower level, "garage restorations." While it is difficult to describe each and every part of the restoration, a review of the well organized documents includes everything from the smallest parts to the complete rebuild of major components. We see a lot of cars and often times the owners believe their cars rate higher than they actually do when it comes to condition and the quality of the restoration. While this car was not just restored, it was done correctly and has the benefit of being used minimally to ensure its drivability and reliability. The car is of a quality that we frequently see at our local All British Shows and other car gatherings. . The receipt folder and books contain virtually every receipt for the work performed and there are a volume of receipts reflecting virtually every component that was purchased for the cars restoration. The new owner will receive the file along with a quality MG Workshop Manual and some other reference information (names of vendors, etc.) along with the other items referenced in this write-up. We ask that you keep in mind that as nice as this MGA is, it is not a "Trailer Queen" and our recent drive of some 300 miles to attend the Pebble Beach Concourse d Elegance and other Monterey / Carmel events is proof positive (more on that later). Some highlights of the restoration include: - The MGA was completely disassembled; all of the body panels and chassis were properly stripped, primed and re-finished. The car's engine and driveline and other components were removed and rebuilt as needed and the car was prepared and painted using the highest quality materials. - Complete professional engine rebuild. All top rate components utilized and balanced. Engine properly broken in & tuned for current fuels - New clutch, transmission seals and related components - Extensive receipts for all new trim, fasteners, hardware both inside and outside of car to a very high level - New "hard" side curtains were purchased (refer to photos) - New convertible top installed and frame-work restored - All exterior chrome, window trim and other chrome parts replaced with either NOS, re-chromed or quality parts - Completely new interior including dash removable in dash, remote CD player (blanking plate included if owner desires original appearance), new carpet, door panels, gauges, switches and a list too long to outline in detail - Optional tinted "Sunvisors" - Optional windshield wind windows (removal) attached to windscreen - Highly detailed engine bay, trunk and interior/ exterior - Absolutely beautiful stock steering wheel - Factory steel wheels & dog dish hubcaps - New carpeting added (snap in for easy removal / cleaning) - Replacement wiring harness with 100% functional electrical system down to the turn signals, lights, dash lights, horn, tachometer and gauges - Gauges cleaned, replaced and completely new switches and knobs - all functional We should note that while this car would be considered a show car by some, the owner used the car as an occasional weekend car accumulating approximately 3,000~ miles on the finished product. The car is totally sorted and needs nothing to be used and enjoyed. When it comes to the exterior of the MGA, the car is a real attention getter. The paint is not only striking but completed to a very high level with no partial panel repainting since the restoration. Any imperfections require close inspection and overall the paint, trim, glass and other components are absolutely beautiful. The front and rear hood/trunk releases operate properly and the doors open and close solidly and have beautiful gaps as do the trunk lid and hood. The trunk and hood fit are excellent and the MGA received all new rubber trim when it was restored. The "prop" rods are in place and functional and show hardly a scratch or chip. Of course, the entire car received all new felt trim exterior gaskets and chrome bits. All of the lenses are excellent and the windshield is free from any cracks, stars or damage. Inspection of the trunk and the area behind the seats show fresh, clean, rust free areas. The MGS comes with the factory jack, tools, and restored spare wheel/tire. The interior is striking and finished in classic black with leather on the seats. The carpet and top are black as is the "safety trim" around the upper portion of the cockpit and dash. The car is fitted with tinted plastic "Sunvisors" and removal "Vent Windows" (attached to the front windscreen) an option frequently seen "in the day." All of the interior bright work is wither replaced or replated including the switches, knobs, gauges and other parts and everything including small items like the interior light work. The entire wiring harness was changed. For safety the car is fitted with later model 3-ppoint harnesses for both driver and passenger. The engine bay is very tidy and the restoration was done with the engine removed from the car. The engine itself is painted the proper maroon color as it would have been in 1957. The car comes with a car cover, jack & bag along with the crank starter tool. Mechanically, the receipts tell the story relative to extensive rebuild of major components. The engine, front end, braking system, hydraulics, fuel system and electrical system all received a complete restoration. The transmission was disassembled and checked with the necessary gaskets and bearings replaced. Parts included with but not installed on the MGA include: - Some small miscellaneous parts remaining from restoration - Spare engine paint - Factory jack & tools - Car cover - All restoration receipts - MGA Hardcover Workshop Manual IV. OUR RECENT TRAVELS IN THE MGA Each year we are fortunate to have a number of cars to choose from when we drive to several local club events in the S.F. Bay Area. This year we chose the MGA as the car for a recent event held in Northern California. We selected the "A" since the event focuses on classic reasonably priced sports car from the 1950's - 1970's and were confident that it would not only draw its share of attention and be well received despite the wide range of cars from Alfa's to Z's. The MGA did, in fact, draw considerable interest despite being one of the lower valued cars at the meet. Many people commented on the attractiveness of the car and comments like "I had one of those in College" were typical. Others shared stories of their personal experiences with MGA in College and even high school and commented how nice it was to see an MGA on the tour. We are also pleased to report that the MGA did great over the course of some 150 miles including the drive to and from the event. The temperatures were 90+ and the cars instruments always read within acceptable range. The MG has excellent oil pressure and there were no issues with overheating or other mechanical problems. It was great fun to drive and kept up with the rest of the group despite the car being 50+ years old. We attribute this to an excellent restoration and attention to important mechanical details. Amazingly, the car is even free from the major leaking that we see on so many vintage British cars. Of course as a car that was introduced in the 1950's cannot be expected to perform like a modern automobile but the freshness of the MGA's driveline results in good power and overall drivability. There are no signs of major leaking but, as all British enthusiasts know, some signs of "seepage" in even the best and most recent restoration are a reality of British car ownership. Minor "seeping" also indicates that there is oil in the car. a good thing! The MGA starts immediately when cold or warm and the choke is functional. The car warms up quickly and does not hesitate, stumble and has good power. The car shifts well up through the gears and is of the best late 50's / early 60's cars that we have had when it comes to downshifting form 4th to 3rd and 3rd to 2nd. Of course, as manufactured, the car did not have a syncromesh 1st gear but unlike many older MG's this example has no significant growl or noise in first gear. Down shifts into lower gears at relatively high speeds does not present a problem. . The MG braking system was completely gone through when the car was restored and the car stops straight. The emergency brake holds the car and is properly adjusted. The front suspension is tight and the car steers well. There are no negative drivability issues. The car passed a safety inspection within the previous 100 miles and the wheels were pulled to check brakes & wheel cylinders. The electrical system was checked and the car passed the required California inspection. Having driven the car a few hundred miles under a variety of conditions, we can attest to the MGA's reliability and drivability. It goes without saying that the car will draw attention wherever you go and will be recognized as a high quality, unique example of a 1957's vintage MG. In fact, the car is one of the better 50's vintage British sports cars that we have had the pleasure of owning. V. HISTORY OF THE MGA The MGA represented a complete departure in styling for MG. Its beautiful streamlined body was right up to the minute in terms of appearance, and it was powered by a new engine, as MG had decided that the old XPAG unit had had its day. The MGA was powered by the much more modern B-series engine that had made its debut in the recently announced Magnette saloon. Before the official launch of the MGA in 1955, three aluminum bodied prototypes of the new sports car, coded EX182, were entered into Le Mans. Fortunately for MG, they acquitted themselves well, finishing fifth and sixth in their class. Thus, when the MGA was finally announced shortly after this, the car already had a competition background as testimony to its pedigree. No doubt this did much to ensure its acceptance by enthusiasts who were reluctant to say goodbye to the old fashioned traditional looks of the MG. The chassis for the MGA was a development of the TD Midget's unit, but with more widely spaced side rails to allow for a lower seating position to fit in the new sleek bodywork. This not only put the driver and passenger in a more sensible position in relation to the proportions and height of the body, but it had the added advantage of lowering the centre of gravity, thus improving the cornering ability of the car. Other than a shortened, stylized and widened version of the now familiar MG grille, there was very little about the MGA which bore the slightest resemblance to any of its predecessors. From the scuttle, the body fell in one constant curve to the radiator grille, blending into the full swept front wings on each side. The line of the front wings was taken back past the cockpit with its cutaway doors, to where it merged into the rear wings. These tapered almost to a point at the rear and were blended into the rear portion of the bodywork that curved down from the back edge of the cockpit. On its launch the car was extremely well received, which was no doubt helped by its previous competition successes, and its impressive performance in standard road-going form. It also offered very good value for money in the MG tradition and it sold very well, with a large number going to the USA where it did much to revive MG's flagging reputation. A year after the original cars launch, a coupe version of the car was announced. It had a high curved roof line and a larger windscreen than the soft-top version of the car. The doors were fitted with wind-up windows and opening, hinged quarter-lights, which made the car a very civilized sports car indeed! Shortly after the introduction of the MGA Twin Cam, the standard cars were given a 1588cc version of the standard pushrod version of the B-series engine, becoming the MGA 1600 in the process. The MGA engine was uprated from 68bhp to 72bhp. They were also equipped with disc brakes on the front wheels, but continued with drums at the rear. The MGA 1600 continued to be offered in both open and coupe versions. VI. MISCELLANEOUS GENERAL INFORMATION ? We have a number of additional, detailed photographs but are not allowed to show the URL on eBay. Please contact us and we'll gladly direct you to the site. ? We have been shipping vehicles for years and have established excellent contacts that are not only high quality but very price competitive. We do not use brokers, terminal shipping or other discount methods. Call us or email for a quote directly to your home or office. We are often able to obtain quality enclosed or open at very attractive rates. ? As with virtually all collector/specialty vehicles, we find that parts and resources are readily available for this (and most every vehicle), thanks in large part to the Internet. ? In addition to the purchase price of the vehicle, California buyers will be subject to sales tax, documentation fee, DMV transfer fees and license/registration. Out-of-state buyers will be responsible for the purchase price of the vehicle and any local taxes/fees will be the purchaser's responsibility to pay in their respective state. IMPORTANT NOTE: if the vehicle is delivered or driven in California and driven on California roads, sales-tax, license registration and transfer fees will be assessed per California law. ? While we encourage telephone calls to discuss this vehicle in greater detail we will not respond to inquiries asking "What is the reserve". Also, if you would prefer that we call you to answer any questions about the vehicle; shipping alternatives, etc. please e-mail us with your telephone number and will gladly get back in touch with you. ? As with any collectible vehicle of this vintage we are unable to provide a warranty or guarantee of condition. However, we make every effort to accurately represent our vehicles, and highlight both positive items as well as areas that require attention. We ask that prospective buyers consider our eBay history/feedback, standing in the community, length of time in business, and other factors when purchasing a collectible vehicle from Classic Cars Ltd. ? Please keep in mind that minor cosmetic issues/flaws may be present on every vehicle (regardless of cost) including small chips, nicks, scratches, and other imperfections that exist on virtually every used car. Also, ownership of a collectible / specialty vehicle is more enjoyable if the owner is familiar with the "realities" of these unique cars. Unlike more modern day vehicles, these cars require regular, ongoing care/maintenance and some mechanical knowledge, patience, and understanding can make the experience considerably more pleasant. That said, collector / "specialty" car owners will tell you (emphatically) that they love their cars and wouldn't trade them for anything!! ? The information contained in this description is believed to be accurate but, in some instances, has been provided by the car's previous owner or other sources. As a result, we are unable to guarantee the accuracy of the information. We encourage verification of "numbers" and significant data contained in this listing prior to the purchase of any collector vehicle that you are considering. We also encourage inspections prior to the end of the auction. VII. PURCHASING A COLLECTOR VEHICLE - THINGS TO CONSIDER As always, we recommend that you carefully review the seller's background of any collector car being sold over the Internet. We believe that it is important to ask yourself a number of questions including, but not limited to: - How long have they been in business? - How much experience do they have with collector cars? - How many positive collector car vehicle sales have completed (positive eBay feedback)? - How detailed/complete is the description of the vehicle? - Do the photos show details of the interior, exterior, top, chrome, etc. or are they simply "Glamour Shots" taken from a distance? - Does the seller have a Surety Bond to protect the financial transaction? - What about insurance, licensing by the state, and a local business license? - Does the seller (if a business) have any DMV (Motor Vehicle) complaints and/or other history of legal action, grievances? - Does the seller enjoy a favorable local and national/international reputation? - Can the seller assist with funding sources, transport and out of state/country sales? VIII. ABOUT CLASSIC CARS LTD. * Classic Cars Ltd. has been in the same, small, California town for over 18~ years. We operate a small "brick & mortar", indoor showroom, and specialize in the sale, consignment, and purchase of sports, high performance and specialty vehicles of all types. We have a particular interest in sports cars and unique vehicles. * The majority of our vehicles come from local, private owners and collectors, and many were sold new in California. We appreciate that rust free cars, with excellent documentation and history are especially attractive to our buyers both locally, and around the country. As a result, we do not purchase our collectible cars from "distressed" sales, such as wholesale auctions, salvage sales, or lien sales. We do not sell vehicles with salvage titles, or those that have a history of significant accident damage or repair. * Please review our feedback on eBay (user name Never22Many) representing over 650+ positive transactions to buyers all over the United States / World. * We are fully insured, bonded, and licensed for collector car sales all over the United States/World. * Classic Cars Ltd. carries a $50,000 Surety bond to cover financial transactions * We enjoy excellent relationships with a number of transport companies and, as a result, can often times obtain preferred pricing for vehicle shipping. Please give us a call and we will be glad to refer you to suitable transport companies. Needless to say, we would recommend a quality, enclosed transporter that is experience with moving high quality, collectible cars. * We frequently sell vehicles to out of State / out of country buyers, and will be glad to provide references for buyers in your area. Thank you, Classic Cars Ltd. 925-846-1451 Specifications: Body Type / Style:Roadster Exterior Color:Red Interior Color:Black Leather Engine:4 Cylinder Transmission: 4 Speed Manual Mileage:67500 Drive:Rear Doors:2 Equipment: 100% Street Lgal 3-Point Seat Belts Convertible Top Excellent Documentation Factory 4-Speed Factory Bucket Seats Factory Spare Fire Extinguisher Fire Extinguisher Frame Off Restored MGA Full Instrumentation Leather Seats Original Jack & Tools Rebuilt Engine Rebuilt Transmission Tonneau Cover Terms & Conditions Buyers outside of California will be responsible for a $195.00 fee for processing/administration. The charge will apply if the vehicle is purchased through ebay or before or after the auction, directly through Classic Cars Ltd. The vehicle is listed for sale elsewhere. We reserve the right to end the auction at anytime. We will be glad to discuss details of a "pre-auction" purchase (925) 846 1451. Inspections of vehicles are encouraged but (by appointment only) must be completed within 24 hours of the end of the auction. Out of state buyers are responsible for the high bid and any shipping costs. California buyers are subject to the appropriate sales tax, DMV transfer, and fees associated with the purchase of any used vehicle sale in the state of California. We mail, via Priority Mail, transferable documents within 48 hours of the transfer of funds to out of State buyers. While shipping and transportation costs (if appropriate) are the responsibility of the winning bidder, we can assist with locating a suitable transporter. We regularly ship cars all over the USA/World, and can often times locate very competitive rates for transporting vehicles door to door, to a local terminal, enclosed, open, etc. Please call us for specific information/rates to your location. We meet some great people and fellow enthusiasts, and only rarely do we have problems with non-paying bidders. Please be certain that you are prepared to buy the car if you bid, or call us at 925-846-1451 before the end of the auction if we can answer any questions. If you have a "sunglass" rating or fewer than 10 feedback ratings on eBay, please call us before you bid so that we can discuss the bidding process, etc. If we do not hear from you, we reserve the right to delete your bid. Thank You & Happy Bidding Classic Cars Ltd. On May-25-12 at 23:41:34 PDT, seller added the following information: Sellers: Get your own map today. Click here now. Simple."