MGA 1959 roadster - today's classic tempter

By: Guy Allen, Unique Cars magazine

Date: 07.01.2018

MGAs offer a timeless example of classic Brit sports car goodness.

MGAs offer a timeless example of classic Brit sports car goodness.

Classic shape and simple mechanicals

Okay, so it's not a Jag XK120, but we reckon the MGA is a close second when it comes to having a timeless and eye-catching shape.

These were the cars you looked at if the Jaguar was too rich and, at the time, you'd still be regarded as being very lucky to own one.

As with almost any car of this era, rust is enemy number one. Get that sorted and the mechanicals are pretty straight-fowrard.

There is plenty of mechanical knowledge out there, along with numerous engine upgrades, and much later model gearboxes (such as early Celica) are sometimes fitted.

The standard set-up was a 1489cc engine with twin SU carburettors, initially claiming 51kW (68hp) and subsequently upgraded to 54kW (72hp). This was later bumped to 1588cc, claiming 59kW (80hp). You could also get a twin-cam model, which these days is comparitively rare and valuable.

MGAs were made from 1955 to 1962, with several variants along the way.

This example is a 1959 model, which was the transition year from 1500 to 1600. Located in Queensland, it claims a respray and comes with a RWC. It's priced at $29,995.

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