Fantasy Junction

Description

1959 MGA 1500 Roadster
s/n HDL43/61954, engine no 15GD-U-H 639
Glacier Blue with Black Interior

Introduced in 1955 to replace the MG TF, whose separate fenders had been current two decades earlier, the MGA was a significant step forward for MG. Retaining the key ingredients of MG’s successes, namely stylish open two-seat bodywork, robust mechanicals, and lively handling, the MGA was quite successful. The separate frame now had the floors below rather than on top of structural members to lower the car’s profile, while the B-series engine also permitted a much lower car. Selling for under 1000 pounds sterling new, the cars were affordable and sold well on both sides of the Atlantic, continuing MG’s pattern of acting as an ambassador of sports cars, particularly in the United States.

This particular car is an exceptional find, being a highly original 37,000 mile example that was sold new in Southern California and remained in the same family from new until 2013. The car’s original owner was the chief mechanic of the Los Angeles County Fire Department, driving the car for the first six years of its life, accumulating just under 26,000 miles when he had a stroke in 1965. He instructed his daughter to put the car on blocks in dry storage, where it remained for thirty years, when it was recommissioned. She has driven the car regularly, performing much resuscitation and maintenance work, accumulating an additional 10,000 miles in the last twenty years, to bring the car to its current odometer reading. The car comes with a mileage log from the 1960s, as well as a file of invoices since 1996, showing considerable recent work including new wheel cylinders, brake shoes, master cylinder clutch slave, new carburetor fuel lines and various other work.

The car has survived beautifully. Because these cars were abundant, entertaining, and relatively inexpensive, most were enjoyed, used up, and disposed of, making a highly original low mileage example such as this one an exceptional find. The car is highly original throughout, still wearing its original paint, with a superb body that has never had any rust. The car is very straight with excellent fit and gaps, and the paint is still shiny, but shows a pleasing patina throughout rather than dilapidation. There is the occasional chip or scratch but the paint is in remarkable condition for its age, as is the rest of the car. The chrome has some minor pitting but is still presentable, and the glass and lights are excellent.

The interior is also original and in remarkable shape. The leather shows cracking in places, but is intact. The carpets appear original as well, with some fading. The dashboard is in excellent original condition and the instruments appear as new. The steering wheel is also in great shape. The top is original and intact, although it is somewhat shrunken and can no longer be fully erected. The rear window and the side curtains are yellowed.

The engine compartment is in beautiful original condition. While not brand new, it is extremely correct, as well as being surprisingly clean and cosmetically attractive given that it has never been restored and is 55 years old. The trunk is in similar condition, and is in great original condition with original spare tire, side curtains, and tools. The radio blank off plate is also present with the car as is the factory luggage rack as well as the factory heater/defroster.

This is an unrepeatable opportunity to acquire fantastic original low-mileage MGA. With one family ownership back to new, the car has fantastic history, an outstanding structure, and is wonderful original condition without appearing neglected or worn out. It is truly a one of a kind car and is complete with weather equipment, tools, mileage log from the first few years of the car’s life, and invoices for recent maintenance work.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608