1958 MG MGA Roadster Convertible

VIN #:                          HDR4346541

ENGINE #:                  18GBUH45690

BODY #:                      57316

Exterior Color:           Red

Interior Color:            Red

Body Type:                 Roadster/Convertible/Modified Lemans Style

Transmission:            4 Speed Manual

Engine:                      1800cc 4-Cylinder

Odometer:                 75,300 (actual mileage unknown)

Vehicle Description

Up for sale is this 1958 MG MGA roadster. I am a collector/restorer of classic British sports cars and have owned four (4) MGAs over the years.  I recently acquired a 1972 TVR Vixen 2500 and have decided to sell my 1958 MGA to create some room in my workshop. I have owned this car for four (4) years and it is a fantastic open top sportscar for driving on the back roads here in the State of New Hampshire.

This car is unique in many respects, with a variety of modifications to its original stock configuration in order to give it a “Lemans-style” racer look. (Importantly, all of the modifications can be easily reversed if a future owner decides to return it to the original factory look. The car has a highly desirable 5-main 1800 cc engine from a mid-60’s MGB (Engine number 18GBUH45690).  Stock engines in 1958 were only 1500 cc. The engine compartment has been thoroughly detailed including the installation of a factory correct PCV system. The car is coupled to a factory original MGA 4-speed manual transmission (synchro in 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th gears). 

Other custom modifications include: 1). A set of “Weld Racing” Alloy lug-mounted wheels with tri-spoke aluminum lug covers. They provide a completely custom look compared to the original MGA steel disc wheels. A replacement set of these four (4) wheels with the very rare spinner lug covers would cost $3,000. 2). The car has a shortened “Lemans-style” windscreen, similar in look to the early MGA racers. 3). A mesh grill was added for the custom look and better air flow. 4). Mesh rock guards were added to cover the headlights. 5). Hella fog lights with separate relay. 6). Accuspark Electronic Ignition including all new Distributor, Coil, Wires and Plugs. 7). New High Torque Starter. 8). Custom racing stripe down the center of the car, with removable #17 vinyl decals on the doors. 9). Custom Moto-Lita style wood steering wheel with smaller diameter, providing a much-improved road handling feel. 10. Oil cooler and electric fan added for extra cooling capacity. 11). Electronic Fuel Pump and new braided steel fuel lines. 12). Battery disconnect switch and remote charging cable.

In addition to these modifications to the original stock configuration, extensive refurbishment of numerous mechanical components has been completed, including: 

- Engine compartment fully detailed

- Heater box reconditioned

- Radiator reconditioned, all new hoses

- Brake system flushed, new brake components and master cylinder with DOT 5 Silicone brake fluid.

- Tachometer replaced with fully functioning RVI unit, set up to work with electronic ignition

- Generator reconditioned

- Rebuilt SU HS4 carburetors

- New steel braided fuel lines

- New Axle Rebound Straps

- New Ring Gear

- New Choke, Starter and Speedometer cables

- New set of Goodyear radial tires

I have a partial ownership history, and obtained the official British Heritage Certificate for this vehicle. Based on the Heritage Certificate, this car left the factory for North America on January 24, 1958. The exterior was originally painted Old English White by the factory, with a Red interior and Black hood (convertible top). It came from the factory with disc wheels, tubeless tires, factory heater, adjustable steering column and side screens with aluminum frames.

When I purchased the car in 2020, it was already painted with the current red color and white racing stripe. I don’t know when the car was painted. I drive the car and the paint finish remains very shiny with a few normal imperfections and minor dings. I purchased the car from Messina Auto Sales in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I registered the car with NAMGAR and the car now carries NAMGAR badge number 8285. I also checked with other MGA registries and found out the car was previously registered by an owner located in North Kingstown, RI in 2011.

The car looks and drives excellent. It doesn’t smoke. The engine has the updated rear oil seal. The frame and body are in excellent condition, the car is always garaged and has been properly maintained (lube changes, tune-up, valve adjustments, etc.). I have numerous parts receipts for items I have purchased, and a list of the work I completed on the car.

The car has a clean New Hampshire Title in my name, and a current NH registration.

SPECIAL NOTE: The “Lemans-style” racer look gets a lot of attention and complements everywhere I go. However, this “look” is a matter of personal preference. The #17 side decals are vinyl and can be easily removed by the new owner. I addition, I have the following original “take-off” parts, including: (1.) Black Convertible Top with foldable steel frame, (2.) Original Banjo Steering Wheel, (3.) Beautiful condition stock MGA Windshield and complete frame (this can be swapped out with the shortened windscreen in about an hour’s time), (4.) Original Aluminum sidescreens, (5.) Original MGA slat grill insert, (6). Good condition Tonneau Cover. Note: this can be used with the shortened windscreen to protect the car when parked outside in the rain. It has a zipper down the middle to allow you to drive the car while keeping the passenger side covered from the elements.

Using these parts, a future owner could switch back to the standard MGA “stock look” if desired. These parts, in their current condition, have a market value of around $2,000. I decided to include these parts in the asking price of the car, rather than selling them separately. It’s a wise investment to have these parts available for future use, or a future sale of the vehicle to someone else.

In summary, what distinguishes this car from many other MGAs for sale includes:

1. The custom modifications to create the “Lemans-racer” style.

2. Upgraded 1.8 Liter, 5 Main MGB Engine

3. A set of unique Weld Racing alloy wheels with spinner lug covers.

4. The original take-off parts, to enable a future owner to restore stock look if desired.

5. British Heritage Certificate, NAMGAR registration, Clean Title, other documentation.

The car is available for inspection and/or test drive in Hampton Falls, New Hampshire, about 45 minutes North of Boston. I have many photographs of the mechanical restoration work, and videos of the car starting and driving. Buyer is encouraged to inspect/verify all information provided in this ad before purchasing. I’m happy to answer any questions. The car is available for immediate sale.