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MG MGA - Buying an MGA...

My uncle is thinking of buying an MGA, and already has a particular car in mind.

It's a '59 1600 roadster, in dove grey (originally blue), grey hood, red interior, painted wire wheels and front disc brakes. Ex USA, but converted to RHD. Imported & restored in 1990 / 91. Only one owner since then, and it has covered only about 8,000 miles. In very good condition - best described as being a couple of years old, rather than factory fresh, and no obviously noticeable modifications.

It's only a 4 speed - was the A ever available with overdrive?

Any advice as what to look out for, and also details of a reputable mg specialist in the south of England (the car is near Chichester) who would be able to carry out a detailed inspection would be much appreciated - ideally, my uncle would like to have such an inspection done this week!

The (private) seller is asking £14,500 - given the condition of the car, would this be considered to be a fair price (the only classic car magazine price guide that I have seen said £12,500 for condition 1)?

However, the only glitch is that the side-screens are missing - are these easily available, and if so, how much would they typically be?

Many thanks,

Paul
Paul H

Paul,

I would say, without seeing the car, that for a private sale RHD converted car with a 10 year old restoration it is about 2.5-5 thousand too expensive.

14,500 is a top dealer price for a very good car. Sidescreens are easily available but if you buy them new, Moss for example, you are looking at about 200 each.

All four speed. Conversions available with Sierra boxes but you are starting to add to an already very high private price.

Chris.
Chris C

Paul,
The MGA never had an overdrive from the factory. It is possible to fit an MGB gearbox with overdrive but it involves a bit of metal bashing. Alternatively there is a Sierra 5 speed conversion.

I would say that £14,500 sounds a bit high. I would expect something pretty perfect for that.

Dan Smithers

Paul, Using this mornings conversion rates ( 1 L= US $1.856) gives a asking price of US $ 26,912. Which, in my humble opinion is way too high. The Mannheim Gold web site shows the following: Fair condition = $7,500, L 4,040); Good = $14,000, L=7,543; Excellent = $18,500, L=9,967; Show ( probably your # 1 ) = $23,000, L=12,392. For the seller to ask L14,500 the car would have to be in better than show room condition, all original, and perfect.
The side curtains are available, you can probably get a decent set for L 490.
I can't comment on MG experts in the UK
As I said, just my humble opinion
good luck
/ gil
gil

Contact the MGA Register of the MGCC for any information that you require regards buying an MGA. I am a committee member of the Register and so please contact me off list.
Regards
Frank Burry

Hi Gil,

There is quite a difference in MGA prices Europe vs USA. Apart from that, the current low level of the us-dollar vs euro or pound makes the calculation even harder.

The value discussion has been on this board before, don't want to start it again. Prices vary a lot, basically from 3000 GBP for a project car to 20000 GBP for a profesionally restored car.

I agree with Chris, the car that Paul specifies should be priced at approx 12000gbp. Of course there are many factors that can influece this amount.

Regards,
Koen

MGA Register Holland
www.mgcars.org.uk/mgarh
Koen

Many thanks for all the advise so far guys! I thought it was a bit expensive, but from what I hear, it's in very nice condition. Also, cheers for clarifying the lack of overdrive - I wasn't sure if some had it fitted from new, and therefore if it was worth looking for one that did.

Frank - thanks, I'll pass on your details to my uncle.
Paul H

This thread was discussed on 08/11/2004

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