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MG MGA - Interesting MGA Downunder

For Sale


1957 MGA Coupe with Cams 2B Log Book, finished in 2 Pack BRG and with Connolly leather seats.
This car would cost over $140,000 to build today. Improvements include 175 HP 2 Litre 5 bearing engine with Forged Pistons, Corillo Rods, Solid Lifters, Gas Flowed Cross Flow Head, Full Extractors with Works Type Side exhaust, Twin Webers, Electronic Ignition, Fully Adjustable Front End with Coil Over Spax Adjustable Shocks, Quaffe LSD, 4 Speed Overdrive gearbox, Custom Built 70 Litre Stainless Foam Filled Tank, 4 Wheel Disc brakes incl Vent Front with 4 Pot Callipers, Minilite Mag Wheels with Dunlop Direzza Tyres, Lexan Rear and Side Windows, Electronic Tacho with Ignition Cut Out,
V8 Axles, Panhard Rod, Track Bars, Alloy Centre Tunnel and Floors, CAMS Roll Bar, 5 Point Willans Harness, Individual Flexi Map Lights, Terretrip Rally Computer, Moto Lita steering wheel etc etc etc.
Fully Road Registered MGA-06.
This Car is absolutely unique and whilst very very easy to drive on the road it can turn on stunning performance when asked to most suitable for Road, Track or Tarmac Rallies. $39,500.



BM Gannon

Further to the above - I have no financial interest in the car - I just think it is a unique adaption of the MGA - and wanted to share it with you. It is owned by a member of our local club

Barry
BM Gannon

Interesting car...but what's up with the rocker panel? Why is it popped out like that? Using it to push air into the cockpit????

GTF
G T Foster

"Full Extractors with Works Type Side Exhaust" Is that the explanation?
R J Brown

Hi Barry,
Could you have your friend contact me? I would like to hear and see more.
Ricky
R May

Actually it's
plumberpilot1@aol.com
R May

Ricky, I have passed that on to Frank.

Barry
BM Gannon

Interesting car but in Australia I believe it would be technically illegal to register in at least all East Coast states as these States have a universal registration legislation outlawing side exhausts on any car that did not come that way from factory (ie: cobras and some corvettes) and no one off racing prototypes dont count. And no, age does not gain it an exemption. Also the rest of the non-factory mods would require the car to have a blue modification compliance plate issued by a registered and accreditted engineer (unless completed prior to 1990). Having said that it appears to be registered (illegally). In the eyes of the East Coast transport departments driving this on the road would be no different to driving a F1 car!. Also were it to be involved in an accident the owner would be sued civilly out of existance for damages as well as a major fine. Great track car but thats the limit with those side pipes and until blue plated. How do I know? I used to be the government prosecutions officer for illegally modified cars in Queensland once upon a time and have several friends who are blue plate engineers
regards
Mark
Mark Mathiesen

Mark's comments show how absurd big brother can get. If I didn't think you were serious I would think your comments funny. I am glad there are no such draconian rules here. I am so glad that I can do pretty much anything I want to my MGAs without worrying about that kind of interference.
R J Brown

Whilst I accept the rules are strict (and possibly a bit over the top) if you have seen some of the death traps built by backyard experts that I have you would understand why we are so tough. Imagine a V8 stuck into a small 4 cyl mini car with mounts simply spot welded with a low am stick welder, steering racks similarly mounted, seats mounted by house screws, the list goes on and on. Sure a percentage of modifications are acceptable but it was my experience most were killers waiting to happen....and its your family they were on the same roade with. So I have no issue with the laws really, Ive been to the wrecking yards as part of the investigations. By having the individuals get a professional inspection and blue plate they will know their work is safe. I also worry about the classic restorer who rebuilds his car never having done real engineering work before. Imagine the guy who rebuilds his master cylinder and gets the seals mixed up, or leaves on out, the guy who welds that suspension mount with his new cheap Chinese welder after reading the user manual once and expecting the weld to hold. They dont do this intentionally but it restorations are expensive and doing it yourself does save dollars...I would expect the professionals in this bulletin have seen this poor workmanship many times. How can we as a enthusiasts help resolve this?
regards
Mark



















Mark Mathiesen

Mark,

Is it simpler to register a car in one state if it has been previously registered in another state prior. For example the car above. Its is currently road registered. Also do you think Vic rego know about the side exhaust, as the car could have been modified over many years.
DJ Lake

Hi yes it you can illegally re-register any car in another state or to another owner (hell you could illegally register a 1960 drum braked mini with a 7litre chevy if you tried hard enough), all you need is a guy who will give a fake roadworthy certificate and there are lots of them out there. Basically you have a fake government document your handing in to register/transfer your car..However if you get caught driving the car or involved in an accident you as the owner will be prosecuted even if you plead ignorance. Just the same as entering a country on a fake passport, your breakuing the law, Also the law (in QLD at least) says if you drive an interstate plated car on QLD roads the car MUST AT ALL TIMES COMPLY with QLD laws/vehicle compliance laws (diplomatic plated cars excepted). As for saying it being that way for years thats easy they just cancel the rego on the spot and your tough luck...sue the guy who sold it to you if you reckon you were duped. Srtict laws but very transparent and plainly publisised. As Isaid earlier, they had to introduce them to get the nutters off the roads, Ive seen the results of enough young ones who have died as it is without their mad modifieds to help them kill themselves, their mates and innocent others. All this MGA needs to do is go get a blue plate and remove the side pipes...easy!!
regards
mark
Mark Mathiesen

Yeah, Well for all that it sold in about a week!!

Barry
BM Gannon

Barry..just caught up on this thread and that car is amazing value (and good to read about!) so I am not surprised it was gobbled up.
I would have been in there ( not being a purist ) if I was not already up to my neck in perpetual upgrades on my own ....all the issues raised are of interest but small beer in the scheme of things and easily overcome if you are keen, honest and practical.
Must be phenominal to drive!!! did you ever get the chance?
neil ferguson

Barry the modifications discussed are none of my concern really as I am in QLD and he in VIC and I only posted my comments in good faith to make fellow enthusiasts and others aware of some relatively unknown Australian motor vehicle modification laws that could have a serious negative impact on them. I would suggest if you meet the new owner you suggest he discuss with an engineer obtaining a blue plate...its cheap and will possibly save him a lot of grief if he is unfortunate enough to have an accident on the road or stopped by the coppers (although they would be able to be easily conned). Most of the mods would stand out a mile to any experienced classic car assessor. Suggesting a check to the new owner would be the decent thing to do. As Neil says "easily overcome if you are keen, honest and practical". Both you and the previous owner were obviously not aware of these requirements and I am assuming the new owner may also be unaware of them. Information on safety is something I would hope we in this forum actively promote and support. End of subject from me
regards
Mark
Mark Mathiesen

This thread was discussed between 17/11/2009 and 24/11/2009

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This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGA BBS is active now.