1958 MG MGA

1958 MG MGA Custom Roadster

The MG MGA was a revolutionary car for the brand. After building a series of cars with distinctly pre-war looks in post-war England, the flowing lines of the MGA were a breath of fresh air to motoring enthusiasts and went on to become an instant classic. That being said, for the performance driver, it is undeniable that the powerplants offered by MG in the day were at best, sub-par. A series of rather anemic four cylinders, with the most powerful twin-cam offering producing just over 100 horsepower.

This 1958 MGA started life as a 1500cc inline-4 powered roadster, but has since been transformed into a V8 powered monster. But the upgraded powerplant is not the only change carried out on this MG, the entire body has been carefully restored and subtly modified to make it a true one of a kind classic. Finished in bright red, the paint and brightwork around the car was completed to a very high standard and looks great. The lighting has been modified with more modern, classic-look headlights in front, and later MGA series-2 taillights in the rear. Sitting on a set of gray-centered Minilite knock-off wheels with polished lips, these attractive wheels are wrapped in modern radial tires that provide a great ride and positive handling.

Attention was also paid to the interior which features black vinyl wrapped seats, and fresh black carpeting throughout the cabin. The vinyl-trimmed dashboard spots a set of modern, classic-look gauges with a 10,000 RPM tachometer and a 140 MPH speedometer as well as a set of auxiliary gauges off to the side. A small diameter 3-spoke steering wheel has been added, as has a modern stereo with a trunk-mounted 6-CD changer, but the original radio grille in the dash remains.

Sitting under the hood is what separates this car from other MGAs, a Ford 289ci V8 that has been expertly installed and looks like it could have come from the factory. Although the exact power is unknown, it is safe to say that this easily produces more than 2.5X what the most powerful MGA did from the factory and turns this car into a truly fast classic roadster. Open the hood and you notice the blue-painted Cobra valve covers which are accented by a red MSD distributor, plug wires and electronic ignition controller attached to the firewall. The carbureted engine is fitted with an aluminum intake, billet pulleys and an aluminum radiator with blue silicon piping. This engine sends power back through a 4-speed C4 automatic transmission to the rear axle, which is a Ford 8-inch that has been shortened by Moser to fit the chassis. As you would expect when adding so much power, the chassis has been stiffened appropriately and means that this car still handles like you would hope. Also, subtle side exit exhausts have been fitted just in front of the rear wheels which means you get to enjoy the unique and intoxicating sound of Fords legendary 289 V8 every time youre behind the wheel.

There is no doubt that the MGA is a proper classic, with its beautiful design and English charms, it is no surprise it has a massive following. That being said, classics can frequently still be improved and this example checks all the boxes - no longer a car that you are scared to take on the highway and instead, a car that is like a Cobra in disguise.

Key Features

Ford 289ci V8

Cobra Valve Covers and Air Cleaner
MSD Ignition
Alternator
Aluminum Intake
Aluminum Radiator
Silicon Radiator Piping

Ford C4 4-Speed Automatic Transmission
Moser 8-Inch Rear End
Front Power Disc Brakes
Gray Minilite Knock-Off Wheels
Side Exhaust
Upgraded Gauges
Trunk-Mounted 6-CD Changer
Hard Wired Battery Cutoff Switch in Trunk
Reupholstered Interior


Additional Information

Build Book w/Diagrams and Receipts
Binder With Build Notes


For more information on this 1958 MG MGA 1500 Custom Roadster or any of our 150+ High-Performance, Exotic, Luxury, and Special Interest Cars always in stock, contact one of our friendly and knowledgeable sales consultants or feel free to drop by our 40,000+ sq ft of Indoor Showrooms in Bellevue, WA - Home of an Exciting Inventory of Luxury, Exotic, High Performance and Collectible Automobiles. With 200+ Always On Site, Nobody Has What We Have!