All Apart – 1959 MGA 1500 Coupe
Hankering after a stylish British sports car that won’t obliterate your wallet? Here on craigslist is a 1959 MGA 1500 coupe project car with an asking price of $3500 located in Godfrey, Missouri. While the MGA roadster is a vivacious performer, the coupe is a stylistic triumph with a modest nod to creature comforts and the same eager driveability. The listing is completely unrevealing – the seller thinks it’s enough to know the car is “solid”, I guess. Gunter Kramer sent this tip along to us – thanks! Let’s explore whether this is a worthwhile endeavor – or not.
We’re not talking about Austin-Healey performance, but rather pleasing, simple-to-manage agricultural mannerisms from the 1489 cc in-line BMC B-series four-cylinder. The motor breathes through twin SU carburetors, ordinarily accessorized with two pancake air filters, which are missing here. Originally generating just 68 hp when the MGA was introduced in 1955, the engine was rapidly upgraded to 72 hp. Thanks to aerodynamics, the coupe just about matched the roadster to 60 mph at 15.6 seconds. Both versions were capable of reaching a top speed of 98 mph. Yes, to those in the know: 1959 was a transition year to the 1588 cc motor (aka the 1600) but this model is a 1500 – it’s missing the holes for a “1600” emblem on the top of each side of the cowl next to the “MGA” chrome vent. The transmission is a four-speed manual, with synchro’s on the top three gears, and braking is via drums all ’round. That radiator hose is a replacement.
The interior is mostly missing, and there’s the rub. The new owner had better hope the parts are in the barn because the coupe is rare – only about 10,000 were made out of the entire 101,000 MGA production run – and it contains specialty parts. The windows wind up, whereas the roadster has side curtains; the coupe seats differ from the roadster’s; and the coupe is equipped with inside and outside door handles. In addition, trim pieces around the door openings and cabin are singular to this body style. That’s the least of it: the windshield and back glass are nearly unbotainium. While the body is stylish and weather protection is good, cabin occupants will complain about the heat generated from the tunnel and through the firewall: it’s daunting. Insulation can help, but MG did nothing to augment the ventilation for coupe “residents”.
The listing includes photos of the missing fenders, and I spy the bonnet in the background of a profile picture, but British cars are made of scads of fiddly bits. I’d want to know where all those are, including the dash and all its gauges. We don’t know the condition of the engine, nor any history. Meanwhile, coupes sell for $30k in exceptional condition, and much less if shabby. The good news is these are simple cars, and rewarding to restore; what would you pay for this project?
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Comments
Reminds me of Pontiac with their flow through ventilation.
Probably the most aerodynamic MGA I have ever seen.
I think I would rather have the Fordson tractor behind it.
You sure know how to pick ’em Michelle. For me, I wouldn’t touch this one until I got pictures of the underside. I do know that years ago Moss had front and back glass for these cars. That I would check before making any move on this car. That said, these are fun to drive.
Follow up: The windshield is available, the rear glass is not. A good plexiglass substitute could be made if a used piece can’t be found.
There is a place in England that makes the plexiglass version of them, I’ve got 3 of the glass ones, whenever I finish my build I’ll probably sell the other two…they go for pretty good money.
The Facebook headline cracks me up. “Needs complete restoration.” Well, yeah, I think so.
why
MGA coupes were always rare… 50 years ago I restored a 62 MGA 1600 mkll roadster with the 1622cc engine… much better… it was a one owner local car with 55k miles… mechanically sound but needed paint and cosmetics…. rechrome, upholstery etc. Paid $1200 for it and by the time it was done had right about $3500 in it.
Adjusting for inflation 50 years ago, this car would be $530. I dunno…. This is a case of ”asking and getting”…. we’ll see what happens…
I own a similar 59 Coupe for over 25 years. Mine is completely apart and most pieces now restored to perfection. Now nearly ready to assemble parts enhanced over the years–right down to every fastener re-electroplated in Zinc. Still, in perfect condition valued at less than the body work and a good paint job, the exchange value for my time is simply an exercise in (as they say), “a labor of love”. True, as originally advertised, “more smiles per mile”. So, as I professionally build 1st in show Pebble Beach award-winning parts annually for the most esoteric restoration and preservation projects, I will deviate from purism, and assemble a drop-head hardtop convertible. Might as well. The resale value will never compensate my time, yet my personal customization will give ME more smiles per mile. MGAs were built for the proletariat, and seldom garner the true value of time invested. Really too bad! Beautiful cars. Plenty of enthusiasts and nearly every part available, this mark is a learning tool for any restoration apprentice, however, no pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
Right now it looks like it’s set up for Saturday night dirt track racing
Looks like it spent some time at the bottom of a lake.
Back when I was around 8 my dad’s neighbor had four or five MGA roadsters. Being the litte gearhead I was/am I always thought a 289/4 speed would be a great fit, or more recently a turbo V6 Buick and 5speed.
Another well-informed write up. If this were a Mopar they’d be asking $35K,
There is back glass posted for sale on mgexp.com