1959 MG MGA

Mileage: True Mileage Unknown

Price: $36,995

Estimated Payments

Vehicle Highlights

Exterior Color Blue Exterior

Interior Color Black Interior

Miles True Mileage Unknown Miles

Engine 1800cc I4 (MGB)

Transmission MGB

Drivetrain Rear Wheel Drive

Vehicle Description

The MG MGA is widely considered one of the most beautiful British sports cars ever produced. Breaking away from the upright, pre-war styling of the T-Series, the MGA introduced a sleek, aerodynamic envelope body that perfectly captured the romance of 1950s open-air motoring. It is an analog masterpiece that rewards the driver with direct steering, nimble handling, and an engaging, tactile connection to the road. This specific 1959 Roadster takes that classic charm and elevates it with thoughtful, period-respectful mechanical upgrades that make it a highly reliable, cross-country-capable tourer. This MGA boasts an exceptional ownership pedigree, having remained with a single caretaker for four decades, from 1980 until 2020. Under that stewardship, the car underwent a comprehensive refurbishment in 2011 by the specialists at British Motorsports Inc. in Campbell, California. The current collector, who acquired the vehicle in June 2020, has continued this legacy of meticulous care, investing in significant mechanical sorting to ensure the car is completely turnkey and ready to be enjoyed without concern. The exterior makes a charming first impression, having received a sympathetic Blue repaint in 2025. It presents as a solid "5-foot" car—offering a highly attractive, driver-quality finish that looks fantastic cruising down the road, while honestly displaying some minor imperfections upon closer inspection. The brightwork is excellent, featuring dual fender mirrors, wind wings, and classic chrome bumpers with overriders. Adding to the vintage touring aesthetic is a rear-mounted luggage rack. The car rides on 15-inch, 60-spoke wire wheels secured by three-point knock-off nuts and wrapped in fresh 185/65 Pirelli P4 tires. The wire wheels remain in great condition overall, though it should be noted that two exhibit slight surface rust, as detailed in the photo gallery. For full transparency regarding the weather gear: While the car is equipped with side curtains, a tonneau cover, and a convertible top with a solid frame, the black vinyl top fabric itself exhibits typical wear and several tears, presenting an easy opportunity for replacement should the next owner desire. Inside, the cockpit is a brilliant blend of classic British design and refined comfort. The cabin features beautifully integrated Hushmat sound deadening beneath the darker blue carpets, creating a quieter touring environment. The seats are upholstered in premium black leather, pairing handsomely with the vinyl door panels, blue seatbelts, and a custom wood dashboard. The driver commands the road via a tactile, wood-rimmed Lecarra steering wheel framing classic Jaeger instrumentation, including a 120-mph speedometer and a tachometer with a 6k-rpm redline. Modern convenience is discreetly handled by an Alpine stereo system featuring a CD player and Bluetooth connectivity. The true magic of this MGA lies beneath the hood. The factory powertrain was upgraded to a more robust 1,800cc inline-four sourced from an MGB. This engine was fully rebuilt and balanced prior to installation and has accrued roughly 1,900 miles since. It breathes through dual SU carburetors with MGB needles, which were fully rebuilt in May 2025 alongside a fresh oil change and the installation of a new battery. Modern reliability upgrades include an electronic ignition module, a ribbed valve cover, and a replacement radiator paired with a front-mounted electric fan to keep temperatures perfectly in check. Power is routed to the rear wheels through an MGB four-speed manual transmission (featuring a traditional non-synchromesh first gear) and a 3.91:1 rear end. Mechanically sorted and boasting an upgraded powertrain, this 1959 MGA Roadster is the quintessential driver's car. It is fully dialed in, ready to roll out of our showroom, and fully capable of driving across the country today.