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MGA 2 - 59 MGAs in need of restoration -

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pbraun

pbraun

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A friend of mine's father has these cars - haven't driven in 20 years - one has been inside the garage, one outside and covered with a tarp for 20 years. Condition? your guess is as good as mine -
How much do you guys think they may be worth to purchase?
Considering they probably need complete restoration and may have some rust in typical areas?
I know that's a tough question, but what do the A guys out there think?
TIA !
 
I don't own an A, but I know two guys that completely restored an MGA. One was a rust pile sitting for nearly 20 years, and he has nearly $40,000 in it.

Chances are engines are seized up, gawd knows what else is wrong with them, besides rust maggots and dry rot. Make an offer, go low, see what happens. Maybe you can part the worst of the 2 out or something.
 
Peter,

I grew up with a 1958 MGA and I've got to tell you that its a great sports car. One and a parts car, well I'd certainly take a good long look. Great thing is that the floors are wood - so there's no rust problem there.
 
Ya know, if they've been sitting around 20 years...I'd take get them out of his way for a thousand bucks.

MGAs ARE great-looking cars. I love the lines on them, that curve over the back wheels. Nice cars. IMHO I don't think they ride as well as an MGB though. But I'd drive one!!!
 
Yeah, I agree, the lines are beautiful. They were very popular here in the 60s, so there are pretty many of them around still, but the price of parts is not much lower than any other LBCs and the resale value of a restored A certainly is less than a big Healey......hmmmmm......but at the right price......could be a fun project and a mighty nice driver when done - I would not do it, or them, as a concours car, just get it running and lookin' good! Drive some, then sell.
 
[ QUOTE ]
IMHO I don't think they ride as well as an MGB though. But I'd drive one!!!

[/ QUOTE ]

Jaybird - ya' know I drive a B, but the A is a much more "pure" sports car. It sits low (thirty-five seems fast on a country road), a pull starter, and side curtains. You got to love these cars. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
I drive both an early B convertible and an MGA roadster. The B does drive more like a modern car. It is more solid with it's unibody construction, stiffer all around, has wind wings, roll-up windows and even offers such amazing technological wonders as door handles. Trunk space is virtually non-existant in an MGA and there is no lock, just a hidden handle easily opened by anyone who knows where it is.

Now on the other hand, the looks and feel of an MGA can't be matched by many cars. It drives very well with light steering and good brakes even on the 4-drum 1500 models. The interior is very sporty with the metal dash painted body color, lack of anything "extra" and very low seating. The view out of the windscreen is something to experience with the nearly flat windscreen giving view to the arched hood and tall fenders. The doorline is low, giving a real sense of exposure to the outside and making you really feel as if you're driving WITH the car rather than in it.

What the A lacks in performance or modern amenities, it more than makes up for in style and vintage feel. Put an early 3-main 1800cc engine in an A and you have a real screamer. Can't even tell it isn't the original engine! This is a comparison between an A and an early B. The driving difference between an MGA and a later model MGB is far greater still!:smile:
 
An early 3-main 1800cc engine?????? sounds like a great way to go!!! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
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