1959 MG MGA 1500 Coupe The year 1955 saw the introduction of the MGA. With this design the MG broke new grounds. After its predecessors MG TD and MG TF, which were largely based on the pre war MG TB, it was a roadster with a very modern sporty design. Until 1959, the MGA was equipped with a 1459cc four cylinder engine. From that year, the car was fitted with a 1588cc four cylinder. A 1622cc four cylinder engine replaced the 1588cc engine in 1961. Classiccarimages.com For consignment, a 1959 MG MGA 1500 coupe showing 61,020 miles, but the true miles are unknown. This car has been woman owned for the past 20 years and used for car shows and ice cream runs only. Exterior The MG presents in classic British sports car profile, the dramatic shape that was the coveted ambition of many Americans after World War II and beyond. This coupe has a rounded roofline to complement the long nose, sweeping front fender, and abbreviated tail, all covered in Dove Gray. Polished metal trim adds to its elegance with light rings, a windblown grille, and bumpers that flank 15-inch chrome wire wheels with knock offs and 80 series tires. The rear window curves energetically, narrowing the B-pillar behind an already slender A-pillar. The gray is interrupted in the back by a pair of modest tail lights and the infamous octagon MG emblem. Imperfections include some visible filler in a door seam, cracking paint on top surfaces, more evident filler on rocker panels, fender, and apron, light metal pitting, along with various paint chips. Interior Mottled red grain vinyl covers the door panels cleanly, accompanied by vintage hardware and D-handles door pull. Bucket seats are dressed in the same material with robust piping and other than some compression and general age, present nicely. Matching material makes up the dash pad which arches over a wood dashboard with chrome rimmed, black faced gauges with a touch of patina, and a Pioneer AM/FM/CD radio in front of the passenger. A wood rimmed three spoke steering wheel accompanies a wood knobbed, floor mounted shifter based in black carpet that also covers the package shelf behind the seats. The trunk surface is black painted steel and houses a spare. Drivetrain Dark red makes a second appearance in the engine bay where the valve cover and thermostat housing of the 1800cc inline four cylinder are painted to match. It is fueled by a single 2-barrel carburetor and mated to a 4-speed manual transmission that routes power to the rear axle and 4.30 gears. Undercarriage Driver quality, rather than show quality, are the conditions found underneath with typical age induced metal oxidation and some typical surface rust. We note one of the battery trays has invasive rust and the undersides of the doors show pitting. Drum brakes are employed at each of the four wheels, and suspension consists of coil springs in front and leaf springs in back. A single exhaust flows through a stock style muffler on its way to a rear exit. Drive-Ability We squeeze into the cozy cabin with head room to spare and crank over the four cylinder engine, then row the gears to get this fine Brit onto the test loop where it handles well, tracks straight, and is as fun as we'd imagine an enclosed go kart could be! Of note is the tachometer, heater blower, radio and horn, all of which do not currently operate. All other functions work as they should and it's off the British room for this beauty. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase. Some of us are just not roadster/convertible people and for that, MG and other manufacturers created the confidence inspiring coupe versions for a cocoon like environment many prefer. This is a very nice example and in a sea of roadsters, presents as something just a bit off the beaten path. Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic a
