21st Sep, 2011 15:00
Imperial War Museum Duxford
1956 MG A 1500 Roadster
Estimated at £19,000 - £21,000
Lot details
Registration No: PSL 924
Chassis No: HDK23/21701
Mot Expiry: June 2012
Although they were quite different to drive, the origins of the MG TF of 1953 lay in the MG TA of 1936. The Abingdon marque desperately needed a break with tradition and, to quote the company's own advertising, the MG A was the 'first of a new line'. Launched at the 1955 Frankfurt Motor Show, the newcomer owed its modern streamlined design to the body Syd Enever created for George Philips' 1951 Le Mans car. The rakish two-seater featured a separate chassis designed by Roy Brocklehurst and was powered by the 1489cc BMC B-Series engine, as used in the MG Magnette Saloon. Suspension was independent with coil springs at the front and featured a live axle on semi-elliptic leaf springs at the rear, with steering by rack and pinion. The engines of the early cars produced 68bhp, but this was soon raised to 72bhp. According to a period test by The Motor this was sufficient to power the newcomer to 60mph in 16 seconds and on to almost 100mph. Both Roadster and Coupe versions were offered, and a total of 58,750 were produced before a facelifted model with 1588cc engine was introduced in May 1959.
This right-hand drive export car - originally supplied on disc wheels with adjustable steering column, heater and windscreen washer - was restored between 1998 and 2002; its owner of eleven years claims that with a small amount of detailing it could be concours. Though, with some 4000 miles covered since work was completed the MG is reportedly taking on a beautiful patina which lends it "great presence on the road". The engine is a later 1600 replacement with a fast road cam which the vendor tells us gives "excellent response for modern traffic". The gearbox and diff have been overhauled too and supporting bills will be supplied for all restoration work completed. Still riding on disc wheels, this nicely presented A Roadster is offered for sale with full weather gear / covers, V5C Registration Document, British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate, restoration photos and MOT certificate valid until June 2012.
Registration No: PSL 924
Chassis No: HDK23/21701
Mot Expiry: June 2012
Although they were quite different to drive, the origins of the MG TF of 1953 lay in the MG TA of 1936. The Abingdon marque desperately needed a break with tradition and, to quote the company's own advertising, the MG A was the 'first of a new line'. Launched at the 1955 Frankfurt Motor Show, the newcomer owed its modern streamlined design to the body Syd Enever created for George Philips' 1951 Le Mans car. The rakish two-seater featured a separate chassis designed by Roy Brocklehurst and was powered by the 1489cc BMC B-Series engine, as used in the MG Magnette Saloon. Suspension was independent with coil springs at the front and featured a live axle on semi-elliptic leaf springs at the rear, with steering by rack and pinion. The engines of the early cars produced 68bhp, but this was soon raised to 72bhp. According to a period test by The Motor this was sufficient to power the newcomer to 60mph in 16 seconds and on to almost 100mph. Both Roadster and Coupe versions were offered, and a total of 58,750 were produced before a facelifted model with 1588cc engine was introduced in May 1959.
This right-hand drive export car - originally supplied on disc wheels with adjustable steering column, heater and windscreen washer - was restored between 1998 and 2002; its owner of eleven years claims that with a small amount of detailing it could be concours. Though, with some 4000 miles covered since work was completed the MG is reportedly taking on a beautiful patina which lends it "great presence on the road". The engine is a later 1600 replacement with a fast road cam which the vendor tells us gives "excellent response for modern traffic". The gearbox and diff have been overhauled too and supporting bills will be supplied for all restoration work completed. Still riding on disc wheels, this nicely presented A Roadster is offered for sale with full weather gear / covers, V5C Registration Document, British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate, restoration photos and MOT certificate valid until June 2012.
Auction: Imperial War Museum Duxford, 21st Sep, 2011
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