History File

The MGA was somewhat of a revelation for the Abingdon factory. The A appellation was applied because with the MG ZA and ZB Magnettes, the MG management felt that the end of the alphabet had been reached! The new model was supposed to present a fresh start for MG, so it was launched as the MGA, and with more than 13,000 produced in the first year, the MGA with a new (B – series) engine configuration, was indeed off to a flying start. The so called MK1 or 1500 version was built between 1955 and 1959 with this particular example chassis: HDR43 / 66027 built shortly before the final car in May 1959. As with so many other examples, this one too landed in California and would enjoy the western coast sun until March 2013, when it is imported to Germany by Herr Gerd Holzportz. Set with a personal goal to restore the car to the best possible standard for his own personal use, it became a labour of love and would take him 6 years to complete. The neat A4 file lists literally every Euro spent with appropriate invoices matching the chronological list of work. It’s all backed up with detailed photographs of the work carried out. Incredibly, upon completion, he was so caught up in the restoration-bug process, he would sell the car almost immediately to start restoring a Jaguar E-Type! The car comes with a number of spares both mechanically and interior along with a fresh Valuation Report from April 2021 with a Condition 1 result. It’s a wonderful example that is ready to be enjoyed.

Exterior

Our MK1 example left the Abingdon factory in the ubiquitous Old English White. The new Dove Grey paint was applied in October 2016 to the tune of €9500 and is a real head-turner. MG ‘eyes’ will confirm the cars MK1 status with the original smaller front side lights and smaller rear lights situated on the rear wings and not the body. All chrome elements are like new and overall it gives the impression of being a new restoration which, in fact, was completed a number of years ago. The PVC roof and frame are new, but the first German owner had never fitted them to the car prior to selling. They are both pictured in the Exterior section of our description. Wind deflectors are fitted to the front screen frame, and it must also be pointed out that the car does not come with side windows. With the best will in the world, it was never the intention of any of the previous owners, to even drive with the soft top erected.

Interior

It’s a stunning light grey interior with quality matching carpets and door panels. Behind the black leather seats (especially fitted lower for our taller clients), purists will notice the lack of protruding spare wheel which has been adapted to create more luggage space. The spare wheel itself, sits fully in the boot. The rear side panels are also still intact and have never been drilled to receive the soft top roof frame. The car comes with the originals so can still be swiftly fitted. The stunning wooden dashboard is a matter of taste and matches well the cars wodden/chrome steering wheel which is mounted on the factory option steering column with telescopic adjustment, covered with a chrome plated finisher. The original dash, painted in Dolphin Grey, is also available. All the switches and chrome dashboard rings have been renewed in accordance with such a high level of restoration. A neat battery (12 volt) master switch is situated behind the passenger seat fixed to the rear bulkhead. There is a new full tonneau cover which allows for those wonderful, crisp, blue sky autumn days; collar up, cap on and off you go!

Documents & Spares

Engine & Transmission

Heritage Trust have confirmed that our engine number BP15GB 16330 is an actual 1471cc unit but is from a 1957 build series. The first German owner committed the engine to a complete engine overhaul in November 2015, completed by Reese GbR in 55129 Mainz, Germany. A detailed invoice confirms the work carried out along with photographic images shown below within the restoration pictures. Additional improvements were made by the second owner including a comprehensive carburetor overhaul in August 2020. It’s a well presented engine bay with a 1471 cc block that offers 53 kW / 72 ps. Assisted by electronic ignition, it starts correctly on demand and is obviously not the quickest off the blocks, but is appropriate for the period and can’t fail to make you smile.

Wheels, Tyres & Brakes

The gleaming chrome wires are stunning and contrast beautifully against the Dolphin Grey exterior. They are covered in Vredestein sprint classic 165 HR 15 86H tyres. The spare is a wire wheel but steel painted. Numerous invoices confirm a complete brake overhaul during the cars lengthy restoration process along with additional maintenance in November 2020.

Underneath

Restoration