1959 MGA Coupe

Details

MG is one of the world’s most iconic motoring brands. Founded in 1924 by Cecil Kimber, MG (which are the initials for Morris Garages) produced some fabulous cars pre-war and enjoyed much success in motoring racing. A milestone for the company occurred in 1933 when an MG Magnette K3 became the first non-Italian car to win its class at the Mile Miglia.

Today when someone mentions MG you immediately think of ‘the affordable, everyman’s sports car’, and particularly the MGB. It was, however, post-World War II that MG really brought the sports car to the people with the MG TC. The MG TA (built from 1936 – 1939) and MG TB (built from 1939 – 1940) were well regarded sports cars, but sold only in relatively small numbers. Introduced in 1945 the MG TC was in fact a very similar car to the MG TB, both visually and also mechanically sharing the same 1250 cc engine but with a slightly higher compression ratio. Whilst only built as right hand drive America fell in love with the MG TC and many cars were sold to American serviceman serving in the UK and Europe at the end of the war. In fact everyone loved the TC and cars were sold to all points of the globe! Over six years of production MG sold 10,000 MG TC’s.

The MG TC was succeeded by the MG TD in 1945 and circa 30,000 cars were built before being replaced by the MG TF in 1953. Just under 10,000 TF’s were built of which one third had the 1500 cc engine. The T Series MG’s were replaced by the MGA in 1955.

The MGA was introduced to compete with the new and very fresh Austin Healey. This model was a completely new design which proved to be another great success story for BMC. In total just over 100,000 MGA’s were built from 1955 through until 1962. When introduced the MGA was powered by a 1489cc four cylinder engine and the first MGA’s were often referred to as MGA 1500. The MGA power plant went through a number of improvements through the models life, including an increase to 1588cc in 1959 (MGA 1600) and then to 1622cc in 1961 (MGA Mark II). MG also introduced a high performance version of the MGA, the MGA Twin Cam in 1958. The MGA was available as both a convertible and coupe, however, less than 10% of total production were coupes making these cars quite rare today.

Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale this lovely 1959 MGA 1500 Coupe. The car is an early 1959 production with the 15GD type engine. The chassis number prefix of HMR23 confirms the car is a factory RHD coupe, export model that was originally finished in old english white.

The car’s early history is not known, however, it is understood to have been traded to MG specialists Abingdon Motors in Brisbane in the early 2000’s. The car was treated to a very high standard restoration and subsequently purchased by an MG enthusiast who lived on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland on the 9^th February 2004. At that time the odometer showed c81,000 miles. The car remained in his ownership for the next seventeen years before being acquired by its current owner some twelve months ago. He has decided to replace the MGA with an MGA Twin Cam, hence, this car is now offered for sale.

Today the odometer reads 85,114 miles which confirms the car has been used sparingly since it was restored. The condition of the car today is simply stunning. The paintwork remains fresh with a good depth of colour. There is the odd blemish or stone chip evident but you have to look hard. All of the exterior chrome, trim and glass are also in very good condition. The only exception being the front badge which is cracked. The interior remains pretty much ‘as new’ and in fabulous condition all round. A modern radio is fitted with speakers discretely mounted under the dash.

In c2006 the car’s then owner decided to fit an MGB engine (which was fully rebuilt) into the car to improve its drivability and performance. At that time chrome wire wheels were also fitted to the car. The original engine from the car and wheels (which are all in good condition) will accompany the car. There is also a modern jack and hammer to remove/replace the wire wheels.

The MGA Coupes are quite rare and it would be hard to find a better example.

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