1958 | MG MGA 1500

MG A 1500 Roadster – 1958
Make: MG
Model: A 1500 Roadster
Year: 1958
Chassis: HDL 43/50089
Engine: 15 GB
Displacement: 1,488 cc
Odometer: 11.000km since engine restoration
Certifications: ASI Certificate of Historical Significance
Interior: Black leather
Exterior: Glacier Blue
Soft top: Black
Accessories: Chrome 72-spoke wheels, Tonneau cover

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Extended description

This 1958 MG A 1500 Roadster is an outstanding example of one of MG’s most emblematic models. The car, identified by chassis number HDL 43/50089, still retains its original chassis stamping and factory identification plate, both highly sought-after features in the collector market. Although an administrative engineeer’s number was assigned by the Italian authorities during its first Italian registration on 29 November 1988, the original factory identifiers remain intact on the vehicle.

Chassis prefix decoding

• H: MGA model
• D: Roadster bodywork
• L: Glacier Blue paint
• 4: North American market – left-hand drive
• 3: Cellulosic paint

These codes confirm the authenticity of the car’s configuration, colour, origin, and technical specifications.

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Excellent ownership history

Imported from the USA in 1988, the car remained with its first Italian owner for over twenty years, until October 2010. Following a very brief three-month change of ownership, on 31 January 2011 it passed to its current long-term keeper.

Over the past fifteen years the car has been meticulously maintained, with comprehensive photographic documentation and invoices for all bodywork and mechanical work carried out. The most significant intervention was a complete engine rebuild, which allowed the car to participate reliably in numerous rallies, especially those organized by the MG Car Club Italia, to which it has belonged since 2011.

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Recent works

Recent maintenance includes:

• Full service with oil and filter replacement
• New battery
• New fuel pump
• Four new Vredestein tyres
• Mandatory Italian roadworthiness test (revisione) valid until October 2027

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Historical certifications

The car benefits from:

• ASI registration certificate (2005)
• ASI Certificate of Historical Significance (2024)

These official recognitions confirm the historical interest of the vehicle and its adherence to original specifications.

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Model rarity & technical features

The MG A 1500 was produced from 1955 to 1959 and is considered a milestone of British post-war sports car design. Powered by a 1,488 cc engine delivering around 72 hp and mated to a four-speed manual gearbox, the MGA offered sleek aerodynamics and lively performance for its time.

Roadster versions – especially those in original Glacier Blue, left-hand drive and destined for the US market – are today particularly rare and sought after, even more so when accompanied by original numbers, correct specification and full documentation, as in this case.

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Current condition

Today the car is in excellent mechanical and cosmetic condition and is ready for immediate use, requiring no further work. Ideal for touring, rallies and classic car events.

 

Ecco la traduzione completa in inglese e francese del descrittivo tecnico approfondito della MGA 1500.

 

Detailed Technical Description (MG A 1500)

The MG A 1500, officially unveiled at the 1955 Frankfurt Motor Show, marked a radical turning point for MG. With this model, the British manufacturer abandoned the traditional upright styling of the T-series and introduced a sleek, aerodynamic shape that made the MGA one of the key icons of the post-war British sports car revival.

Engine and Fuel System

The MGA 1500 is powered by the BMC B-Series engine, a robust and reliable inline-four featuring:

• Displacement: 1,488 cc
• Power output: 68–72 hp at 5,500 rpm (depending on market specifications)
• Maximum torque: approx. 110 Nm
• Fuel system: twin SU H4 carburettors
• Valve train: OHV layout with side camshaft
• Cooling: water-cooled with vertical radiator and mechanical fan

Renowned for its reliability and ease of maintenance, the B-Series engine remained in production for more than twenty years, contributing to the MGA’s reputation as a durable, trustworthy sports car.

Transmission

• 4-speed manual gearbox
• Close gear ratios to enhance mid-range responsiveness
• Power delivered to the rear wheels via propshaft

This configuration provides the balanced, engaging driving experience typical of classic British sports cars.

Chassis and Suspension

The MGA is built on a ladder-frame chassis with cross-members for added rigidity, derived from MG’s early competition prototypes. The steel body with integrated wings was a very modern solution for the era.

Suspension

• Front: independent suspension with double wishbones and coil springs
• Rear: live axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs
• Shock absorbers: Armstrong lever-arm dampers on both axles

This simple yet effective setup delivers honest handling and excellent road-holding for the period, making the MGA a popular choice in historic rallies.

Braking System

• Front brakes: steel drums
• Rear brakes: drums

Although later MGA 1600 versions received front discs, the 1500 retained drum brakes all around—fully adequate given the car’s low weight of roughly 900 kg.

Performance

• Top speed: approx. 150 km/h (93 mph)
• 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph): approx. 16 seconds
• Average fuel consumption: 9–10 l/100 km

Thanks to its low aerodynamic drag (estimated Cd below 0.45), the MGA offered lively performance for its time, especially compared to earlier MG models.

Construction and Styling Features

• Low bonnet line thanks to the revised engine placement compared to the T-series
• Slanted windscreen to reduce turbulence
• Sleek “teardrop” profile inspired by competition cars
• Aviation-style Smiths instrumentation
• Functional cockpit with separate leather seats
• Chassis designed from the outset to accommodate higher-performance versions (Twin-Cam, 1600, etc.)

The MGA was conceived not as an evolution of pre-war MGs, but as a fully modern sports car with competition-influenced engineering.

Rarity and Historical Significance

With approximately 58,750 units produced in the 1500 version, the MGA achieved considerable international success. However, many cars were heavily used and a large part of the original production has not survived.

Today, collectors particularly value examples that:

• retain original chassis and body numbers,
• feature factory-correct colours (such as Glacier Blue),
• include period-correct accessories,
• and come with complete historical documentation.

For these reasons, the MGA 1500 is regarded as one of the most iconic and desirable British roadsters of the 1950s, offering an ideal balance of drivability, aesthetic charm and historical authenticity.