MGA Roadster exciting LHD hot-rod project with Ford 5.0 V8 and 4 speed manual

Available here for sale due to lack of time and space is my 1956 MGA Roadster. Imported from America 3 years ago. all duties and taxes paid into the EU.  Currently left-hand drive but could be converted to right-hand drive. Fitted some years ago in America with a Ford 302 cu. in ( 5 litre ) V8 with 4 speed manual gearbox and 4 barrel carburettor and Edelbrock manifold. Has the potential to be a very exciting and usable performance alternative to a Sunbeam Tiger. TVR Tuscan or Griffith . MG RV8. Cobra replica etc. Solves the problem of the lack of performance from the original engines. You would have a number of options open to you with this car. Leave the engine and gearbox in it and leave it as LHD. or convert to RHD. alternatively with the huge growth MGA's are experiencing in value. refit it with an original MG engine and gearbox and return it to original. in either LHD or RHD.  The chassis has not been cut or altered and the axle appears to be original so would be easy to refit original running gear. Some modifications have been carried out to the bulkhead in the engine compartment but these could be easily re-instated. The chassis is in excellent condition. Please do not be misled by the pictures. this car has probably the worst paintwork I have seen in my life. it looks like it has been painted by someone with an emulsion brush ! I think I could have done a better job myself blindfolded. The body looks to be very sound but is ripply and she definitely needs stripping back to a bare shell and starting again if you want to end up with a stunning car so you will be able to repaint her any colour scheme that you fancied. either original or a custom colour. I was thinking of twin stripes down the middle like a Cobra. Most of the parts are with the car. the bumpers and over-riders are good. and there are immaculate black leather seats. The bonnet has been fitted with a tasteful low cobra-style air intake to clear the carburettor air cleaner. The engine starts and runs. the clutch and gearbox seem to work fine and she moves backwards and forwards under her own power and stops. as the brakes are still working. However. she has never been prepared for an MOT and therefore never registered here. and in my opinion a total refurbishment and check-over is needed throughout. I doubt if the person that installed the engine and gearbox in America was a professional. so it would be wise to go through everything thoroughly and finish the job correctly. I had a new dual exhaust system made for the car and fitted when I originally bought her. and also bought a new Motalita leather steering wheel and boss kit as the steering wheel fitted on the car is horrible. The car is fitted with 4 proper knock-on rare Minilite style alloys with new tyres. and the original radiator with an electric fan. There are quite a lot of bills from the last few years she was in America. it looks as if the owner was trying to restore the car but run out of money. It would seem that the engine was rebuilt but I do not know how well or to what extent. The windscreen glass is cracked and needs replacing and there is no weather equipment of any type. My intention was to only fit a tonneau cover as I would only use the car in reasonable weather. She is of course road tax exempt and MOT exempt although I assume would have to be MOT'd the first time to be eligible to register.  This is a very worthwhile and straightforward winter refurbishment project with the potential to make a very interesting Summer fun car to surprise a few people. or return to original specification and still have a very good investment.  

I have the American registration papers. plenty of invoices and proof of import taxes paid.

You really need to come and view the car to see how bad the paintwork is. and how much needs doing to see if you have the ability to renovate her. She will start and run for potential buyers and I should be available to show her Mondays through to Saturdays.

Low feedback bidders will be cancelled if you have not messaged me. If sold in the auction ideally I would like to see her collected on a trailer or transporter within a couple of weeks. Deposit of £ 100 paid through PayPal please within 48 hours of end of auction.  Balance of payment can be made by cash on collection. bank draft or bank transfer before collection.  

I will try and ask any questions but it would be wise to come and have a look if you are interested.

Thank you for looking.  

 

Also published at eBay.co.uk

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