MG : MGA Coupe S1

MGA 1500 Coupe “Barn Find” Restoration Project for Sale

Titled as 1958. Vin registration # H_R4319542 is an Aug/56 build date before coupe production started Sept/56 with # 20671. The Body tag #42779 implies a 1958 Coupe shell.

 The related verbal history [when purchased in Tucson Arizona in 2007 and moved and titled in Washington state] was that the car was a long time Tucson Arizona car and a restoration started in the mid 70ʼs.

Starting with the focus on a full running chassis. the drive train [engine. gear box. rear axle] frame. suspension. brakes etc being done. Some rocker and B pillar work was done on the body shell and then all sat behind closed doors in Tucson for some 30 years.

We purchased and imported the coupe in 2009 to Vancouver BC Canada with all border importation documents. duty and taxes paid etc. The car arrived as a complete roller. minus front windshield/F & R windshield trim surrounds/original oil and temp gauge/ engine # tag/ front lower valance[since replaced with a fiberglass one purchased from Moss Motors] /door card upholstery material/LHS plywood floor panel and one seat frame/ VIN plate and any paperwork pre 1973. Also with the car came boxes of extra parts. /spare used wiring harness/used master cylinder/ front disk brake calipers [for conversion] and new panel pieces [rockers/ B pillars] etc

We have the 1973 Arizona title papers [reaffirmed in 1975 document] . he 2008 Washington State title and 2008 Washington license plates. The coupe has not been titled in Canada and as such. very simple to return to the USA under its Washington State title. It is also exportable out of North America under that title and our import papers into Canada to Europe. Australia etc.

Upon delivery to Vancouver. we pulled the plugs and oiled down the bores. hand rotated the engine. changed the oil. hooked up an oil pressure gauge under the bonnet. connected a half gallon container of fuel to the fuel pump and starter cranked the engine with cold crank spec #5. oil pressure showed on the gauge. The carbs were checked for fuel leaks [none]. fresh plugs were put in. the coil was hot wired and it started on the second crank rotation. Oil pressure registered max specs. The strobe timing was correct and the throttle response positive and smooth. cold compression test was equal in all 4 bores and no oil weeps from seals or gaskets.

On the body shell. our panel beater finished the rocker panels and B pillar work. repaired the metal damage distortion on the apron panel in front of the radiator. the panel cracks on the lower area of the rear valance and massaged a few minor dents and dings on the shell.

The body shell. fenders. lloy boot /bonnet/ and doors were then sent out for a full “granite grit” high volume. low pressure blasting. The body shell and fenders were then sprayed with “Bullet Primer”. The inner steel frames of the Alloy skinned doors. bonnetand boot were then sprayed with zinc chromate primer. These 4 pieces have absolutely no electrolysis of the aluminum skins and the steel framework contacting surfaces and show as new. The chassis and parts were spray cleaned [hot water and Frankʼs solution] and the previous rebuild inspected.

The shell was set back on the chassis and the fenders rehung with a few bolts. The fenders are still in need of lower edge panel repairs at the A & B post areas and need dent repairs. There is no rust now in the shell with only some light pin holing on the trunk floor. The wire wheels appear very good with a few bent spokes on one. The tires are age dead. There is no spare.

It has been stored away out of sight. again. in our shop as past and current client restorations are always a priority [49 MGTC/ʼ57 Elva MKIII/ʼ67 Abarth OT 1000 Spider/ʼ69 Alfa Junior GT/ Lancia Fulvia Coupe.

Level of resto optionsThe options are open as to how to proceed.

- Reassemble with hydraulics. wiring harness. etc. operational. new windshield. tires. upholstery and have a great driver as a running restoration as time and funds become available.
- Continue with a full restoration now with the labour. paint and upholstery being the large dollar cost.

The MGA Coupeʼs value is on a strong increase and this car is restorable to the top of the market price.

Pictures of the MGA on Flickr for viewing please email for link.

Any questions email david@autorestore. ca or call 1-778-239-7118.
 

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