As the owner of a restoration shop with 45 years of experience which these cars, I chose this particular car to finish for my own use. No indication of plastic filler, show quality paint with a mirror image, perfect panel and door fit, excellent chassis....seemed like the car to 'keep.'Has a rebuilt early three bearing MGB engine, the perfect engine for an MGA in that it retains the same block mounted tachometer drive as all MGA engines. In fact, for my own deceit, I ground down the top edge of the '8' in the MGB's 1800 casting number so it is now identical to an MGA '6' as in 1600. YET far more powerful, visually identical, even has a pair of (rebuilt) early H4 SU carbs. A challenge to differentiate from the original engine.The engine has far more low speed torque making starting (if I choose) in first gear effortless. Revs quickly and has performance comparable to an MGA twin cam.Brakes are disc in front, all new or rebuilt, same with master cylinder, nicely detailed engine bay, new cloth wiring harness (the best way to ensure long term reliability), all new electrics, new radiator, proper air cleaners, very impressive when the hood is opened.Seats are new....not just covering but frames, platforms, foam, and leather coverings. These cost a bundle but they fit perfectly, feel great, and should last for (at least) the next half century. Also new carpets, interior panels, (expensive) new cloth top with properly painted top frame, brand new side curtains (and they fit like new), and a cloth tonneau.Installed five new chrome wire wheels, new tubes and radial tires (all together, near $2,500), new exterior chrome and trim, all gauges and electrics work, installed a new heater core, and LOTS AND LOTS of worthwhile accessories.For example: electronic ignition (will never need a traditional tune up), powerful shrouded electric cooling fan (should never overheat), back up solid state fuel pump (no better form of reliability than redundancy), converted to negative ground, new stereo/CD with quality speakers in the kick panels, UBS input, extra 12v outlet under dash with USB outputs, racing battery cut off switch, remote jumper plugs for easy jump starting, halogen headlights wired through a relay, new door deals with new chrome end pieces, new sill plates, new racing seat belts, new oil cooler with new Aeroquip oil lines, spin on oil filter, wood steering wheel, even replaced the fuse box with a modern box with press in fuses (far more reliable than the fragile old Lucas glass fuses). Literally done as a 'cost is no object' restoration by experts in the field.Has ample power to hit 110 mph, great ride, steering, handling, and overall road manners (an MGA's strong point). And those beautiful lines, truly one of the most beautiful of all classic sports cars.And yes, I did put a small fortune into this car. And I think it is one of the best MGAs I or anyone else has ever seen. With so many new, rebuilt, or quality parts, so much redundancy (back up fuel pump and cooling fan), new wiring and electrics, the sum total should provide many years of reliable service.I am not purporting this car to be perfect, while gearbox works well, it is possible to 'beat the synchronizer' shifting into 2nd if shifting quickly (but if one shifts properly, letting the rpms come down, it works well....it just isn't a modern Porsche or Toyota). And PLEASE don't ask me if rain comes in around the side curtains (most people are generally not water soluble) or anything else that is common on an old sports car. But with 98hp, it goes like an MGA twin cam, with the fabulous contrast between the deep red paint and shiny new chrome wire wheels, it is really a gem. For shows, daily driving, 'round town or long distances, its a wonderful classic sports car.I have done my best to properly describe my car. I put a lot of time and money into what I considered the best of the best in an MGA. And now, due to choosing to put the money into another (much older) classic car, am offering it for sale. Sorry, have no intention of 'giving it away' (I have at least $35,000+ invested) but I will take substantially less than I invested in the car. And my loss should make a new owner very happy. And yes, it is available for immediate sale. Can store it until transportation arrangements are made, help with shipping anywhere in the world, and even have my son deliver it on our race car trailer within, say, 300 or 400 miles. And what makes this MGA so easy to own is the plentiful supply of spare parts, the ease of service and maintenance, the excellent steering, ride, handing, braking, and in this car's case, lively acceleration and the ability to cruise at fairly high speeds over long distances. |