The seed of this little project goes back to the day we viewed our house. It has a very large garage and I recall thinking that the big 'I' beam across the roof would be ideal to fix an engine hoist. Five years on and I hit a significant birthday which started me thinking that I would like to do another restoration project. Encouraged by my wife, I started looking on eBay for an abandoned restoration when an MGC came into view. It seemed fitting that I return to my old MG roots and a C is something slightly different. Unfortunately the seller's lowest price did not match what I was prepared to pay and my two offers were rejected. I was just about to capitulate when I thought I'd have one last look at what other MG's were out there, waiting to be lovingly restored. Up popped an MGA which is from the same era as I am so that seemed a fitting solution.
It was described as:
"For sale is 1957 1500cc MGA Roadster imported into the UK in July 2018 with all relevant documentation and import taxes etc all paid. The car is Left hand drive but is very easily converted if required. This car has the potential to be a real stunner and is an ideal opportunity for someone. The car comes with the original 1500cc engine. 4 speed gearbox. The car used to be red. Originally comes with the title from the previous owner from the state of Delaware. The condition of the car is that it is a full restoration project but great starting base. The panels front and rear wings are steel, Inner/ outer engine tub good condition. Boot floor good. The chassis is straight and seems in good condition, wooden floor good. Hood frame is with the car. The sills on both sides need repair the nearside is all there. The bad bit is the windscreen glass is missing, gear lever missing, battery boxes need repair. "
My intention is to do a full ground-up bare metal restoration, keeping the vehicle as original as possible, but converting it to RHD for the UK roads and market. That said, I shall in all probabilty give a nod to the 21st Century (technology has moved on in 60 years) by converting the two 6v batteries conncted in series to a single 12v battery, and converting to negative earth - this will allow me to replace the generator with an alternator and replace the distributor points with a contactless device. I shall also install a (hidden) 12v power port so that a Sat Nav (and other devices) can be used on longer journeys.