1957 mg a mk i manual 2d cabriolet

High in style and high in spirit, the MGA marked the beginning of a bold new era for MG.

Sleek, low-slung and unmistakably modern for its time, it represented a complete departure from the upright sports cars that had come before it, setting a new benchmark for British motoring design and performance.

Designed, engineered and built in the proud MG tradition, the MGA quickly earned worldwide acclaim for its balanced handling, spirited performance and timeless elegance. It was the smartest, safest and fastest MG yet produced - a true driver’s car that combined sporting pedigree with everyday usability.

Today, more than sixty years on, the MGA remains one of the most iconic and collectible British sports cars ever built. To find an example presented in near “as new” condition is exceptionally rare, offering an unmissable opportunity for the serious collector or discerning enthusiast to acquire a genuine piece of motoring history.

ABOUT THIS CAR

Manufactured by The MG Car Company Ltd, Abingdon-on-Thames, England.
Chassis No: HDR43/14067
Decodes as: Left Hand Drive, USA specification, Convertible, finished in Old English White.
Engine No: BP15GB4138.
Approximately the 4,067th MGA produced at Abingdon, likely built during 1956.
Originally sold in Canada to a serviceman stationed in Germany.
Purchased in 1959 from North Shore Small Cars Ltd, North Vancouver, Canada, by its long-term lady owner.
Imported into New Zealand in 1964 and remained with the same owner until her passing in 2001 at the age of 81.
Shortly after arriving in New Zealand, the car was shipped to Brisbane, Australia.
While in Brisbane, carried registration NT 24.901.
Returned to Auckland from Brisbane in October 1965 before relocating permanently to Blenheim.
Recorded mileage upon return to New Zealand was approximately 74,000 miles.
At the time, the vehicle was insured for NZ£550 and issued the registration plate it still carries today.
Serviced throughout its Blenheim years by Geoff Noad’s Energy Centre, with maintenance generally limited to WOF requirements and routine servicing items.
WOF documentation from February 1999 records 8,811 miles, believed to indicate a total mileage of approximately 108,811 miles.
Registration and WOF lapsed in August 1999 and the vehicle was subsequently stored.
Originally finished in Old English White.
Reportedly pale blue when arriving in Blenheim from Australia in 1965.
Later repainted red, then black.
During restoration, four separate paint layers, white, blue, red and black were stripped back before refinishing once again in its correct Old English White.
Included within the history file is a 1963 NZ Women’s Weekly article relating to Rodney Brayshaw of the MG Car Company in Palmerston North, believed to confirm the vehicle’s right-hand-drive conversion.
During dismantling, the brake and suspension components were found to be in remarkably good condition.
Engine condition indicated limited maintenance over time, with substantial sludge accumulation within the sump.
Bodywork was structurally sound overall, though cosmetically rough with notable corrosion in the sills and door pillars.
Complete bare-metal restoration undertaken.
Chassis, suspension and body components sandblasted, with larger panels hand stripped to bare metal.
Extensive rust repairs completed using Moss-supplied repair sections.
Floor timbers, carpets, sills and pillars fully renewed.
Engine fully rebuilt by Classic Engine Shop, Tauranga:
Rebore and crankshaft grind completed.
New pistons and bearings fitted.
Cylinder head fully rebuilt.
Original generator and starter motor rebuilt and tested.
New ignition components, fuel pump, lighting and complete wiring loom installed.
All original instruments retained and functioning correctly.
Brake and clutch hydraulics comprehensively restored, including:
Re-sleeved master and slave cylinders.
Replacement wheel cylinders.
New hydraulic pipes, fuel lines and flexible hoses.
Original body retained throughout, apart from replacement front and rear bumpers.
Body carefully repaired and refinished to a high standard.
Extensive rust-proofing and cavity wax protection applied during restoration.
Copper grease used throughout assembly on all fasteners and fittings.
Interior professionally retrimmed in leather, including seats and door cards.
New hood fitted some years ago - still in like new condition.
Correct carpets supplied by Moss Europe.
Restoration parts sourced through Moss Europe via The MG Shop, Mount Maunganui.
Accompanied by extensive historical documentation including:
Original NZ Certificate of Registration.
Original British Columbia Motor Vehicle Licence documents.
Original British Columbia Retail Buyer’s Agreement.
Original shipping documentation from Australia to New Zealand.
Original Australian and New Zealand insurance documentation.
Original Union Steam Ship Company shipping records.
Original Australian and New Zealand Customs documentation.

Today, the MGA stands as one of the most admired and collectible post-war British sports cars, appreciated globally for its timeless design, engaging driving character and historical importance within the MG marque.

Genuine, well-documented examples with long-term ownership history and extensive restoration records are becoming increasingly difficult to find, particularly those retaining their originality and provenance to this level. Combining rarity, strong enthusiast demand and enduring international appeal, this beautifully restored MGA represents not only an exceptional motoring experience, but also a highly desirable collector vehicle with continued long-term appreciation potential.

This car is pretty much concours. It has had endless $$$ spent on it. The harsh reality is that it would take more than $150K to restore a car in this condition today making this car very good value for money.

NOTE: Price is in New Zealand Dollars.

Transport / Shipping can be organised for Buyer's behalf at Buyer's cost.

Viewing is Monday to Friday By Appointment Only!

PLEASE READ: The Purchaser is encouraged to personally fully inspect the vehicle and also to have the vehicle inspected, and fully assessed by an experienced, independent, specialist garage - before committing to purchase. While the Purchaser is entitled to rely on statements given by Waimak Classic Cars as being correct, where goods such as vehicles are concerned, with so many moving parts and rust being an issue with older vehicles; a Purchaser who chooses not to seek independent professional assistance when assessing the quality of what they propose to buy is considered as buying at their own risk, and if the vehicle then turns out to be of less than the represented quality, or not up to the Purchaser's expectation, or in the Purchaser opinion not fit for purpose; then the Purchaser is considered to have contributed to their own loss and should not expect any refunds or betterment from Waimak.