Description
MG MGA Cabriolet | 1959
Highlights:
– Matching Tartan Red colour with black leather interior
– Originally exported to South Africa and assembled in 1959
– Restored in 2015 with new canvas soft top, exhaust, and side windows
– Member of the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust
– Belgian-registered with valid papers
The seller offers for sale this 1959 MG A Mk1 1500 Roadster, finished in Tartan Red with black upholstery. This classic British sports car combines elegant 1950s styling with reliable mechanical simplicity. It features a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and a 4-speed manual gearbox. Built from a CKD (completely knocked down) kit, it was exported to South Africa in 1957 and assembled there two years later, on 20 September 1959.
This MG A was restored in South Africa in 2015, although no detailed documentation of the restoration is available. Since 2016, it has been registered in Belgium with all paperwork in order, including documents confirming it was not stolen during its time in South Africa. It is recognised by the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust and comes with several certificates, adding to its authenticity and provenance.
Recent maintenance includes a new canvas soft top, new side windows in fresh frames, a new exhaust, and new tyres. The car runs on 98-octane petrol. The dashboard instruments are functional, and the black leather-like seats and carpet have been kept clean.
The bodywork presents well with a consistent Tartan Red finish, which matches the original factory colour. Chrome elements such as the bumpers and grille appear intact and well-preserved.
The car’s interior retains its period-correct charm, with minimal wear visible. The seat coverings and carpets are complete, the switchgear is functional, and overall cabin presentation aligns with expectations for a classic regularly maintained but not over-restored.
The MGA was introduced in 1955 as a departure from the pre-war styling of MG’s earlier models. It was a significant shift toward a streamlined, modern look and featured a more rigid chassis, independent front suspension, and rack-and-pinion steering. The low-slung body, designed with aerodynamics in mind, made the MG A a standout both visually and in handling.
Powered initially by a 1489 cc engine, the MGA 1500 produced around 68 horsepower, enough to give the lightweight roadster a top speed of approximately 150 km/h. It was praised for its balance and responsive handling, especially for a car of its time. Later models included the 1600 and Twin-Cam variants, but the 1500 remains the purist’s choice for its simplicity and original design intent.
More than 100,000 MG As were produced, of which the majority were exported, particularly to the United States and Commonwealth countries like South Africa. The car played an important role in establishing MG’s global reputation and continues to be a favourite among classic British car enthusiasts. Its timeless design, combined with easy-to-service mechanicals, make it a popular choice for both casual weekend drivers and collectors.
The MGA is often considered a bridge between the pre-war and modern sports car eras, and examples like this—well-preserved, running, and with an international history—capture the spirit of post-war motoring in an accessible way.
Condition of the Bodywork and Paint
4. Very Good: Small dents or scratches; may require minimal bodywork or paint correction.
Condition of the Interior
4. Very Good: Clean with minimal wear; may need minor replacements for small missing or broken parts.
Technical Condition
4. Very Good: Mechanically solid, with possible minor maintenance required.
Overall Condition
4. Very Good Condition: Shows only minimal wear and is ready to drive at any time.
This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.
We encourage all potential bidders to inspect the vehicle before placing a bid. Please contact us by phone or email to schedule an appointment.
All auction cars offered have a reserve price. You have only won the item if the seller accepts your bid.
Price changes and errors reserved. The 14-day right of withdrawal does not apply to this auction.
This car is currently located in Oost-Vlaanderen province, Belgium.
This car drives, brakes and shifts.
The car has a Belgian registration. The buyer is responsible for registration in his own country and responsible for delivery and collection of any vehicle purchased at the auction.
The description of this car is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Route 66 Auctions requests a range of detail about the car from the seller and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. We strongly advise potential buyers to view or arrange inspections as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy.
Please note that it is not uncommon for classic or collectible cars to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be hard to see even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork. Photographs may not reflect the exact true colour or exact full condition of the vehicle. It is a bidder’s responsibility to assure themselves of the colour and condition of a vehicle, including its interior and the existence of any remedial bodywork or paintwork, before committing to bid or buy.
