Country Classic Cars - Vehicle Details

Many believe the prototype of MG’s Sporting ‘A’ was first viewed as far back as 1952 with the companies Le Mans entry (rebodied MG TD) for the arduous 24-hour race. It would be another three years before the public were able to place their orders at the local BMC dealer; the ex-works price of £595 was announced at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The first full year of production in 1956 saw over 13,000 cars built with the majority of those leaving our shores for new lives across the Atlantic. The A swiftly recaptured the MG spirit, a true sports car that was affordable, fun, yet stylish. Its rigid chassis played host to BMC’s 1489 ‘B’ series motor offering 72bhp from a 4 cylinder OHV with twin carbs. Also fitted in the saloon Magnette, installed in the MGA ensured 95mph and a 0-60 of 15.6 seconds. Produced in both coupe and roadster form the MGA enjoyed a seven-year production run with over 100,000 examples sold and from Cardiff to California the ad men from Abingdon proclaimed the ‘A’ the ‘desire of every red blooded 50s chap’.

Country Classic Cars are delighted to offer on behalf of the current owner WEL 971, a stunning MGA that comes with one of the most comprehensive history files we have ever seen. Originally, a coupe finished in Old English White with red interior chassis HMR 134 9567 was built at Abingdon 12^th to 14^th March 1958 and dispatched to Parkstone Hall Garage , Bournemouth on the 20^th. In the mid 70’s the car resided in Warwick and had been repainted black and following a minor accident in France the owner stripped the car down upon his return to the UK. The original body was disposed of, leaving chassis 9567 with its original engine plus all the running gear and trim which was purchased by the cars savior Malcolm Barnett who paid £100 and began a most comprehensive restoration that would take the next 25 years to complete. The history file contains photographs from the earliest chassis prep through rebuilds to all mechanical parts including engine and all running gear. In 1980 Mr Barnett located a solid roadster body at the premises of Peter Wood ( well respected MGA authority) and once £250 had changed hands it was towed home behind the Barnetts lovely MG Magnette. The images continue with the body test fitment before shotblasting in Coventry after which the rebuild began in earnest. The body was removed for the 2^nd time for the application of British Racing Green offering the chance of images to show the complete rolling chassis with completed engine bay which looks as good today as it did when photographed in the 90’s. The painted body was fitted for the final time in 2000, from then the images cover trim and soft top etc prior to its first road test the following year. A report with the MGA club magazine carries pictures of Michael Barnett collecting his award for ‘Car of the Day’ at the MGA annual gathering in Buckinghamshire in 2005 and one year later the milometer confirmed 6k miles had been enjoyed by the Barnetts. Aside from the images and written history a ‘little black book’ carries all the servicing carried out on WEL 971 from 2001 to 2015. Owners handbooks, parts list, workshop manual etc are all included with the car. In 2015 the MGA left Warwickshire and headed south to a Mr Wright in Hampshire then onto Dartmouth three years later. The current owner returned the car to Hampshire and an additional file contains original buff log book, Heritage Certificate, old V5’s plus invoices and MOT certificates enabling a paper trail of the cars life.

Country Classic Cars look to offer a ‘warts and all’ appraisal of all vehicles we are asked to sell, this is our attempt to avoid any future disappointment when viewing fails to concur with the advertisement. This example is extremely difficult to fault, although a keen eye may note one small touch in on the o/s front wing (stone chip) with a tiny indent which we will attempt to get removed. Above the grille on the front panel features another tiny touch in also courtesy of an errant stone. The green hue overall in impressive, a brilliant finish that managed to reflect the cloud formations perfectly on the dull day our images were taken. Panel fit and finish is exact and can be admired from every angle whilst the chrome work is of the highest standard. Our ramp inspection revealed light misting from the rear Monroe shock absorbers, we have agreed to replace these units in with the asking price. Tan leather interior trim is faultless and contrasts well with wear free black carpets, a Superlight steering wheel upgrade features the MG logo and when tested every Jaeger dial plus all switchgear operated correctly.

From cold the car starts instantly (provided the hidden immobiliser key is installed) and settles quickly without choke with an oil pressure gauge offering over 60 lbs. Clutch is light and gear selection is precise; a joy behind the wheel certainly, minus unwanted rattles, a driving experience best described as ‘tight and well-sorted’ with brakes to match following an £1800 disc & caliper upgrade.  A quick glance under the hood goes a long way to confirm the attention to detail Michael Barnett dedicated to his restoration, corrected period plaques and tags installed with polished alloy and brass fittings guarantee a show winning standard is still very much in evidence. Now showing 10,350 miles travelled since 2001, we believe this MGA offers the chance for any enthusiast to own a 1958 classic that is showroom fresh 55 years on; the current MOT runs until Aug 23 and has no advisories.

For additional information please message with your email address for detailed images or a short walk-round video; we will forward the file via ‘We Transfer’ a free to use and safe service or Whats Ap if you supply your mobile phone number. Country Classic Cars operate by appointment only and within current Covid guidelines and whilst inspections are encouraged, please bear in mind the changing situation but currently we are happy to offer unhindered viewings and test drives.