MG A 1500 Roadster – 1958
Make: MG
Model: A 1500 Roadster
Year: 1958
Chassis: HDL 43/50089
Engine: 15 GB
Displacement: 1,488 cc
Odometer: 50,000 miles
Certifications: ASI Certificate of Historical Significance
Interior: Black leather
Exterior: Glacier Blue
Soft top: Black
Accessories: Chrome 72-spoke wheels, Tonneau cover
Extended description
This 1958 MG A 1500 Roadster is an outstanding example of one of MG’s most emblematic models. The car, identified by chassis number HDL 43/50089, still retains its original chassis stamping and factory identification plate, both highly sought-after features in the collector market. Although an administrative engineeer’s number was assigned by the Italian authorities during its first Italian registration on 29 November 1988, the original factory identifiers remain intact on the vehicle.
Chassis prefix decoding
H: MGA model
D: Roadster bodywork
L: Glacier Blue paint
4: North American market – left-hand drive
3: Cellulosic paint
These codes confirm the authenticity of the car’s configuration, colour, origin, and technical specifications.
Excellent ownership history
Imported from the USA in 1988, the car remained with its first Italian owner for over twenty years, until October 2010. Following a very brief three-month change of ownership, on 31 January 2011 it passed to its current long-term keeper.
Over the past fifteen years the car has been meticulously maintained, with comprehensive photographic documentation and invoices for all bodywork and mechanical work carried out. The most significant intervention was a complete engine rebuild, which allowed the car to participate reliably in numerous rallies, especially those organized by the MG Car Club Italia, to which it has belonged since 2011.
Recent works
Recent maintenance includes:
Full service with oil and filter replacement
New battery
New fuel pump
Four new Vredestein tyres
Mandatory Italian roadworthiness test (revisione) valid until October 2027
Historical certifications
The car benefits from:
ASI registration certificate (2005)
ASI Certificate of Historical Significance (2024)
These official recognitions confirm the historical interest of the vehicle and its adherence to original specifications.
Model rarity & technical features
The MG A 1500 was produced from 1955 to 1959 and is considered a milestone of British post-war sports car design. Powered by a 1,488 cc engine delivering around 72 hp and mated to a four-speed manual gearbox, the MGA offered sleek aerodynamics and lively performance for its time.
Roadster versions – especially those in original Glacier Blue, left-hand drive and destined for the US market – are today particularly rare and sought after, even more so when accompanied by original numbers, correct specification and full documentation, as in this case.
Current condition
Today the car is in excellent mechanical and cosmetic condition and is ready for immediate use, requiring no further work. Ideal for touring, rallies and classic car events.
Ecco la traduzione completa in inglese e francese del descrittivo tecnico approfondito della MGA 1500.
Detailed Technical Description (MG A 1500)
The MG A 1500, officially unveiled at the 1955 Frankfurt Motor Show, marked a radical turning point for MG. With this model, the British manufacturer abandoned the traditional upright styling of the T-series and introduced a sleek, aerodynamic shape that made the MGA one of the key icons of the post-war British sports car revival.
Engine and Fuel System
The MGA 1500 is powered by the BMC B-Series engine, a robust and reliable inline-four featuring:
Displacement: 1,488 cc
Power output: 68–72 hp at 5,500 rpm (depending on market specifications)
Maximum torque: approx. 110 Nm
Fuel system: twin SU H4 carburettors
Valve train: OHV layout with side camshaft
Cooling: water-cooled with vertical radiator and mechanical fan
Renowned for its reliability and ease of maintenance, the B-Series engine remained in production for more than twenty years, contributing to the MGA’s reputation as a durable, trustworthy sports car.
Transmission
4-speed manual gearbox
Close gear ratios to enhance mid-range responsiveness
Power delivered to the rear wheels via propshaft
This configuration provides the balanced, engaging driving experience typical of classic British sports cars.
Chassis and Suspension
The MGA is built on a ladder-frame chassis with cross-members for added rigidity, derived from MG’s early competition prototypes. The steel body with integrated wings was a very modern solution for the era.
Suspension
Front: independent suspension with double wishbones and coil springs
Rear: live axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs
Shock absorbers: Armstrong lever-arm dampers on both axles
This simple yet effective setup delivers honest handling and excellent road-holding for the period, making the MGA a popular choice in historic rallies.
Braking System
Front brakes: steel drums
Rear brakes: drums
Although later MGA 1600 versions received front discs, the 1500 retained drum brakes all around—fully adequate given the car’s low weight of roughly 900 kg.
Performance
Top speed: approx. 150 km/h (93 mph)
0–100 km/h (0–62 mph): approx. 16 seconds
Average fuel consumption: 9–10 l/100 km
Thanks to its low aerodynamic drag (estimated Cd below 0.45), the MGA offered lively performance for its time, especially compared to earlier MG models.
Construction and Styling Features
Low bonnet line thanks to the revised engine placement compared to the T-series
Slanted windscreen to reduce turbulence
Sleek “teardrop” profile inspired by competition cars
Aviation-style Smiths instrumentation
Functional cockpit with separate leather seats
Chassis designed from the outset to accommodate higher-performance versions (Twin-Cam, 1600, etc.)
The MGA was conceived not as an evolution of pre-war MGs, but as a fully modern sports car with competition-influenced engineering.
Rarity and Historical Significance
With approximately 58,750 units produced in the 1500 version, the MGA achieved considerable international success. However, many cars were heavily used and a large part of the original production has not survived.
Today, collectors particularly value examples that:
retain original chassis and body numbers,
feature factory-correct colours (such as Glacier Blue),
include period-correct accessories,
and come with complete historical documentation.
For these reasons, the MGA 1500 is regarded as one of the most iconic and desirable British roadsters of the 1950s, offering an ideal balance of drivability, aesthetic charm and historical authenticity.
