Page 36 - Wayne Carini's Guide to Affordable Classics

MGA roadsters and coupes
The MGA roadster was unveiled in 1955 as a 1956 model year car. Two versions were eventually offered: a roadster and a coupe, but the coupe didn’t arrive to market until 1957. The roadster has several notable features, including a convertible top that stows completely under the rear cowling that adds to the smooth surface presentation overall. However, the frame of the convertible top is bolted to the body, avoiding the “boy scout tent” experience of putting the top up. Simply flip the seats forward, pull the top out and affix the rear edge to the decorative clips on the cowl, then unfold the framework and fasten the edges of the top with “lift- the-dot” fasteners.
the cars came with soft side curtains that bolt into place with a provided thumbscrew. A flap suffices for opening the window. Aftermarket sliding-window side curtains were quickly produced as a better solution, but most MGA owners use their side curtains solely to score concours points. The roadsters are really best reserved for use on sunny days.
The coupes are a little more finished out like regular cars, with framed roll-up windows and clever door handles. The coupe roof approximates the line of an erected convertible top and provides good headroom. However, any MGA has a reasonably tight cabin, and the seats in a coupe may not slide back far enough for taller drivers to get in and out of the car effectively. If your preference is for a coupe and you stand 6-feet tall or greater, be sure to test-fit
The MGA doors are little more than aluminum skins, and the
roadsters have no provision at all for roll-up windows. Rather, before purchasing.
One of the most attractive sports cars ever built, an MGA offers the same traditional virtues as other British sports cars but combines them with a striking appearance that never gets old. This is an MGA 1500.
34Wayne CariniAffordable Classics