MG A 1500 roadster, for sale in Stratford, Connecticut, for $24,500.

One of those hard to find cars. . . sensational body/chassis, no rust, no sign of bondo or old repairs (other then new rockers added), no damage, or anything else. AND VERY straight (especially the alloy doors), great door and panel fit, could easily be convinced that most of this car's life was in dry storage. Even the rather rust prone battery boxes are excellent. AND ORIGIJNAL!

And the rest? Well, here is the scoop on MGAs. . . kind of weird, as MGAs got better on paper, they get uglier. The first, the 1500, was beautiul with flowing lines, simple lighting and trim, just perfect. With the 1500cc BMC B series engine and big (and very effective) drum brakes. Which look great when painted red and seen through wire wheels.

Next was the 1600 Mk I. . .100cc bigger engine, disc brakes (all good stuff) same grille BUT with less attractive tail lights. AND THEN the 1600 Mk II. . . by most people's opinion, a less attractive grille AND tail lights. But with the slightly bigger and high compression 1622cc engine.

Now. . this car. Really unusual and with (I suspect) great attention to the best compromise in making an MGA a better car while still keeping it within the bounds of a beautiful, original collector's car.

1622cc engine (the rarest and most powerful of the MGA pushrod engines), big valve head, correct SU carbs and air cleaners (well tuned), mated to an MGB trans. . . stronger, quieter, and all synchromesh. . . the best use of a later model 'box and impossible to detect unless crawling under the chassis. But what a delight. . . makes for a much better 53 year old sports car.

And the rest? Excellent drive train (with more power and better shifting. . no smoke, 65 psi oil pressure, 155-165 psi compression in every cylinder. . it doesn't get much better than this), oil cooler, new radiator, brakes redone, new master cylinder, performance exhaust system, all gauges work properly, wiring harness looks great (not beat up, worn, or frayed), chrome wire wheels, professionally serviced by a local quality vintage race prep shop, AND drives wonderfully. I wouldn't ount this car being the fastest A we have ever had with an 'A\"(not a 'B') engine. Really pulls through the rev range.

Recently stripped to the bare metal, painted in base coat/clear coat acrylic, hand wet sanded and buffed, fitted with new grille, new bumpers, new fender welding, lots of new rubber seals, and the result is a wonderful MGA and probably the best compromise in a classic sports car.