It’s believed the prototype of MG’s Sporting ‘A’ was first viewed as far back as 1952 with the companies Le Mans entry (rebodied MG TD) attempting 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; an 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 Arizona to Aberdeen the ad men from Abingdon proclaimed the ‘A’ the ‘desire of every red blooded 50s chap’.

What region Stateside chassis 108835 was destined we do not know but it was despatched 15th May 1962, a Roadster finished in Iris Blue with black interior its equipment included heater, windscreen washers and a blue tonneau. Registration papers place the car with owner (Mr Finzel) in Northern Germany, based near Hannover in 1975 and invoices confirm by 1990 he was ordering hundreds of parts from Moss Europe including body panels. Images from the time show the car in original paint (blue) and restoration in process also the car being transported; we suspect onto its next home in Aberdeen. Transport invoices confirm Mr Finzel (a pilot) had moved to work in Scotland with Bristow Helicopters servicing the oil rigs and the MGA accompanied him. Invoices continued over several years and the car received its white finish in August 1993 and a year later the interior trim was replaced. A further 32 receipts for this period are in the file with the engine being refitted after painting in April 1994 and undersealed in December of that year the speedo then showing 9108 klms. It was at this time its was registered as TSK782 and invoices continued throughout the decade include fitting a new Ivor Searle lead free 1800cc engine, hood and frame, chrome wires conversion and steering rack in 96 at 10299 kms; resulting in a £5k bill. Both the car and Gerd Finzel had moved to Surrey in 2009 by now the Roadster showed 23285 kms and they would finally be separated after nearly 40 years as the car went locally to its current family in Petworth in May 2013 @29650 kms. One of the first major jobs carried out was a five-speed gearbox conversion in November 2014 @ 35067 kms of which a separate detailed file is included. It is fair to say this MG has ‘wanted for little’ over the past decade, regular servicing and faults/upgrades carried out including fuel pump, wheel cylinders, master cylinder, alternator, new stainless silencer, steering UJ, starter motor and fuel tank replaced. At 45596 kms in November 2022 the speedo failed, a new MPH unit was fitted, set to zero the milometer currently reads 1494.

A careful assessment of the exterior confirms an older restoration that has stood the test of time very well, the only age-related issue being small blemishes under the paint on the outside edge of the bonnet. Behind the rear bumper a soft impact has left a light dent and a small crack in the paint; this is not visible without peering behind the rear number plate. There is also a very shallow bruise to the o/s front wing and only visible in certain brighter light whilst the chrome is excellent with new bumpers fitted by ourselves this week. The finish on the wire wheels has lost some lustre but could certainly be improved with some chrome cleaner and effort whilst the Vredestein tyres fitted all round offer plenty of life. To conclude the fit and finish requires little, we will look to adjust the bonnet which sits slightly high prior to sale. The cabin is in good order; all the gauges operated correctly at time of test, the Motolita steering wheel is always a bonus as is the rather unique horn that has been installed. Any new owner should factor in some well spent time ‘Connallising’ the leather seats; these are damage free and warrant some time to revive and they will give many years’ service also the carpets want cleaning or even replacing at a later stage. The hood has age but appears damage and leak free and there is a tonneau cover for those summertime stopovers.

This MGA will go through our workshops prior to sale, but our short road test found it started readily enough and the choke was dispensed with quickly as the engine settled offering 50lbs oil pressure at idle. The clutch is light and it was noted the ease of selection the 5-speed gearbox offered, working well with the larger powerplant. Brakes are certainly positive and the suspension worked best on local B roads where the whole car seemed to be in its element. The car will be supplied with restoration photos, original parts listings, workshop manual, drivers handbook and Heritage Certificate also 12 months MOT.

Country Classic cars are offering this MGA Roadster on behalf of the family estate, for additional information/detailed images or to arrange a viewing please message with your email address; we can Whats Ap if you supply your mobile phone number. Country Classic Cars operate by appointment only as our cars are often kept in secure storage although currently, we are happy to offer unhindered viewings and test drives.