1958 MGA ROADSTER - CLASS WINNER OF LE MANS CLASSIC Registr...

Estimate

£45,000 - £55,000

1958 MGA ROADSTER - CLASS WINNER OF LE MANS CLASSIC

Registration Number: MSL 967
Chassis Number: HDA43/57225
Mileage: N/A

Appendix E Specification (1947 - 1961 Competition GT Car)
Class winner at Le Mans Classic 2018
Historical Technical Passport valid to 31st December 2027

'Throughout its history, the policy of the MG company has been to compete with cars developed from their standard production models, and the 1955 Le Mans car, designated EX 182, is a further example of this policy,' (Autocar, June 3rd, 1955)

These Le Mans cars were indeed developed into the new MG road car of 1955, the production series MGA. The car showed no basic changes from the Le Mans cars, with the exception of modifications for normal road use. Two of the three works MGAs in the 1955 race came home in 12th and 17th places overall, 5th and 6th in class. The design of what would be known as the MGA had actually been finalised - the race was more an opportunity to give the new model a true shake down in a tough environment. 

As a replacement for the traditional T-Series MGs, the MGA combined a rigid chassis with the Austin-designed, 1,489cc B-Series engine, which in standard trim pushed out up to 72 bhp, to give lively performance for its time. The running gear was based on the earlier TF, with independent front suspension and a live rear axle, but in real terms the MGA was in a different league as regards handling, roadholding and performance. Attractive and stylish, and capable of topping 95mph, the MGA proved an instant hit, selling 13,000 units in its first full year of production. 

This however is not your average MGA. This pocket-sized giant killer was built and prepared by historic race preparer Litre Classics in order to compete in the most challenging historic racing event on the calendar, the Le Mans Classic. Based in the south of England, Litre Classics had previously restored important racers for Goodwood and Le Mans, such as a Lancia D50, Lister Knobbly and Jaguar XJR9 Group C, so they were amply qualified to take on the task. Subject to an earlier restoration, the MGA was further developed with a specially prepared engine by market leaders Oselli Engineering. Entered into the 2018 Edition of the Le Mans Classic race, driven by expert historic racer Sam Thomas, the little MGA achieved three class wins in Plateau 2, an impressive result by any standard.

With a current historical technical passport valid through to the end of 2027, is it time to take this giant killer once more onto the track and to its next podium win at Le Mans in 2022