10k: Half Cobra: 1958 MGA Custom

The MGA was built by Morris Garage starting in 1955 and ending in 1962.  The MGA was a modern styled replacement for the long in the tooth MG TF/TD and as one of the first majorly restyled cars from Morris Garages after World War II, it represented a significant break from traditional open-fender styling.  Today's example is a hot rod in the best sense of the term and a good deal to boot.  Interestingly enough the idiom to boot comes from old English to bote (or to bat depending on who you ask), which mean literally to the better.  Regardless, when it comes to boots in this car, the only place for one is firmly mashed on the fun pedal!  Find this 1958 MGA Custom currently bidding for $11,100 reserve-not-met with 2 days to go, located in Redwood City, CA via ebay.

In 1958 the MGA was available with a 1.6 liter OHV inline-4 or a 1.6 liter twin-cam model with 72 or 108 horsepower respectively.  Neither of these powerplants are particularly powerful when stock, but the aftermarket support is plentiful and additional power is easy...however...what if you had a 2.3 liter Ford engine sitting in the corner of your garage...

Do not attempt to adjust your monitors, this is a Ford 2.3 liter Pinto Mustang engine sitting in the front of an MGA.  The engine would have pushed out an unimpressive 88 horsepower when stock, but this is a race engine and probably puts out something in the 150hp range.

The inside of this mini-Cobra has been given a muscle car style gauge setup and looks like a great place to do business.  And by business, I mean giant smokey burnouts apex carving goodness.  This car won't be a monster at the 1/4 mile, but its weight should be kept in check and it should sound appropriately 4-bangerish.

See a cooler classic Brit with 'Merican power for less?  tips@dailyturismo.com