A Bite-Sized Piece of British Sports Car History in the Midwest
The image of a smooth, curved roadster speeding down a winding coastal road usually comes to mind when you think about classic sports vehicles. But just as fascinating is a well-preserved piece of British automotive history located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in the heart of the Midwest.
Enormous and the epitome of the joys of open-air motoring, the 1959 MG MGA is tucked away in a garage on the outskirts of Grand Rapids. This specific model, with its striking red paint job, is a veritable time capsule that offers a window into a bygone age in which the creation of automobiles was both an artistic endeavor and an engineering challenge.
The legendary British sports car manufacturer MG produced the MGA from 1955 to 1962, and it was a huge improvement over the company’s earlier models. With its sleek exterior, independent front suspension, and sporty 1.5-liter inline-four engine, the MGA signaled a radical shift in strategy for a company that was previously only recognized for producing lightweight, little roadsters.
The owner of the car, who has taken great care of it since buying it a few years ago, claims that “you’re transported back in time when you slide behind the wheel of this car.” “The way it handles, the sound of the engine, the wind in your hair – it’s a pure driving experience that’s hard to replicate with modern sports cars.”
A little piece of British sports car history fits perfectly in Grand Rapids, a city steeped in automotive history. The MGA owner is surrounded by friendly people who share his enthusiasm for the brand in a vibrant community of classic car lovers.
Local auto enthusiast Jack Wilkins adds, “There are several MG clubs and events in the area, and the owner of this ’59 MGA is a regular fixture.” Seeing that automobile on the road or parked at a show is always a treat. It’s a great discussion starter and evidence of the classic sports vehicles’ continuing appeal.”
People on the street give the MGA admiring looks as the owner drives it about, showcasing its purposeful posture and elegant curves. It serves as a reminder that the appeal of vintage British sports car styling is still very much there, even in the middle of the Midwest. And for this owner of an MGA, nothing makes him happier than to share this enthusiasm with the people of Grand Rapids.