The MGA With An Attitude
MGA Mercante - VT-107M2
This one showed up on a carandclassic.com auction in early March 2023. One-off hand tooled in aluminum skin with underlying tubing support, on top of a standard MGA chassis, and likely named after the creator.
![MGA Mercante](mercante/mercante01.jpg)
At first glance it appeared to be at least a decent 20-footer.
![MGA Mercante](mercante/mercante04s.jpg)
As I looked closer, I became less charitable. Note: "In need of some recommissioning".
![MGA Mercante](mercante/mercante07s.jpg)
It came to look like a "proof of concept", not well finished.
![MGA Mercante](mercante/mercante10s.jpg)
Just enough tubing and sheet metal underneath to hold it together, like a race car with minimal structure. Heater with no demister vents, looks unfinished.
![MGA Mercante](mercante/mercante13s.jpg)
Label maker tags on the dash switches, plywood floor in the boot.
![MGA Mercante](mercante/mercante16s.jpg)
MGB vent in the bonnet (might be unvented trim). MGA 1500 wheels with MG TD hub caps.
![MGA Mercante](mercante/mercante19s.jpg)
Rag top never finished to fit. MGA 1500 engine. Custom radiator.
![MGA Mercante](mercante/mercante22s.jpg)
Single 12-volt battery, only accessible through the boot with floor removed. Body panels attached directly to the frame. All custom body work, so no spare parts available.
![MGA Mercante](mercante/mercante25s.jpg)
Someone bid high enough to meet the reserve, or the reserve was lifted, and it went for £2,500 on March 3, 2023.
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