Had a '57 MGA 1500 in h.s.--bought it for $300 w/ a blown engine from a college kid --months later along with my best friend, and w/his dad's machine shop, and both our dad's help and advice, had dropped a 265 Chevy into it. Got rid of the wire wheels and knockoffs and mated Chevy drums to the axles and put on Chrome reverse rims. Couldn't keep a clutch in it and it constantly overheated--but was that car ever fun,fun, fun
A "poor man's" Cobra-- Body/interior/ top were in great condition,electrics sucked
After Graduation in '66 I gave it to my friend when I left for college--he enlisted in the Army and died in an unfortunate training accident in early '67--his Dad offered me the car back and I turned it down--too many memories--wish I had it now.
Yeah the Healeys, Triumphs, and Mg's were "sports cars"
I would like to find another 1500 someday