When you think about small, light, fun drop-top sports cars, it's the Mazda MX-5 Miata that leads the way. However, long before the Japanese sports car came along, the British were already using the same recipe. MG was one of the original sports car manufacturers to make the most of a small engine. Arguably its most popular sports car was the MGB, but before that came the MGA. These days, the MG brand is little more than a numbers company churning out boring cars that its Chinese owners deem worthwhile. But it's the original sports cars that still capture the imagination of classic car enthusiasts. The MGA Outlaw pictured below is one such car, and you could own it.

This 1961 model has been fully restored by the Petersen Automotive Museum, and the restoration is comprehensive. Details on the exact nature of the restorative changes are scant, but Petersen is proud to announce that this is the first frame-off restoration that the museum has completed on its own. What we do know is that the museum hasn't kept it entirely original, and has instead opted to upgrade the car's performance and aesthetics, albeit mildly. The cabin now features a rich Oxblood Red upholstery finish while period-correct wire wheels give the exterior a little more panache.

Under the hood, the MGA Outlaw boasts larger carburetors, a hot cam, new suspension components, and disc brakes. It's unlikely that these changes have made the car any faster than its original 113 mph top speed, but with MG's - and most other British sports car manufacturers - notoriety when it comes to unreliability, newer parts will always be welcome. The Petersen Museum won't be holding on to the car though and will be offering it on auction as part of its virtual gala on September 26. Other interesting items will also be on offer. We've seen unrestored examples go for a little less than 50 grand, but we're sure this one could come close to doubling that figure.