1956 MG MGA

roadster Convertible

4 - Cyl.

Manual

HDT43/21971

Gasoline

A 1956 MGA with the B-17 in background caught my eye as the cover girl for the North American MGA Registry (NAMAGAR) magazine some years ago. Her heritage certificate shows she was built 23-25 October 1956. Options included wire wheels, heater, adjustable steering column, and tonneau. If you carefully at the pictures you can see a traffic light prism reminiscent of the 1950s! The pictures show her to be a showgirl as she was a very proper British racing green with biscuit and finished to a very high standard. NAMGAR recently estimates there are 3,472 MGAs on the North American road, of which less than 95 are proper British racing green. Yes, it’s hard to believe but it’s their numbers. Double it and it’s still a small number. This alone pretty much guarantees placing at any regional or local British car event. In her 1st show she was 1st in class; however, her only competition was a non-descript white version with black top. I always liked the MGA as a go-about town motorcar but driving was relegated to just that…go-about town! One of the things that separate this 54 year-old from other MGAs is a 5-speed overdrive gearbox which permits American interstate speeds; a must with today's roads. Around town the 1st 4 gears operate as normal; however, at about 50 mph these little cars are already up to 3,000 rpm. Changing to 5th gear allows running the car to 70 mph at 3,000 rpm. Here is a list of some things that should not be a problem: Roll up window mechanism • electric window motor • vent windows • external door handle or key operated door locks • backup lights • 4-way flashers • pop up headlights • starter solenoid • automatic choke • electronic ignition • power steering • power brakes • air conditioning • automatic transmission • electronic engine control computer and related parts • sunroof • power antenna • electric rear window defroster • emissions control components • electrical relays (other than that silly turn signal) • anti run on valve or fuel cut-off inertia switch • button switches in door jamb, glove box, and bonnet or deck lid • seat belt retractors, electrical interlock or warning buzzer • torsion bars, springs or gas struts for the bonnet or boot lid Well, by now you should be getting the idea. The MGA doesn't have any of those parts. In fact they don't have very many parts that are not required to make it go down the road. Bottom line is that an MGA is about the most reliable British car that anyone can own. I have driven her from Florida to Annapolis and then back without a mishap. She does come with an electronic distributor and spare parts bag that has gone untouched. The spares bag which I mount on the luggage rack includes everything from fuel pump to king pins. MGAs are relatively affordable to maintain and prepare for concourse. The mechanics are downright cheap and readily available from several sources such as Moss Motors, Victoria British, and Scarborough Faire. While a new generator is $125, a new fender is more than 10 times that; consequently, it’s best to find a restored example to your liking. No shortcuts were taken here; as is evident from her premium quality paint, chrome wire wheels, interior with full carpeting throughout including boot, canvas top with matching sliding windows (not the cheap aluminum framed ones), and canvas tonneau. That 5-speed overdrive is a $4-5K option depending on who does the work. And of course, she runs as good as she looks and even includes a hand crank which can actually start the engine. These cars were not perfect on the dealer showroom and this one is not perfect after 54 years; however, it is good enough for regional trophies and extended trips. The front was recently repainted with the same paint used during the restoration to eliminate "road rash"; it matches without notice. Get one while you can. They don’t make them no more!And by the way, the B-17 is extra