1956 MG A

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Highlights

Very solid and presentable example of this stylish and desirable British classic
Early MGA with the sweet-revving 1489cc engine
Attractive colour combination highlights the subtle chrome embellishments of this pretty design
Looks structurally sound with evidence of an older restoration with light patina
MG ownership provides an enthusiastic worldwide social scene and superb, inexpensive parts supply

The Appeal

Before the MGB there was, perhaps inevitably, the A, the futuristic, aerodynamic sports car that catapulted the historic MG marque into the modern 1950s era. With lines honed for success at Le Mans the sleek MGA proved a worldwide hit, its simple, proven mechanicals powering customers from New York to New Delhi.

This pretty 1956 MGA 1500 appears to have lived most of its life in and around Rome. Its black paintwork is a notable change from the bright colours often found on this model and nicely accentuates the careful chrome detailing. It looks very solid and presentable, likely an older restoration offering a light dusting of patina. There is scope to improve or simply jump in, fire up and enjoy the classic 1950s style of this iconic British sports car.

The History and Paperwork

Believed first registered on 10th January 1956
Chassis records confirm that this is a 1956 MGA
Some history in the file confirms its presence in Rome through its life and with some early service history
Otherwise there is little history with this car

The Interior

Caramel leather seats and matching dashtop and door tip roll
Very original interior with what appears to be a factory radio and original four spoke wheel
Black carpets in good condition with some signs of wear
Spare wire wheel and toolkit in boot
Beautiful chrome-rimmed Jaegar dials appear original and unrestored

The simple, unadorned style of the MGA proved so effective that it was little changed when the model made way for the B, meaning its essential look remained in use into the 1980s. Where the B got a crackle black finish, the MGA has a beautiful painted body colour finish. In this attractive black car that ensures the chrome-rimmed Jaeger dials stand out as do the smattering of knobs and controls.

It is a very original place to be, with a period radio fitted and the big factory four spoke wheel present. The general condition is very good, just some localised signs of wear particularly to the seats to note. But perhaps those signs of use also add to this lovely car’s character.

The leather seats are a beautiful caramel colour that is carried over onto the door trims and dash top roll that runs from door to door. It is slightly worn in places, but not unsightly. Both seats show signs of deterioration, the driver’s seat having broken stitching across the backrest, wear to the left hand corner and some marks on the back of the seat. The passenger seat is in better condition but has similar marks on the edge and back of the seat.

Both door cards are in good condition, only the driver’s side showing some light signs of wear that may clean off.

The Exterior

Attractive black paintwork in generally good condition and appears to be an older restoration with deterioration in small areas
Chrome wire wheels with Michelin tyres showing light tarnish in places
Fabric convertible roof appears to be in good condition with clear, undamaged Perspex panels
Chromework appears to be original and is in good condition but may respond well to a polish

The MGA is a simple yet neatly realised shape that eschews adornment. It works particularly well in black, an unusual colour for a MGA, which accentuates the limited chromework and embellishments across the car.

This car appears to be an older restoration, the bodywork being in generally very good condition with no obvious signs of corrosion or structural deterioration. There are a few areas where the paint has deteriorated but they are generally minor, localised and likely easily remedied.

There are small chips on the edge of the driver’s door and around the rear arch on the same side of the car. There appears to be a small scratch on the front of this arch.

On the rear of the car there is an attractive and useful chrome luggage rack that improves the car’s useability as the boot is mostly full of the spare wheel. The paint on the boot panel shows some swirls that would should respond to a machine polish.

There are various scuffs and marks on the passenger side rear wing, including around the arch. The passenger door appears to have a chip on its edge and there is cracking in the paint on the front of the passenger side front wheel arch. This wing also shows deterioration in the paint at the base of the leading edge.

On the front of the car there is a shallow dent on the driver’s side of the grille. Otherwise the chrome around the car is in good condition.

The car is fitted with attractive chrome wire wheels shod with Michelin tyres. Some of the wheels show signs of light tarnishing and spots of corrosion.

The MGA is a separate chassis design. The underside of the car has a covering of underseal that has worn and peeled in places. There is a light showing of surface corrosion in places but nothing appears to be structurally deteriorated.

The Mechanics

1489cc MG engine with twin SU carburettors generating 66bhp
4spd manual gearbox
No service history or maintenance records available at the time of writing

The joy of MGA ownership is that the mechanicals are simple, robust and readily available off the shelf at competitive prices. This is an early car fitted with MG’s 1500cc engine and twin SU carburettors. Power is via a 4spd manual gearbox.

There is no service history or maintenance information available for this car unfortunately but the photographs of the engine bay indicate newish leads and carburettors.

Summary

The MGA remains a perennial of the classic car world for all the reasons that made it so successful when new: great looks and excellent driveability. Add in unrivalled parts supply and club support and it is easy to see why so many have survived.

This early MGA looks good in black, which accentuates the detailing, and appears to be a very solid and presentable example. Any improvements look largely cosmetic and could be carried out whilst enjoying the delights of this classic drop top as summer emerges from Spring.

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