Fantasy Junction

Description

1956 MGA Roadster
Chassis No. – BD15GB6835 *
*(titled to previously installed engine number stamped on ID plate)
Body No. - 56522
Exterior Color – Red
Interior Color – Caramel leather
Engine Type – 1622cc DOHC Inline 4-Cylinder
Gearbox –4-Speed manual
Current Mileage – 14,256 miles (TMU)

Marque and Model History

The MGA was introduced in 1955 as a welcome and modernized version of the aging MG TF. Combined with reliable mechanicals and superb road manners, the low-profile sports car became a big hit in North America. Initially offered with a 1500cc engine producing 68hp, the later series 1600cc engine developed 78hp making for more spirited driving. Highly favored for their ease of service, sporting characteristics, and beautiful body design, these same traits continue to delight contemporary collectors seeking a desirable and affordable 1950s open sports car.

History of this Car

This example was purchased in 1995 by the current owner, a multiple MG Northern California based collector/enthusiast. Having remained in California under the same current ownership for nearly 30 years, the car remained as part of a modest MG collection with the owner performing much of the work himself while also engaging local Northern California MG experts for restoration and additional services as needed.

Purchased from a private party located in Livermore, CA, the former owner had stalled during the process of restoration when the current owner purchased the car. Although the car was already fully disassembled, some finish work had already been completed including a complete painted Mk II frame. Although the car was originally equipped with a 1500cc engine, a 1600 cc engine was rebuilt to stock specifications and mated to a standard 4-speed transmission. Local MG specialist Larry Nelson was commissioned by the current owner to finish the Mk1 body while the red paint was applied to the removed panels, underside, and engine compartment. The body was installed on the frame and all other mechanical and cosmetic features were restored to a high level. Although no restoration receipts or service invoices accompany the car, the car is accompanied by photos of the 1995 restoration process which concluded that same year when the car was shown at the first show shortly thereafter. Although the car features a later series Mk II frame and 1600 engine, the body number 56522 is in range with the VIN tag, consistent with a 1500 series Mk 1. The car is titled using the original engine number which is located on the VIN plate.

Included with the car is a binder with original magazines featuring the MGA and MGA literature along with more than 25 Northern California Concours and event dash plaques spanning 1995-2011 when the owner was actively showing and driving this MGA.

General Overview

Today this handsome MGA presents as a driver+ quality example ready for enjoyable outings, local gatherings, and MG club events. Although the restoration has aged, the paint is glossy and smooth throughout, still showing quite well, having benefited from indoor storage and thoughtful enthusiast use since the restoration was completed. Panel fit is generally good though the passenger side door shuts proud of the body when closed and the front edge of the hood fit could benefit from adjustment. The exterior chrome, lenses, windshield, lighting, and emblems remain very nice overall including the YOM California license plate. The grille is particularly nice as are the silver painted wire wheels and chrome plated center hub knockoffs with a set of Kleber C1 165/SR15 tires mounted.

The interior presents very well including the gently relaxed caramel leather seats now displaying a softened glove appearance. Minor wear is evident to the driver’s left side upper seat piping. The matching side panels and door cards reflect care and preservation, though also exhibit signs of age. The dash is very nice overall with beautiful chrome trimmed instruments showing excellent dial face color and detail. The black carpet is clean and nicely contrasting against the caramel leather seating. The beige convertible top is in very good condition, fits well to the clean chrome trimmed windshield when the top is latched snugly in place in the up position. The inner headliner is in very good condition as well. A matching beige canvas tonneau cover is included and can be quickly snapped into place for single driver cruising or completely zipped closed at the center for full coverage when parked. The trunk is finished with black carpet matching the interior. The trunk houses an unrestored silver wire wheel and older tire, concealed by a grey vinyl cover.

Under the hood, the engine and engine compartment reflect a generally accurate restoration which has aged well over time. The uprated 1622 cc engine has been nicely finished in the correct maroon MG engine color. The cowl and inner fenders are finished in matching exterior red, while the various engine accessories are correctly presented, some of which show only mild patina from general use. The underside of the car is in very good condition displaying painted and restored finishes which have held up well, benefiting from the California climate. There are no visible signs of structural damage to the frame or suspension mounting points.

The car starts easily and settles into a smooth idle. Manual choke allows for a brief warm-up period as systems come to operating temperatures. The four-speed gearbox is easily engaged, and the car accelerates smoothly with consistent operation in all gears. Braking is typical of the era yet still manageable for those seeking a fun car combining enjoyable mechanicals and driver level cosmetic condition.

1995 MG and Jazz Show, Jack London Square, Oakland, CA – 2nd Place
1995 Paradise MG’s British Car Show, Santa Maria, CA – 1st Place
2018 MG Owner’s Club MGs by the Bay – 3rd Place MGA

Included with this Car

This MGA comes with an original MGA driver’s manual, MGA operation manual, “Tune Up” booklet, MGA workshop manual in binder, a notebook with numerous dash plaques showing 1990s era car show participation, vintage magazines featuring articles on the MGA, an original type sales brochure, and other vintage articles. Also included is a car cover, a set of side curtains, a tonneau cover, a spare trunk lid (with no luggage mounting holes), a starter hand crank, black rubber floor mats, a set of tools and tool roll, a jack and knock off hammer.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

Inquire About This Car

Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608