1956 MG MGA Roadster

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE 

The MGA revolutionized the MG corporation with a completely fresh design departure from the beloved T-series. Its story began in 1951 when MG designer Syd Enever created a sleek, streamlined body for George Philips' TD Le Mans car. The new body design was a radical departure from the articulated fenders and running board of the MG TF. Instead, it featured “ponton” styling, accentuated by a single-styled envelope that fully enclosed the car’s width and length, giving it an uninterrupted and elegant look. The official announcement of the MGA was made on 26 September 1955, and it was finally launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show.  

Even though it was a total departure from the cars that came before it, the MGA continued the company’s ethos of “Safety-fast!” proving more than capable of weekend touring or competing in multiple motorsports genres including MG’s four “EX182” MGA works competition roadsters that ran at Le Mans in 1955. As Autocar magazine reported in August 1955, “To confound the critics who say that racing teaches no useful lessons comes the brand new MG sports two-seater.” 

Highlights 

• First year example of the revolutionary MGA 

• Finished in Orient Red over tan leather upholstery 

• Powered by a 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder with dual SU carburetors 

• Equipped with a four-speed manual transmission 

• 15-inch painted wire wheels with knock-off hubs 

• The chassis number (HDA4734104) decodes as:  

  • H – MGA 

  • D – Roadster  

  • A – Black (now Orient Red) 

  • 4 – LHD, North American export  

  • 7 – Cellulose (lacquer paint)  

  • 34104 – Sequential Production Number starting at 10101 

Features 

• Aftermarket aluminum radiator 

• Lockheed hydraulic brakes 

• Borg and Beck single-plate dry clutch 

• Dual bucket seats 

• Wood-rimmed, three-spoke steering wheel 

• Door pockets 

• Twin fender-mounted review mirrors 

• Chrome gas cap 

• Smith’s heater 

• Map reading light 

• Self-parking windshield wipers 

• Direct rack-and-pinion steering 

• Twin batteries mounted in balanced positions behind the seats 

Known Imperfections 

• Light cosmetic imperfections as pointed out in photos 

• The odometer does not work 

• The horn button does not work consistently 

• Upshifting is fine, downshifting from third gear to second has to be done slowly or it will grind 

• The turn signal switch works, but will not hold for more than a few seconds when applied 

• A small clunk was observed in the front suspension upon test drive on a turnaround at low speed 

Included 

• Spare tire with cover 

• Side curtains and bag 

• New soft top and bows 

• MGA Workshop Manual 

• Original spare tire and wheel 

Ownership History  

This 1956 MG MGB Roadster has been owned by the consigning family for a number of years and was a restoration project completed and enjoyed. The car starts and runs well but after being inactive it should have a proper safety inspection before serious road use with normal items checked and fluids flushed. 

Additional Notes 

A Broad Arrow Group Consignment Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle.   

Contact: Harrison Platz Phone: 610.304.4525 email: harrison.platz@broadarrowgroup.com