28-Years-Owned 1956 MG MGA

Description

The MGA marked a dramatic stylistic and engineering shift for MG when it debuted in late 1955 at that year's Frankfurt Motor Show, introducing sleek, aerodynamic bodywork and a wider, more planted stance while retaining the engaging driving dynamics that defined the marque.

As one of the earliest MGA roadsters, this ‘56 example reflects the purity of the original design and the mechanical simplicity that make these machines enduring classics among British sports‑car enthusiasts.

This MGA has been under the care of the seller for a commendable 48 years and benefitted from a refurbishment carried out around 1995 by Carriage & Motor Works of Kansas City, Kansas. Finished in red over a black vinyl interior and equipped with a black snap‑on soft top, the car is powered by a 1,489cc (1.5‑liter) B‑Series inline‑four paired with a four‑speed manual transmission, which is said to have been last overhauled in 2016. The clutch is reported to have been replaced in preparation for the sale.

This 1956 MG MGA is now offered with extensive service records and a clean Maryland title in the seller’s name.

Highlights

• 28-years-owned (since 1978)

• 1,489cc B-Series inline-four

• 4‑speed manual transmission

• Clutch replaced in 2026

• Finished in red over black vinyl interior

• 3-window snap-on black soft top

• Documented service records

Factory Equipment

• Twin SU carburetors

• 1,489cc B-Series inline-four

• 4-speed manual transmission

• Drum brakes

• Steel wheels

• 3-window (plastic) snap-on soft top

• Side curtain door windows

• Wood‑rimmed steering wheel

• Wood‑trimmed shift knob

• Jaeger instrumentation

Modifications

• Motorola AM radio

• Aftermarket amperage gauge

• Wood-rimmed steering wheel

Servicing & Documentation

According to the seller and supported by available service documentation, the following work has been performed on the vehicle (see "Service Records" attached for additional details):

• Refurbishment and cosmetic restoration carried out by Carriage & Motor Works including rust repair, bodywork, paint, interior trim, wiring repairs, engine removal and overhaul work, and a full respray

• Transmission replaced with related driveline service performed by City Imports Ltd.

• Brake system service, including wheel cylinders, brake shoes, hoses, hub seals, bearings, and fluid service

• Engine removal and internal inspection to address clutch‑related noise, including replacement of thrust washers, bearings, gaskets, and related components; clutch operation inspected during this service

• Routine maintenance performed over time, including oil services, gear oil changes, ignition components, and general mechanical upkeep

Known Imperfections

• Interior wear as shown in the gallery

Ownership History

This MGA is said to have been with its current owner since 1978.

From the seller: "When I first bought the car, I was living in Kansas City. She was my commuter car for a couple of years—ice, snow, and Kansas heat. She always started and never failed to get me to work. Later, I would load her up with kids and go apple and pumpkin picking. Lots of fun, though it was hard to tuck all the produce into the trunk.

Once her clutch wore out, I called a tow truck. I waited and waited and finally got ahold of them. 'What happened?' I asked. 'Where is the car?' 'Here,' they said. I said, 'No, I’m looking at it.' They had towed the wrong car to the shop—the days before cell phones.

For the past couple of years, she’s led our neighborhood July 4th parade. Pretty funny—a British car leading a parade about breaking away from England. Lots of good memories. My wife drove it once, after I scraped my knee. Never again. When she was pregnant with our first child, it took two Kansas State football players to lift her out of it. I will miss driving her. Age catches up with all of us."

Included Items

• Extensive service records

• Tonneau cover

• Side curtains

• Lug wrench

• Spare tire