1956 MGA

FOR SALE FROM  A FRIEND OF MINE AND THIS IS THE INFO HE SENT ME.
1956 MGA. Very carefully frame-on restored to preserve it's character yet updated to allow it to be driven under modern conditions.  this vehicle was born (built) August 20, 1956 and dispatched to the usa on August 23, 1956.  It is believed to have spent it's first 14 years in southern California, with at least one year attending College at UCLA, as documented by pictures of the front and rear bumpers with parking decals dated 1966. (these bumpers were rechromed and put back on the restored vehicle).  It had been sitting in a back yard in Southern California when found by it's next owner, Paul Turis in aprox. 1970.  He brought it back to his home in dry Phoenix Arizona where he got it running but little else. There it sat for many more years.  When I first saw it, it was sitting on the side of his house. This was in the early 90's.  I tried many times to buy the little car, stopping by or calling once or twice a year for many years. Several years went by without any contact at all.  In late 2001, I called Paul once again, only to find he had gotten sick and died.  The car was still sitting and was finally for sale.  Mrs. Turis sold me the car on 1-20-2002.
 
   The Brittish Motor Heritage Certificate states this MGA started life painted Old English White with red interior and black top. This color combination has been retained although the black vinyl top was upgraded to the finest black stayfast canvas available and a matching canvas tonneau is included. It was optioned with wire wheels, adjustable steering column and heater.
 
   During the restoration process, I tried to use the very best of everything while trying to re-use as many original parts as possible. The body panels were metal finished where needed instead of body filler.  The original bolts were reused if possible or correct original Brittish replacements obtained. The hood, trunk and door latches and strikers were plated with nickel to give protection while adding a very attractive shine that will patina properly with age.
 
   The new interior panels were secured with correct screws through the original holes so that no new screw holes had to be drilled. In this way, if a panel is removed, it will look original.  The new carpet was secured with lift-the-dot snaps just like it was so many years ago in England. Most restorations these days just use spray glue and call it good.  The seats have been professionally re-upholstered using all new foam, wood, and the finest leather.  The spare tire cover is made of hardura (a corded vinyl material) just like the original.  Most of the  restored cars you see have used carpet to cover the spare which is cheaper and wrong.  The seat tracks and door panel stiffeners were chromed to prevent corrosion and add a touch of sparkle.  The original bumpers were rechromed as was the original windscreen then a quality new windshield was professionally installed.
 
   the following is a list of new or rebuilt components:
     1)  The transmission was professionally rebuilt and shifts perfectly.
     2)  The clutch assembly and slave cylinder are new.
     3)  The master cylinder was sleeved with stainless steel instead of cheaper brass to eliminate wear and corrosion.
     4)  All four shock absorbers have been professionally rebuilt.
     5)  All new brake wheel cylinders and brake shoes.
     6)  Stainless steel brake hoses replace the rubber ones for reliability and safety.
     7)  The front suspension was completely rebuilt with all new bushings, etc.
     8)  All new wheel bearings in front and rear
     9)  New u-jounts in the drive shaft.
   10)  Starter and Generator are rebuilt. Volt regulator cleaned and adjusted.
   11)  The original gas tank was cleaned and repainted - Excellent condition.
   12)  New fuel sender and Lucas fuel pump.
   13)  The original carburetors were rebushed and completely rebuilt with new metering rods.
   14)  The steering rack was rebuilt.
 
    During the rebuilding process, the original 1500 engine was cleaned up and repainted as it appeared to have already been rebuilt sometime in the past (it was painted yellow).  When this engine was fired up for the first time, it ran very well, but I noticed coolant leaking on the right side of the block between the two center freeze plugs.  Apparently the block had cracked sometime many years ago, probably due to being parked with only water in the cooling system.  I still have this original engine, but it seemed that the best option now was to replace it with another one.  The desire to make this car a great driver, but retain the original appearance, led me to choose an 1800cc MGB engine.
   I wanted the best. I heard the 3 main bearing engines were weak so when a 1972 5-main MGB engine with the very good 18L cylinder head presented itself, I bought it.  This engine would be a direct bolt in without any modifications to body or chassis and allow the use of all of the original brackets and hardware, including the carbs and intake. (the carbs were rejetted for the larger displacement by carb guru Joe Curto).  Even the original MGA starting lug was used to secure the front pulley allowing the use of the stock manual crank handle to turn the engine over.
    Some nice touches to make the engine compartment pop are the bumble bee, solid-core plug wires  like the BMC competition department used back in the 50's and steel braided fuel lines for safety.  A spin on oil filter adapter was installed to make maintenance a snap. the old cannister filter is included along with boxes of original mga parts and pieces collected over the years.  The original MGA exhaust manifold connects to a completely new exhaust system.
  The wiring has been completely replaced with the finest original type cloth braided harness with all new connectors.  The gauges have all been rebuilt and the tach was converted to electronic to be compatible with the 1800 engine. The dash knobs are all new, but the original bake-light ones are included.  All of the lights& lenses are either new or re-chromed originals.  The headlights are halogen for safe night driving and the fog lights are old original lucas in excellent condition.  The original twin 6-volt batteries have been replaced with twin 12-volt batteries to add capacity and reserve (also more easilly obtained if needing replacement when out on a road trip).  The car always starts with just a short crank over, even after sitting for weeks. 
    In the process of restoring this vehicle, an absolutely complete & correct, original tool kit was assembled, requiring years of searching for the best examples of each tool. Some appear to be unused (perfect condition). An accurate reproduction tool roll was filled with the tools and put into a correct reproduction jack bag along with a correct original jack and 3-piece handle.  A new moss motors knock-off protector and Thor lead hammer are included along with an SU carb tool kit and uni-syn carb. synchronizing tool.
    The following is a list of the original literature that I have accumulated and will include:
    1)  Original Heritage certificate.
    2)  AKD-600  Correct original early vinyl covered workshop manual
    3)  Original flag-time supplement (for warranty repairs)  dated November 1955.
    4)  Original MGA collision manual
    5)  AKD-598  Correct first edition Operators manual
    6)  AKD-819  Original first edition "Special Tuning Manual"  dated 1958.   
    7)  Original "First of a new line"  dealership sales broschure.
    8)  1956 AAA road map
    9)  Original 1956 magazine article.
 
    Examine the pictures of the rust free body. In the pictures of the insides of the doors, you can see there aren't even any door door dings in the original aluminum door skins (they would be visible from the back side even after paint)  The doors close with a wonderful "snick" instead of a "slam" so common with many restorations of this type of car.  The hood and trunk fit beautifully and open with a gentle pull of the handle.  They close just as easilly.  Examine the pictures of the body seams.  There is no sign of swelling from corrosion like you might find on some restored rusty car.  This car's California/Arizona heritage is evident on every panel and frame.
    The paint is milky white with just the right amount of shine. Not overly glossy like you see on some basecoat - clearcoat jobs. It was painted with original appearance in mind.   I have 2 new lucas fender mirrors but I have not installed them so the new owner can position them where he/she wants just like an original purchaser in 1956. (these mirrors were dealer installed so everyone had his own preferred location).  A reconditioned heater is included (including controls) but not installed. Heaters just aren't needed in Arizona. And also new wiper arms/blades.  Inside the cabin, the new owner is greeted with a leather wrapped steering wheel and a walnut "MG" crested shift knob.  He will be held safely in place by period correct seat belts.