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MG MGA - Jack that came with 1955 cars?

I have been collecting Jacks for my TD and an Austin Healey 100, so have spent a lot of time looking at Shelley DL6's and LJ23's. Today I found an LJ23 with a 55 date code. It has been suggested that this might be a jack that came with one of the first 1000 MGA's made in 1955. I know very little about MGA's so curious if any of the experts on here have an opinion as to if this is an MGA jack?
Thanks and regards
Simon
Troy, IL

S Griffin

Simon go straight to the www.classic-british-car-jacks.uk website.

Steve Gyles will have it covered!

Barry.
Barry Gannon

Except that Steve doesn't! He currently does not have a 55 date code LJ23 in his database and he is the one that suggested it might be an MGA Jack for one of the first 1000. I figured I would float that speculation out to the MGA experts to see if you concur.
S Griffin

Simon

Sorry for accidentally repeating the thread, such was my enthusiasm after seeing this rare jack I did not read other threads before posting!

A quick bit of research into 1955 MGA production reveals that of the 1003 cars produced in 1955, only 594 were exported to the USA. So your jack is likely to be one of those 594 unless it was issued with other cars that I am not aware of. The Healey, for instance, although an LJ23 user had the 'L' jacking head rather than the saddle for the MGA.

A rare find. There must be concours addicts out there who have been waiting for one of these to turn up.

At this stage I would not think about restoring it. I am inclined to think its original patina is part of its value. If you do sell it the purchaser can then decide.

Steve
Steve Gyles

My 54 LJ23 for my Healey 100 has the correct L shaped saddle, so recognized immediately that this was not an AH version.

With regards to the handles. Do you have an idea as to how long they would have been for the MGA? The pair that came with this jack are quite long. 21 3/4 " each They have the correct ball baring end and the square connection. No tommy bar, though the chap that sold them to me said he had it but forgot to bring it and is going to send it to me. The patina on the handles matches the jack, so they certainly look like they belong, but the length is quite a bit longer than the handles on the TD or the AH100.
S Griffin

Simon

I can't answer the handle shaft length question, although they are the correct style for the LJ23. Perhaps some other owners who have LJ23s can provide some comparative data.

Steve
Steve Gyles

This thread was discussed on 20/03/2017

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