1956 Austin A50 (Maggie)

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whitebuffalo
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1956 Austin A50 (Maggie)

Post by whitebuffalo »

Introducing Maggie, my newly acquired Austin A50. Built in 1956 and sold new at Plimmly motors in Vancouver, BC, Canada to MRS. Marion Haynes of King George Terrace in Victoria , BC, Canada on 22 June 1956. She owned it until 1968 when it was brought into the US to Seattle in August of 1968 by a Mr. Joe York. Customs duty was a whopping $6.50.

I plan on a restoration with a few concessions to modification in a three bearing 1800 B-series so I can retain the column shifter. I also plan on disc brakes and TR6 steel wheels.

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Steve Simmons
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Re: 1956 Austin A50 (Maggie)

Post by Steve Simmons »

Looking forward to watching this one progress. Neat car!
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VWNate1
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Re: 1956 Austin A50 (Maggie)

Post by VWNate1 »

Looks very clean ! .

Does it come with an 'A' series engine when new ? .
-Nate
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whitebuffalo
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Location: Lancaster, Ca
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Re: 1956 Austin A50 (Maggie)

Post by whitebuffalo »

Nate, to answer your question, yes, it came with the large A-series motor , the 1500 B-series :P

The A50 had the de-tuned MGA 1500 B-series motor with a single Zenith carb and 8:1 CR. Transmission was a column shift 4 speed. It's going to be a little bit of a learning curve to shift it as I know how to shift a column shift as I learned on my mom's 1964 Chevy pickup, however , the Austin's shift pattern is wonky. First gear is up and towards the dash, second is down and towards the dash. Third is up and towards the steering wheel and fourth is down and towards the wheel. Reverse is pull the end of the shifter and push towards dash and down. I am guessing a few grinds of the gears and in wrong gears for a few times.
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VWNate1
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Joined: Sat Sep 05, 2009 7:41 am
Vehicles Owned: LBC's

Mercedes Diesels OM 616 & 617

1969 Chevrolet C/10 pickup shop truck
250 I-6 , TH350 slushbox

1959 Nash Metropolitan FH Sports Coupe

1961 Morris Minor W/ 1973 1275 CC engine & gearbox

Ural Solo Motos , old Honda 90 CC Tiddlers
Location: Sunny So. Cal. , land of fruits , nuts & flakes

Re: 1956 Austin A50 (Maggie)

Post by VWNate1 »

O.K., I don't see the 'B' 1500 as anything like the 'A' 1275's .

I vastly prefer the MG 1500 version .

I'm sure you'll have loads of fun up fixing it .
-Nate
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