Creating the Perfect MGA | 1956 MGA Coupe

Spanners 104 | Mike Pixley's '56 MGA Coupe sculpture project

In episode 004 of Spanners, we meet Mike Pixley, a car enthusiast with a passion for English classics and a history of blending artistry with automotive restoration. From restoring and tracking his Lotus Elan before sending it back to its homeland in England to breathing new life into his first MGA with a “wabi-sabi” approach, Mike’s journey is anything but ordinary.

Now, he’s diving into his most ambitious project yet: a 1956 MGA Coupe. With an eye for creativity and performance, Mike is pairing the MGA’s timeless chassis with a Nissan inline-6 engine from a 240Z, given the nickname the "MG A 2Z". His goal? To transform the coupe into a sports car it was always meant to be.

Mike also shares a glimpse into his lifelong love affair with cars and racing, sparked by track days with his father and hours spent playing in the shop as a kid. That passion led him to vintage open-wheel racing, where he now competes in Formula Continental. For Mike, cars have always been “his thing,” a constant thread tying together his love for cars, creativity, and competition.

Beyond the garage, Mike shares his background as a sculptor and how his artistic vision influences this project. The MGA Coupe’s body will be one of his largest and most personal works to date—a true fusion of art and engineering.

This episode captures Mike’s eclectic style, his love for English cars, and his drive to create something truly unique.

🔧 Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
00:35 - Mike’s History with English Cars & Lotus Elan Stories
01:00 - The First MGA: Wabi-Sabi Restoration
01:57 - Nissan 240z
02:17 - The ’56 MGA Coupe: Nissan 240Z Engine Swap Plans
04:00 - Sculptor’s Touch: Redefining the Coupe’s Body
06:31 - "It's always been my thing"
07:01 - Track Days, Formula Continental, & Lifelong Love for Racing
09:03 - Addicted to problem-solving, Growth
10:11 - Outro

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#Spanners #MGACoupe #ClassicCars #AutomotiveArt #Restoration #Nissan240Z #FormulaContinental #EnglishCars #CustomBuilds

[HappyJackRacing]

I’m totally impressed with the high production valve of these videos. The content is also extremely interesting, I find myself sucked into this videos. Worst part of this particular video is I want to see the finished product. I can’t binge watch the next episode where the wider fenders are completed, or the shifter location is finalized.
Well done again.
Makes me want to get an old European car, move to Michigan and join your club.
Well, …. except for the move to Michigan part. 😂

[jgdowell]

You guys make me forget that Michigan is an icy hellscape for 70% of the year. This is another good video. Nice work.

[carelallen]

Wow! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and cars with us Mike. Love the MGAs. The coupe roofline is beautiful art.

[steamy]

Looks like a fun project . That little MGA is gonna be a rocket when done . Very cool.