This is the KING DICK screw jack supplied with MGA 1500/1600 cars. This model is commonly called the "bow tie" or "hour glass" jack because of the shape of the base. It has a three-piece handle similar to the one shown at far bottom of page. Place this jack under the front suspension or rear axle, and a two stage screw will lift the car several inches.

At right is a 6-inch SHELLEY screw jack. This model has a "bow tie" base similar to the King Dick jack, but with more rounded corners. Period tool from a swap meet, not original equipment for any MGA.



Picture at left is a Shelley LJ23 screw jack as supplied with some early MGA 1500 cars. The "59" below the model number is presumed to be the casting year. It is similar to the King Dick jack, but notice the flat sided base. (Thanks to Mike Parker for this picture). Above right is a similar model with "L" shape cradle, definitely not original to any MGA. (Thanks to Steve Gyles for that picture).

Below is a handle that came with the SHELLEY jack at top right. Part number is 97H577 for the KING DICK three-piece jack handle. This handle is original to the King Dick jack but can be used with any of the jacks shown above.


Below left is the SHELLEY model LJ225 screw jack supplied with late model MGA starting July 1960 and including the last eight months of 1600 production and all 1600-MK-II (click for larger picture). The handle for this one is a short piece of round steel bar 13" long to a 45 degree bend, then a further 1.5". It is turned by a ratchet mechanism operated by moving the handle back and forth.

Paint color for restoration is Duplicolor DE 1607 (Chevy engine orange).

Photo above right is a later LJ225 jack with "CA311" on the yoke, introduced about 1965, BMC part number AHH 5986, definitely not original for MGA. The difference is a reinforcing collar around the jack handle hole.


This is a similar SHELLEY screw jack, model LJ225 59. Here the ratchet head is cast alloy rather than stamped steel. Also definitely not for MGA as it will not fit under the suspension with the extended center screw height.

Shelley screw jacks were made in a great variety of shapes and sizes. I include here only those that were originally used in the MGA, or those that may be very similar but were not used in the MGA. For information on additional types of Shelley jacks see:
http://www.mgaroadster.co.uk/shelley_jacks.htm.