MG Car Repair: Reverse, repair garage, detent

Question
My husband died and left me his MGA (1956 I think). It was at the repair garage and I drove it home. I don't know where reverse is to get it out of the garage. I tried moving the gear shift to where I thought it was, but to no avail.   HELP!

Answer
Hi Donna,
The MG gearbox has a strong detent to prevent shifting into reverse by accident. The standard method is to find neutral which is the center section of the "H" pattern. Move the lever all the way to the right then with an open hand place your hand about 6 inches further to the right of the lever and with the palm facing the lever, briskly slam the lever all the way to the left then pull back. When you hit the lever all the way to the left you will depress the detent and that will put you into the area so you can pull back into reverse.
Howard