・Excellent condition and well maintained ・Very low mileage ・Handles brilliantly and a joy to drive
The Background
The MG T-type is a series of cars produced by MG from 1936-1955. The series included the MG TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD and the MG TF. They were launched as body on frame two seater sports cars.
The MG TD was manufactured in 1949, and released in January 1950. The TD used the drivetrain from the previous TC model, along with the 1,250 cc XPAG engine. It also used independent suspension on the front axle, using coil springs from the MG Y-type saloon which would then lead the way for future designed MG’s.
Using the chassis from the Y-type, with some modification to the frame, enabled the engineers to mount the rear axle under the frame. This resulted in more travel which enabled better damping, and it was also much sturdier and stiffer than the old MG chassis. The end result was a huge transformation in the handling and comfort of the MG TD. They also reduced the wheel size from 19 inches to 15 inches, with bigger tyres also adding to the comfort.
The smaller wheels at the beginning were of a solid type, like the ones we have on this TD here today. These were later changed to try and add more cooling to the brakes. Over the 4 year production run of the TD, 29,664 models were produced at Abingdon, which was over three times the number of TC’s made, proving the TD to be more popular than ever.
The owner of this beautiful 1950 MG TD, purchased the car in July 2017. The MG TD started its life on the 1st May 1950 and was built as an EXR model, (right hand drive for export with an MPH speedometer). The MG was then exported to Eire, where it spent many years, until it was re-imported back to the UK in December 1990.
At some point in Eire, the engine was replaced with a Gold Seal Engine. These replacement engines were painted gold and came with a brass plate riveted to the engine block from Morris Motors Ltd, stating the replacement engine with the bore and crank size and the engine number 40.
In 1990, when the car was back in the UK, it was owned by a mechanic living in Preston who cared for the MG until he sadly passed away around 2013. With his wife not wanting to part with the TD, the car went into storage until 2017, when it was sold to the current owner.
The MG has been a lovely car for the seller to own, and they have enjoyed many happy miles in it, but with the space needed, and it not getting as much use as they would like, the decision has been made to part with the classic car.
The V5 is present and shows the MG TD has had 3 previous keepers. The car is MOT exempt, and the last MOT expired on the 24th May 2013. There are 10 previous MOT certificates.
There are a few receipts for parts purchased by the seller, but in the main, the car has not needed many parts, other than routine servicing which has been done on a regular basis.
A nice MG TD operation manual is present to help you get to know the car inside and out.
The inside of the MG is believed to be the original trim and is in excellent condition for the year, with no real wear to the seats other than some light creasing, as you would expect. The seats are still well sprung and comfortable to sit in.
Sitting in the driver's seat, the steering wheel looks to be the original which has faded slightly, and there are some chips to the gold finish in the center, but in good overall condition. The Jaeger instruments are in brilliant condition with the glass scratch free and the chrome bezel in good order. The odometer is showing a reading of 15,084 miles. One thing to mention is that the clock located within the rev counter has stopped working. The oil pressure and ammeter gauges are working correctly, along with the switchgear for the lights. There have been additional indicators fitted to the MG and the switch for these is located under the right hand side of the steering wheel. The dash itself is trimmed in cream to match the seats, and this is in excellent order with no scuffs or marks to mention.
Greeted with the red carpet treatment as you open the door, this is all in lovely condition with just some very light wear to the heel pad area. Just behind the seats, the carpeted storage area is nice and clean, although the carpet does have a small stain. Inside the luggage area holds the 4 side panels for wet weather driving, should you get caught in a British summer shower. There is also the tonneau cover that fits snuggly over the roof once it's down.
Finished in bright red, the MG is in lovely condition all over. Starting at the front, the chromework has an excellent finish to it on the bumper, grille surround and the lights. It is all nice and bright and free from any tarnishing. The Lucas headlights and lower down driving lights are free from any cracks. The large wings do have an odd few stone chips, but it can certainly be said that these are minimal. Further up, the windscreen is free from any noticeable scratches and the windscreen frame is in good condition, with two additional wind deflectors mounted to either side of the frame.
Around to the sides, the bonnet aligns nicely and opens and closes as it should to both sides, as do the doors. The wings flow down the side of the car perfectly into the running boards. There are some small chips on here, but again only minimal. These lead us onto the rear wings which again are in superb order with no signs of any corrosion. The roof, when up, fits nice and tight with the side panels stored in the boot.
To the rear is, again, in stunning condition, with the chrome bumper and matching chrome luggage rack. The lights are free from any cracks and the fuel tank has the spare wheel mounted to it, which is in good order. The tyre has many miles left on it.
Onto the wheels, and these are solid steel wheels which have been finished in silver, and a chrome hub cap with the MG logo to the centre. These are all in good condition. The tyres are matching and have some miles left on them ready for the new keeper.
The engine in the MG TD is a four-cylinder 1,250 cc, and as mentioned earlier, this is a Gold seal engine. The seller has carried out some annual servicing and routine maintenance which has included a new water pump, distributor cap, points, HT leads, rocker cover gasket and the SU carburetors have been stripped and rebuilt. The exhaust has been replaced with a stainless steel unit, and a new battery has been fitted.
The car starts with the first flick of the key and runs extremely well. It is reported to pull well through all of the gears and the gear change is said to be very smooth. On the handling side of things, the MG has benefited from new front coil springs which help with cornering. This is one of those cars you will thoroughly enjoy driving around the twisty B roads.
It’s a well known fact that any model of the MG has a huge following, with a fantastic range of clubs and support network for all of the classics. This is the perfect car for anyone wanting to get into the classic MG world.
Well maintained, low ownership and enthusiast owned, you can tell by looking at it that it’s been a much loved car - you can't really ask for more when looking to invest in a classic car. Become part of the MG history in one of the most desirable classic MG’s still around today.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
More about buying with us
1950 MG TD
About Max Bids
The max bid process allows you to bid without any hassle.
Enter your maximum bid and we will then bid on your behalf to ensure you're the highest bidder - just enough to keep you in the lead and only up until your maximum.
Anti-sniping
Car & Classic prevent auction snipers from bidding in the last seconds to win an auction.
Auctions are extended by 3 minutes if anyone bids within the last 2 minutes to allow other bidders to react and counter-bid.
Auto-bidding increments
If your maximum bid is equal to or below the reserve price, your maximum bid will be applied in full if you are the highest bidder.
If you are the highest bidder and place a maximum bid above the reserve, we will automatically put in the reserve as your first bid.
Once the reserve has been met, Car & Classic will make sure you are the highest bidder using only the bidding increments stated below.
We will keep you in the lead up until your maximum bid OR the increment closest to your maximum bid, providing your maximum bid is enough to cover the increment value.
Bid Amount
Increment
£0 to £9,999
£100.00
£10,000 to £49,999
£250.00
£50,000 to £99,999
£500.00
£100,000 +
£1,000.00
Automatically outbid immediately
When you place a max bid and are outbid immediately that means that another bidder has placed a max bid limit which is higher than yours.
You can bid again and we will use our automatic bid system to try and get you as the highest bidder.
Matching max bids
When there are two max bids of the same value, the one placed first remains the lead bidder.
Pre-authorisation
We may hold a pre-authorisation charge on your card until the end of the auction when the hold will be cancelled. If you win, we'll take a security deposit which counts towards the payment for the vehicle and isn't any extra cost to you.
What are pre-bids?
A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction.
You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.
Problem with your bid
Bids are contractually binding. To help protect you, we have some rules in place if we think it's been mistyped. Please check and amend what you have entered.
