1951 MG TD Midget
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Highlights
• Imported from dry California in 1990
• 31 year restoration with no expense spared
• Driven a mere 1000 miles since
• Attractive colour combination
• Excellent condition throughout
The Background
The penultimate T-Series Midget, the TD appeared in 1949. A larger car than its predecessors, the TD owed much to the contemporary MG Y-Type saloon, using a narrowed and modified version of the latter's box-frame chassis, upon which sat an all-new body - roomier than before but retaining the classic looks of the traditional MG sports car and the proven 1,250cc XPAG four-cylinder engine.
This saloon parentage was far from a handicap, for the Y-Type was a later and more advanced design than the TC Midget, employing independent front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering. Although thoroughly traditional both in appearance and its coachbuilt method of construction, the TD body offered greatly increased interior space compared to that of the TC.
It was a huge sales success for MG especially in the US where 23,500 were sold compared to a mere 1,656 in the UK before production of the TD ended in 1953.
This saloon parentage was far from a handicap, for the Y-Type was a later and more advanced design than the TC Midget, employing independent front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering. Although thoroughly traditional both in appearance and its coachbuilt method of construction, the TD body offered greatly increased interior space compared to that of the TC.
It was a huge sales success for MG especially in the US where 23,500 were sold compared to a mere 1,656 in the UK before production of the TD ended in 1953.
The History
Originally built for export this gorgeous TD was a California resident until 1990. It appears to have spent its time in the San Jose and Santa Rosa area of Northern California with at least two owners as there are US Registration cards from the early 60s in the history file. It was imported into the UK on 24th September 1990 and then sold as a project later that month.
There are photos of it, then painted light blue, in the history file, and the California black number plate tallies up with one of the Registration cards. The new owner then commenced a restoration that would take the following 31 years to complete!
Luckily he had another TD that he drove in the meantime. Once the restoration was nearing completion, he registered the car with the DVLA (documents on file) with the help of the MG TD Register and then drove the TD sparingly for a couple of years, covering a mere 1,000 miles before poor health stopped him from driving and the car was transferred to his wife’s name.
There are photos of it, then painted light blue, in the history file, and the California black number plate tallies up with one of the Registration cards. The new owner then commenced a restoration that would take the following 31 years to complete!
Luckily he had another TD that he drove in the meantime. Once the restoration was nearing completion, he registered the car with the DVLA (documents on file) with the help of the MG TD Register and then drove the TD sparingly for a couple of years, covering a mere 1,000 miles before poor health stopped him from driving and the car was transferred to his wife’s name.
The Paperwork
There is a good amount of paperwork with the car, as well as a photo album documenting the restoration. Starting with the imported LHD TD painted light blue, still with California plates, parked in his driveway the album follows the 31 year journey.
During the project the TD was converted to right hand drive, and a new, period correct, XPAG engine was fitted. There is also a thick folder of invoices and bills starting in the early 90s, up to 2018. Looking at the invoice dates you can tell this was no hurried affair.
The restoration was finally completed in 2018 to a particularly high standard using the best parts and this is reflected in the quality of the TD now –it’s in excellent condition.
During the project the TD was converted to right hand drive, and a new, period correct, XPAG engine was fitted. There is also a thick folder of invoices and bills starting in the early 90s, up to 2018. Looking at the invoice dates you can tell this was no hurried affair.
The restoration was finally completed in 2018 to a particularly high standard using the best parts and this is reflected in the quality of the TD now –it’s in excellent condition.
Unusually for a car of this age there is a current MoT that is valid until November 2022.
The Interior
The interior is all new and beautifully presented in an attractive shade of green, with darker green carpets. There is very little wear visible; after all it’s only been driven 1000 miles since completion.
Every detail is period correct, with new Jaeger green faced instruments and correct switchgear.
The steering wheel looks to be the original, but everything else is new. The dark green hood erects and stows perfectly with drop in quarter and side screens that all fit surprisingly well. There is also a full tonneau cover that looks like it has never been used.
The steering wheel looks to be the original, but everything else is new. The dark green hood erects and stows perfectly with drop in quarter and side screens that all fit surprisingly well. There is also a full tonneau cover that looks like it has never been used.
The Exterior
The black paint on the exterior has been expertly applied and the finish is very good. We have to admire the colour choice as the TD looks the business with its complementary green grille, hood and interior. As a colour combination it is particularly attractive.
All the chrome has a good lustre, with no evidence of pitting to be found. The glass is all new, as are all the exterior lights. The steel wheels have the correct MG hupcaps and have virtually new Toyo 330 tyres all round including the spare that has not been used. We studied the car closely, and we can say that we struggled to find fault; it’s lovely.
All the chrome has a good lustre, with no evidence of pitting to be found. The glass is all new, as are all the exterior lights. The steel wheels have the correct MG hupcaps and have virtually new Toyo 330 tyres all round including the spare that has not been used. We studied the car closely, and we can say that we struggled to find fault; it’s lovely.
The Mechanics
Mechanically the TD appears to be in fine fettle. With so few miles on a newly built engine it’s hardly surprising. But a look at the photos of the underside will show the quality of the restoration; it must be better than new. Under the bonnet is everything similarly smart and period correct.
All the leads and cables are made of the correct material, and every part looks “right”. No evidence of drips or leaks here! The modern battery looks a little out of place, but that’s an easy fix for the new owner should they wish.
All the leads and cables are made of the correct material, and every part looks “right”. No evidence of drips or leaks here! The modern battery looks a little out of place, but that’s an easy fix for the new owner should they wish.
The Appeal
It is a simple decision if you are in the market for an MG TD; this car has the feel of “better than you could do if you did it yourself” and we think it’s how we would have done it too.
There is nothing that requires attention as all the work has been completed to an exemplary standard. If you like what you see, don’t hesitate; this has to be the one!
Notice to bidders
There is nothing that requires attention as all the work has been completed to an exemplary standard. If you like what you see, don’t hesitate; this has to be the one!
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.
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 sellers discretion.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1951
- Make MG
- Model TD Midget
- Colour Black
- Odometer 1,033 Miles
- Engine size 1250
Auction Details
- Seller Type Trade
- Town Horsham
- Location Sussex
- Country United Kingdom
22
bids
- ro•••• £24,250 12/01/22
- mo•••• £24,000 12/01/22
- ro•••• £23,500 12/01/22
- mo•••• £23,000 12/01/22
- ro•••• £22,500 12/01/22
- mo•••• £22,000 12/01/22
- ro•••• £21,500 12/01/22
- mo•••• £21,250 12/01/22
- Ji•••• £20,500 12/01/22
- mo•••• £20,000 12/01/22
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