** Please note that these photos have been provided by the vendor **
Highlights
- A beautifully restored example
- Excellent paintwork and leather interior
- Superbly clean chassis and running gear
The Appeal
The hugely successful T-series Midgets proved popular on both sides of the Atlantic in the 1950s, and their popularity got MG back into the swing of peacetime sportscar manufacturing.
This TD is a superb example of the small, nimble, lightweight combination. It has been extensively restored and remains in excellent condition inside and out. Finished in Old English White paint, with a warmly patinated red leather interior, it looks great from any angle. Even the underside is extremely clean and tidy, with few signs of use.
So don’t hesitate to bid on this very well sorted example of an early classic British sportscar.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered in 1952
- Road Tax and MOT exempt
- Five registered former keepers
The Interior
- Excellent red leather upholstery
- Just the right level of patina
- Fold-down windscreen and Brooklands aero screens
The interior of this MG TD is much the same as it would have been when it left the factory in Abingdon-on-Thames in 1952. The red leather seat covers exhibit a warm glow of use, which has evidently been built up over many years. The leather looks beautifully supple and extremely inviting. Matching red leather door cards complete the look, and they feature useful storage pockets. The rear-hinged doors themselves allow easy ingress and egress.
The driver is presented with a sizeable steering wheel, which features chrome spokes and connects to a rack and pinion steering system. In front of this, the dashboard is faced with finely grained veneer and features sweeping curves to its top edge, as found on all T-series Midgets.
Instrumentation is generously proportioned, with the speedometer located in front of the driver, and plenty of gauges to keep the driver abreast of the situation. Above this, there is a fold-flat windscreen, with secondary Brooklands aero screens fitted, for that vintage sporting look.
There is a fire extinguisher mounted on the transmission tunnel, and the carpets all look well fitted, clean and tidy. Half- and full-tonneau tonneau covers come with the car, as well as a hood and side screens for weather protection.
The Exterior
- Beautifully presented Old English White paintwork
- Excellent chrome trim
- Superbly clean underneath
Finished in the timelessly elegant shade of Old English white, the paintwork on this MG is very well finished. It remains in excellent condition throughout, with very few blemishes to be found. And the body panels which it sits on look straight and true, the gracefully sweeping wings running from front to rear.
The chrome trim is equally splendid, exhibiting a deep shine from the radiator shell at the front of the car to the luggage rack at the rear. A spare wheel is mounted at the rear, upon the slab-shipped petrol tank. This comes with a wooden dipstick, as there is no petrol gauge on the dashboard, only a low fuel warning lamp.
Underneath, the car is very well preserved, with hardly any signs of use. The running gear all looks very clean and shows obvious signs of expert maintenance and loving care. Even the white body panels are showing very little dirt.
The car runs on a set of pressed steel wheels, which have evidently been repainted. They feature brightly polished hubcaps and the tyres are said to be in good condition.
The Mechanics
- 1,250cc XPAG engine
- Four-speed manual transmission
- Electronic ignition and 4.55:1 ratio rear axle
The four cylinder XPAG engine in this MG is fed by twin S.U. carburettors and puts out 57bhp, which makes for exciting driving in such a lightweight little car. The vendor informs us that the car has been fitted with electronic ignition, as well as fitting a 4.55:1 ratio crown wheel and pinion set in the rear axle, as well as new half-shafts, bearings and road springs.
We’re informed that the car starts easily and drives well, and that there are no untoward noises. It presents very well, with a beautifully clean engine bay. The polished aluminium air intake flanked by twin S.U. carburettors, as well a polished brass linkages and copper pipes all add up to make a very appealing scene.
Summary
Overall, this MG is beautifully presented and has clearly been the subject of extensive care and attention. It will be welcomed and appreciated wherever it goes and will certainly attract all the right kinds of attention.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
