1953 MG TD
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HIGHLIGHTS
• Stunning restoration
• Thousands spent
• Only 83 miles since completion
• Photographic rebuild record
THE APPEAL
Immediately after World War Two, Britain’s economic mantra was ‘Export or Die’, and it was the car industry that led that export drive – somewhat ironic considering that in modern Britain we import 10 times as many cars as we export.
One of the big export success stories was MG, whose T-Series sports cars made a massive impact in the USA. The pre-war TA and TB and immediate post-war TC and TD were extremely popular with US servicemen stationed in the UK, so when they went home they often took their cars with them. On the back of that, a fruitful export market opened up, upon which MG was quick to capitalise. Of the 29,900 TDs made, only 1,656 stayed in the UK with almost 24,000 of the export models going to the USA.
The TD was introduced in 1950 and while it used the same wooden frame and separate chassis of the TC Midget, it employed the front steering and suspension set-up from the Y-Type saloon, which made it a far more agile car to drive, while power came from the same 1,250cc XPAG engines as the previous model – not fast, but surprisingly tractable and lively.
The TD was also achingly pretty, as this beautifully restored example testifies. Like most TDs it began life in the USA but was imported into the UK in 2014. Between 2015 and 2020 it underwent a nut and bolt restoration and conversion to right-hand-drive – and it’s an absolute stunner.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
• Huge file of invoices totally over £28,000 in parts alone
• Photos of full restoration in progress
• Old photographs
• UK V5C
• Tax and MOT exempt
If you had any doubts at all as to the quality of this restoration, then the two lever arch files that come with the car will dispel any concerns. They contain invoices totalling over £28,000 in parts alone – the previous owner restored the car himself, so that’s without labour.
There’s a second folder containing photographs of the restoration taken at every stage of the process – it’s amazingly thorough.
It also comes with some photos of the MG pre-restoration, a UK V5C in the name of the vendor and copies of all the original importation documents.
THE INTERIOR
• Fully retrimmed with tan leather
• Full weather kit
• Tonneau cover
• Period fire extinguisher and starting handle
Many of the parts in the TD came from NTG Motor Services – the bet-known supplier of T-Series parts in the UK. They include the full interior – new seats, carpets, door cards and dash, all of which are perfectly presented, while a period fire extinguisher and starting handle are nice touches.
It also comes with a full wet weather kit and a brand-new tonneau cover, which is still sealed in its bag.
THE EXTERIOR
• Nut and bolt restoration
• Immaculate chassis
• Superb body
• All new chrome
As you’d expect from a car that has seen a nut and bolt restoration, this one is as close to perfection as you could wish for – it’s beautifully done and pretty much faultless throughout. There are a couple of tiny marks and one of the doors shuts could do with some alignment, but that’s being really picky. It’s a beautiful car both on top and underneath.
The chassis was powder coated and painted as part of the restoration and it’s in perfect condition, while it was also treated to either brand new or refurbished chrome work throughout.
THE MECHANICS
• 1250cc XPAG engine
• Only 83 miles since rebuild
• Drives and runs perfectly
The peppy 1250cc XPAG engine was fully rebuilt as part of the car’s restoration and runs really well, which is hardly surprising considering the car has only travelled 83 miles since it was completed.
All of the brakes, suspension components and rubbers were also replaced to make is as close to as good as new, if not better. The vendor reports that it drives without fault.
SUMMARY
This has to be one of the very best TDs to ever hit the market, coming straight from a comprehensive ground-up restoration and having barely covered any miles since. It’s a potential show-winner and a truly superb restoration that’s a credit to the skills of its previous owner. Just stunning.
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.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1953
- Make MG
- Model TD
- Colour Green/White
- Odometer 83 Miles
- Engine size 1250
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Location Cambridgeshire
- Country United Kingdom
25
bids
- da•••• £27,000 09/06/22
- st•••• £21,000 03/06/22
- mr•••• £20,750 03/06/22
- st•••• £20,500 03/06/22
- LW•••• £20,000 03/06/22
- an•••• £19,000 03/06/22
- DW•••• £17,500 03/06/22
- he•••• £17,250 03/06/22
- DW•••• £17,000 03/06/22
- he•••• £16,750 03/06/22
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