1953 MG TD
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Highlights
• Older restoration
• Good condition
• Ready to be enjoyed and/ or refreshed
The Appeal
The car built to capitalise on the American’s love affair with MG’s cheeky post war sports car, the TD Midget was mostly for the export market making it comparatively rare in its home nation. The adoption of rack and pinion steering and the Y-Type saloon’s independent front suspension make it a livelier steer than its predecessors and it retains an enthusiastic following over here.
This example is from the last year of production of the TD and was the subject of an extensive restoration in the 1980’s. It runs very well and, although Eighties paint technology is not at the same level as today’s, the bodywork remains in good condition while the interior is believed to be original. This makes it a very usable classic that could be enjoyed immediately and further refreshed as time and finances allow.
The History and Paperwork
• Original buff log book confirms that the registration number is original
• Matching numbers
• Restored in the 1980’s, including a rebuild of the Ash frame
• With previous owner since 2015 as part of a collection which has been reduced due to age and ill health
• Recently acquired by the current owner but he has found another car and has had to prioritise the space!
• A collection of old tax discs and MOT’s accompany the car, along with a selection of invoices, including those covering the 1980’s restoration
• Now MOT exempt
• V5 present in the owner’s name
The Interior
• Cream leather, believed to be original
• No holes, tears or splits
• Dashboard in very good condition
• All the dials and switches work as they should
Opening the diminutive door of the TD reveals cream leather seats that are showing their age to some degree but retain a comfortable, patinated originality. Sliding in under the slim-rimmed steering wheel, the view takes in the simple but attractive dashboard and looks out over the long bonnet, with the chromed headlights framing the road ahead. Some of the dials are showing a little condensation but all work as they should, as do the lights and wipers.
Without the side screens in place it can get a little breezy but, fortunately, they can be kept in the boot and deployed easily with glass that is clear and scratch-free. The hood is structurally in great condition with a rear screen that, while plastic rather than glass, remains clear and affords a decent view out back.
The Exterior
• Paintwork remains in good condition
• A few small chips and scratches
• Chrome generally good with some light pitting
• No sign of any damage
• Good wheels and tyres with plenty of tread
Finished in red, with flowing lines and bright chrome work, this MG TD cuts quite a dash and is sure to attract a positive response wherever it goes.
The bodywork has clearly aged a little since its restoration but remains very presentable with straight body panels and just a tiny amount of corrosion at the leading edge of the bonnet.
Underneath is also said to be in very good condition with no visible signs of corrosion and no sign of any fluid leaks.
The Mechanics
• Starts, stops and steers exactly as it should
• Smooth through the gears
• No smoke or untoward noises
The car is reported to drive with no issues whatsoever, pulling well and stopping in a straight line as quickly as can be expected. While a 1950’s sports car isn’t going to be fast in the modern sense of the word, the sensation of speed is enhanced by a suitable rasp from the exhaust which is thought to have been replaced at some point.
On the move, the owner reports that the gearbox and back axle are quiet and there are no clunks from the suspension. A recent trip from Oxford to Bristol proved to be no problem at all. Overall, it should be ready to go.
On the move, the owner reports that the gearbox and back axle are quiet and there are no clunks from the suspension. A recent trip from Oxford to Bristol proved to be no problem at all. Overall, it should be ready to go.
Summary
A well kept, very presentable classic 50’s sports car which offers scope for cosmetic improvement but can be enjoyed straight away, or at least when the weather permits!
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 Red
- Odometer 55,000 Miles
- Engine size 1250
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Location City of Bristol
- Country United Kingdom
9
bids
from 7
bidders
- gr•••• £14,750 19/01/22
- Kn•••• £14,500 19/01/22
- Ia•••• £14,250 14/01/22
- ch•••• £12,250 14/01/22
- Ia•••• £12,000 13/01/22
- so•••• £7,000 12/01/22
- Mi•••• £6,000 12/01/22
- Mi•••• £5,500 12/01/22
- NA•••• £5,000 12/01/22
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