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 overseas and is left-hand-drive, having spent much of its recent life in Spain before coming back to the UK in 2018.
It was treated to a body-off rebuild in 2014 and is in lovely order, with a retrimmed cabin.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
UK V5C
Tax, MOT and ULEZ exempt
MG TD Owners Operation Manual
Was previously owned in Spain by current owner and reimported in 2018
Old Spanish registration plates
Show programmes and rally plaques from various events the car attended in Spain
Invoices and receipts from Spanish classic car specialists in late 2000s
Full restored in Spain nine years ago
Photos of full restoration in progress
Old photographs of previous owners and car at events
Journal documenting the car’s life in Spain, handwritten by owner
Matching engine and chassis numbers
Originally a US car, complete with New England MG T-register badges on badge bar
THE INTERIOR
Seats retrimmed in bold red leather
Matching refurbished red door cards
Steering wheel also bound in red leather material
Gorgeous art-deco dash
Smart black carpets with tailored dark red over-mats
Restored MG Motor Company kick plates
Lovely overall order
THE EXTERIOR
Repainted in smart original black
Tan coloured hood and all-weather equipment
Body-off restoration, rebuilt onto restored and comprehensively rust-proofed chassis
No signs of any evident underbody corrosion
Refurbished steel wheels in smart Ivory colour scheme
All chrome and brightwork in good, largely preserved and original order
Very smart pain finish with no obvious damage or defects
THE MECHANICS
1,250cc XPAG engine
Original engine
Starts and runs very well indeed
Completely rewired at the time of the car’s rebuild
Unleaded head conversion
SUMMARY
The TD is arguably the best compromise among the MG XPAG cars, with the improved comfort and durability of the later TF models but retaining the classic appeal of the earlier models – a pre-war car in many respects, but one that enjoyed massive post-war success.
Lively, fun and frugal, they’re hugely enjoyable cars to own and surprisingly easy to still get parts for thanks to a global network of specialists. This one is a lovely example, ready to use, show and enjoy, and with a great documented story of its recent past in the care of an owner who has truly loved it.
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.
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More about buying with us
1953 MG TD LHD
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