The 1950 MG TD combined the TC's drivetrain, a modified hypoid-geared rear axle, the MG Y-Type saloon chassis and independent coil spring suspension, with a familiar T-Type style body.

Also new were rack and pinion steering, smaller 15-inch disc type road wheels, a left hand drive option and standard equipment bumpers with overriders.  In 1950, the TD2 was introduced alongside the standard car, featuring a more highly tuned engine with 8.0:1 compression ratio giving 57bhp at 5500 rpm. 

Nearly 30,000 MG TD's were manufactured, but a mere 1,770 of the later TD2 model. When production of the TD series ended in 1953, all but 1,656 had been exported with an amazing 23,488 of them to the United States.

This attractive TD2 was first registered in March 1953 by Kennings Ltd, Clay Cross in Chesterfield, sold to a Director of confectioners Rowntrees. Originally painted green it is thought to have been repainted in red in 1959.

The subject of a restoration in the early 1980s the MG travelled a mere 693 miles between 1984 and 2007. It was treated to a 5 speed gearbox upgrade in 2008 and purchased by the seller in 2012 to add to his impressive collection of classics, mostly MGs. 

At that stage the MG had been driven approximately 11,000 miles since the restoration was completed.  Now reading just 22,000 miles, it is in excellent and highly useable condition.

There is a good history file with the MG, with old V5s, a copy of the Buff logbook, and the names of the 5 previous owners. There is a fine collection of old MoT certificates stretching back to 1984, when the restoration was just completed and the MG had covered just 15 miles. 

There are plenty of invoices and bills in the file stretching back to 1970 including a large number from the period 2007 to 2012, one of which is for the 5 speed gearbox upgrade at £999. 

There is one from 2016 when the seller purchased the MG and carried out a minor recommissioning with carburettor rebuild, brake work and a refreshed ignition system.

There is plenty of further history, plus a TD series workshop manual and an Owner’s manual.

The interior of the MG is in beautiful condition with just the right amount of wear.  The black carpets are clean and smart, and the red leather seats look just right; used but with no damage.  The door cards are in like-new condition with no shoe scuffs.

The dash area is very presentable; all the gauges are clear and the switchgear is all correct.  The Moto Lita steering wheel is a later addition, complete with MG centre, and looks period correct.

There is a half zip tonneau with the MG that will need a little attention to get it to fit correctly, but is in useable condition.  There is nothing that needs immediate attention and overall the interior is just lovely.

The outside of the MG is equally gorgeous; the paintwork is excellent and all the chrome parts and bumpers have a good shine.  The seller loved his MGs and was a member of various MG clubs as can be seen on the badge bar.  

The steel wheels are in good condition with a little bubbling here and there. They are all fitted with Nexen tyres that are barely worn, except for the rear mounted spare that has a Toyo tyre fitted.  The hubcaps are bright with no dents.

The red paint is the star of the show with barely a mark to be found, and consistent shut lines and good panel fit.  There is a luggage rack fitted to the rear, which has two wicker baskets bolted to the frame, enough space for a double picnic!

The tan hood is a good fit, and has no marks or tears.  Easy to erect and folding away neatly when down.

Under the bonnet the twin SU carb XPAG engine looks to be in good condition, with a couple of stain marks on the block.  Driving nicely when we visited there is plenty of “get up and go” available, plus the advantage of low rev cruising thanks to the 5 speed gearbox. 

The brakes were working nicely, and the steering was direct with no play.  With simple mechanics and good accessibility these later TD models are dependable and entertaining post-war classics.

The TD is a much more comfortable and spacious proposition than the earlier TC, and is a far easier car to drive on modern roads.  Easy to maintain, with great parts availability and an excellent and supportive Owner’s Club the TD model is a rewarding and enjoyable proposition.

With so many TDs going for export it is quite rare to find an original UK market example. This is a fine MG that would be the highlight of any MG collection.