Description
Betsy is a matching numbers 1953 TD with the later TD2 engine and 8” clutch. Owned for eleven years ago we have covered 4, 600 dry weather miles together. Kept in a dehumidified garage, she is currently showing 23, 750 miles with MOT certificates indicating that since 1989 she has covered less than 8, 500 miles.
Mechanical Improvements include:
• Chromed wire wheels
• Negative Earth
• Dynator alternator (identical to the original dynamo, so looks “right”. (The original will go with the car.)
• Warm white LED bulbs for the dashboard lamps
• Declan Burns’ remote brake fluid reservoir in the engine bay (to obviate the need to hire a contortionist to get at the brake master cylinder under the floor)
• Goodridge Speed Bleeder one way valve brake nipples (allows one-person brake bleeding)
• 12v power outlet
• Engine isolator switch in cockpit/ Master battery switch in engine bay
• Racestoration high volume water pump
• Burlen electric fuel pump
• Reversing light activated by the gearbox
• Stainless steel exhaust
• Adjustable clutch linkage rod
Mechanical maintenance work includes:
• 1, 500 miles ago - carburettors restored and rebuilt by Southern Carburettors
• 2, 000 miles ago - brake master cylinder and front slave cylinders replaced and brake pipes renewed
• 7, 000 miles ago - gearbox stripped and restored
Comfort
Those with other halves who put up with their passion for old cars but nevertheless find them cold and draughty might appreciate the factory option rebuilt and restored Arnaud heater imported from USA. Much has been written about the best way to fit a heater to a TD and having pored over numerous articles I think mine is done properly. Even so, it gives off just about enough heat to melt an ice-cube, if held close. If the engine sound isn’t enough, under the dash there are flush mounted speakers and a small amplifier that can be connected to a mobile ‘phone for sound. The amp could be easily removed if thought to be un-TD-like.
Appearance
There is no rust, and all of the bolts, nuts and washers fastening the wings to the chassis are stainless steel. Although the body was last repainted in 2004, only 7, 000 miles have been covered since then so she still retains a deep lustrous shine. The chromed wire wheels are a little wider than the standard wheels so give a very good ride indeed. For purists, I still have the original painted narrower wire wheels and tires which will go with the car. The rest of the chromework is all bright and in excellent condition. The black mohair tonneau and hood are exceptional, being trimmed with red piping and they suit the car very well. Side screens came with her but I can honestly say that I have never used them. Interior trim is good and the leather seats are firm and sound with no tears or sagging, but the red colour is fading. It has been my choice to leave them this way, but others may prefer to have them re-coloured.
All in all, she is a super, eye catching and very reliable example of the TD, and deserves a good home. A new acquisition for me means I need the garage space. I have many, many photos and video clips and would welcome answering questions from serious enquirers.
