Highlights

• A delightful example of this most archetypal of 1950’s British sports cars
• In the same fastidious family ownership since 1960
• Complete with a full, zipped tonneau for maximum usability and flexibility

The Appeal

The History and Paperwork

• This MG TD is a 1951 model having left the Abingdon factory in October of that year
• The car was kept by the original owner until around 1960
• At that time the current owner’s father acquired the car
• The ownership was transferred to the son in 1988
• The TD has remained in his ownership ever since
• The car is now only being sold due to heath issues
• An extensive archive of paperwork is on hand
• This includes the V5 registration document
• This classifies the car as a Historic Vehicle
• As such it is MOT and VED exempt in the UK
• Numerous invoices are also included detailing work undertaken
• An original Operation Manual is on hand
• Some MG TD place mats are even included!
  
  

The Interior

• A delightful period interior in a, mostly, highly original condition
• The tan trimmed seats are entirely original with a charming patina
• These consist of a single seat back with individual seat bases
• The seats are stitched into a series of vertical, padded box pleats
• The door cards are also trimmed in complementary tan, presenting in very good condition
• Brown corded carpets are fitted to the footwell floors
• The dashboard is finished in a dark wood veneer, recently refurbished
• A charming set of ivory faced British Jaeger gauges are fitted
• The original, three spoke “banjo” type steering wheel is present
• This is centred with a cream-coloured Bakelite boss with MG octagon
• A period dash-top, chromed rear view mirror is present
  
  

The Exterior

• This TD presents beautifully in a deep red colourway
• There appears to be a lustrous shine emanating from the body panels
• The ample chrome accents also seem to be bright and shiny
• The frontend is a particularly pleasing aspect of the TD
• The tall, chromed radiator cowl is topped with a period lion bonnet emblem
• The externally mounted twin headlamps are paired with period driving lights
• A badge bar is fitted with no less than eight original club badges
• The TD is fitted with the original “disc-type” road wheels
• These are finished in silver and centred with chromed hub caps
• The black vinyl hood is in a great condition with a clear and uncracked rear window
• A zipped full tonneau cover (pictured) is included 
• A spare steel wheel and MG hubcap adorn the rear panel of the MG
• The fit and finish of the panels of this car are exceptionally good throughout bellying its age
  
  

The Mechanics

• This example is powered by the 1,250cc “XPAG,” so called 1 ¼-litre engine
• This is an inline four-cylinder, pushrod overhead valve unit
• This was originally rated at around 55bhp at 5,200rpm
• Power is fed to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual gearbox
• Contemporary road tests noted a 77mph top speed
• The 0-60mph benchmark was hit in a shade under 19 seconds
• The engine bay presentation is a period-correct delight
• The numerous data plates appear to be present and correct
• Many components and fittings also feature the MG Octagon logo
• This includes the alloy cam cover and dip stick top
• Individually trumpeted twin carburettors are noted
• The underside of the car looks very good for the car’s age
• It seems to be straight and well finished
• No leaks were noted or reported
• Most of the exhaust system appears to be recently fitted
• The owner attests to regular maintenance having been undertaken
• He confirms that the car starts and runs very well
• He has enjoyed using the car to visit various car shows in recent years
  
  

Summary