Not to be confused with the TD2 the TD Mk2 (or TD/C), was created as an upgraded TD with competition in mind. The factory had been entering modified TDs in Hill Climb competitions, and doing rather well until they were disqualified as not being ‘production’ models. So, the Mark 2 was offered with the modifications that improved its performance over the standard car and made it legal for competition.

These improvements included four supplementary Andrex friction shock absorbers at each corner and twin SU fuel pumps. The engine had raised compression with larger valves and stiffer valve springs providing an extra 3bhp, which may not seem a lot but coupled with the higher ratio final drive improved the overall performance and top speed. 

Out of around 30,000 TDs made between 1950 and 1953 around 1700 were the Mark 2 and most were exported to the US.

In 1951 this pretty little TD was built and shipped directly to the first owner in New Jersey USA, Dominick Lasso. There it stayed until it was sold to the North Yorkshire Company Mathewsons in 2009. Once in the UK Mathewsons treated the car to a complete nut and bolt restoration after which it remained in their own collection until 2013 where it was sold to the second owner, Mrs Ellington. 

The MG stayed in her ownership until 2021 when the car was returned to Mathewsons for re-sale. The restoration has been thorough and has had the benefit of including updated aspects such as indicators and a key starter.

 
There is a current V5 with the car and several important documents including verification of engine and chassis identification from the Octagon Club, original New Jersey documentation and paperwork from Mathewsons.

The bodywork is finished in a delightful Clipper Blue and has a deep gloss which appears as fresh as the day it was painted. The chrome embellishments all look bright and clean and provide a delightful contrast to the body. 

The hood is also in first class condition and has a set of wet weather panels that were made new at the time of the restoration. Interestingly, many TDs suffer from the timber frame doors becoming a slightly awkward fit and require lifting as they are closed. Not this car, the doors fit so incredibly well and close with an ease normally reserved something much more modern.

The dash and instruments are all laid out as the factory intended and everything operates as it should. The seats and carpet show very little if any major use and are clean and free of tears. The choke has been moved to a more convenient location too

The car starts from cold with a little choke and runs quietly and so sweetly. Once warm there is a distinct lack of fumes from the tiny tail-pipe. Gear selection remains positive and precise and has a lightness and ease of use to all the controls and has a respectful turn of speed that will allow it to be driven without major concern along the busy ‘A’ roads of today.

 
The TD Mark 2 is a fairly rare sight as many if not all ended up across the pond in the US, but what makes our little car very rare is to find one that has been so tastefully restored and with such an attention to detail. This car could be bought and taken that little step further to become a Concours winner, but that might be something of a shame as this car is a sheer delight and deserves to at least get some use, even if that’s only during one of our few sunnier days. 

There is that ‘turn-key’ appeal to buying this car because there is simply nothing a new owner needs to do. It has all been done and done particularly well in 2009. It would sit very well in any private collection and should be cosseted from here on in, and if that’s your intention as a buyer, that’s fine, but do the right thing and drive it occasionally, you won’t regret it.