Highlights
- Featured in "The Automobile" magazine's August 2022 edition
- Detailed rebuild by an engineering lecturer
- One of only 345 assembled in South Africa
- Approximately £10,000 worth of new parts fitted
- Extensive photographic documentation of the restoration
The Appeal
The MG TD was built in a time of transition. While the country was recovering from the Second World War, tens of thousands of servicemen from the USA were returning home. They often took British cars with them, and MG became a firm favourite. There was a fabulous pre-war aesthetic that felt uniquely English to MG's wares, and, in order to capitalise on this and save redesign costs, MG set about continuation, evolving their pre-war cars while maintaining their flat-nosed radiator grilles and sweeping arches.
Originally assembled in Abingdon, this fine 1950 example was then dismantled and shipped to South Africa, where it was one of just 345 examples reassembled at the Motor Assemblies factory in Durban.
Originally assembled in Abingdon, this fine 1950 example was then dismantled and shipped to South Africa, where it was one of just 345 examples reassembled at the Motor Assemblies factory in Durban.
Over the course of 3 years, it was comprehensively rebuilt between 2019 and 2022, with around £10,000 worth of parts fitted. The work was carried out with great attention to detail and was significant enough to be featured in "The Automobile" magazine's August 2022 edition. Having been purchased from Car & Classic by the current owner in November 2022, the car has seen minimal use due to health circumstances, and is eagerly waiting to impress its lucky new owner.
History and Paperwork
- 1950 MG TD
- Originally assembled in Abingdon, then dismantled and shipped to South Africa for reassembly at the Motor Assemblies factory in Durban
- Spent time in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) before returning to South Africa in the late 1970s
- Relocated to the Isle of Man around 2000 before being registered in the UK for the first time
- Comprehensive restoration carried out since 2019 with photographic documentation
- Featured in "The Automobile" magazine's August 2022 edition
- Purchased by the current owner in November 2022
- Comes with a large lever arch folder containing paperwork, including old Isle of Man documents, current V5, and numerous invoices
- Two boxes of spare parts included
- Tax and MOT exempt
The Condition
- New leather upholstery in light tan, replacing the original blue trim
- New dark brown carpets fitted
- New hood, frame and side screens installed
- Wooden dashboard presents well
- New wiring loom neatly installed
- Paintwork in good condition overall with some minor sinking visible at certain angles
- Chrome work generally presents well with some small areas of age-related pitting
- Five new tyres
- Tonneau cover included for when the top is down
- Metalwork well preserved from its time in South Africa's hot climate
The Mechanics
- Engine capacity slightly increased from original 1,250cc due to overbore (stamped +.030 Bore)
- 4-speed manual transmission
- Modified crown wheel and pinion with 4.55:1 ratio for improved cruising capability at 55-60mph
- Good oil pressure reported
- Fuel system, ignition system and brakes rebuilt
- New bearings and rubber mounts installed throughout
- Stainless steel exhaust fitted
- Clean engine bay with evidence of top-end rebuild
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.
