Highlights
- Matching numbers car with original XPAG engine
- Spent most of its life in the dry climate of Santa Rosa, California
- Sympathetically restored in 2011 with full body repaint
- Rust and corrosion free example
- Desirable Brooklands aero screens fitted
The Appeal
The MG TD may have looked pre-war, but it did offer a steady diet of refinement and improvement upon its predecessors. This was a time of impressive change for the motor industry, and the British Sports Car had become something of an essential for the discerning enthusiast. MG were ruling the roost with cars like these - small, inexpensive and unintimidating. Perfect for the leisure driver!
The Americans particularly loved them. Servicemen returning from British soil took MG cars with them in droves, and they quickly caught on. Nowadays, the ones that have spent time in California are particularly special buys. The dry climate means that they tended to fare much better here than their British market counterparts.
This example is one of these, having spent much of its life in Santa Rosa. It's now spent a good 14 years back on our side of the Atlantic, sympathetically restored and ready for its lucky new owner.
The Americans particularly loved them. Servicemen returning from British soil took MG cars with them in droves, and they quickly caught on. Nowadays, the ones that have spent time in California are particularly special buys. The dry climate means that they tended to fare much better here than their British market counterparts.
This example is one of these, having spent much of its life in Santa Rosa. It's now spent a good 14 years back on our side of the Atlantic, sympathetically restored and ready for its lucky new owner.
History and Paperwork
- Built in Abingdon on November 9, 1950, as LHD in Pacific Blue (registration 452 YUN)
- First registered in the US on January 1, 1951, spent most of its life in Santa Rosa, California
- Factory records from MG Car Club T register confirm matching engine and chassis numbers
- Returned to the UK in 2011 rust and corrosion free, sympathetically restored with full body repaint
- Current ownership began in 2018
- When not in use, kept on stands in a carpeted, dehumidified double garage
The Condition
- Blue paintwork has a shine, with a few minor blemishes
- Everything is nicely presented with only light wear
- Chrome is bright with minor pitting
- Wheels are original 1950s spec steel wheels with MG chrome hub caps
- Brooklands aero screens can be easily removed if preferred
- Windscreen folds flat
- Undercarriage appears in good condition due to spending most of its life in California and being garaged in the UK
- Hood has not been used under current ownership but erects easily and appears in reasonable condition
- Side screens are present and stored in the rear
- Dashboard was replaced during the 2011 restoration
- Instruments and lights are in working order
- Retrofitted indicators
- Recently fitted mirrors
- Cream seats are in good condition
- Tonneau cover fits well
The Mechanics
- 1,250cc XPAG 4-cylinder engine
- 4-speed manual transmission
- Engine bay in good order
Recent work includes:
- Dashboard wiring fixed
- Professional rebuild of the carburettors
- Installation of a stainless steel exhaust
- The vendor reports that the original XPAG engine maintains good oil pressure
- We've no reports of any mechanical issues
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