Highlights

In the same family since 1960; over 65 years of continuous ownership across three generations
British Racing Green with original green leather interior
Extensive recent mechanical recommissioning, including brakes, fuel system, and electrics, we are told
Unrestored and retaining its original character throughout
Accompanied by its log book documenting the chain of ownership from new

Please note that this lovely TD isn't a Mark 2

The Appeal

The 1953 MG TD represents the final year of the iconic British roadster that ignited America's post-war sports car boom. It blended 1930s styling, like sweeping wings and suicide doors, with updated 1950s mechanics, including independent front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering. Powered by a 54-horsepower 1,250cc engine with a four-speed manual transmission, it prioritised nimble handling over outright speed. Today, it remains a highly prized collectible celebrating pure, open-air motoring history.

This 1953 example in British Racing Green with its original green leather interior was acquired in 1960 by the seller's great uncle, Geoffrey Houghton, who fitted a replacement engine at that time. It passed to the seller's father in 1990 and then to the current seller in 2023, who has reportedly undertaken a thorough programme of recommissioning covering the brakes, fuel system, electrics, and ancillaries. The vendor states the 1,250cc engine revs freely, starts on first touch, and sounds brilliant.

The paintwork and chrome carry the honest patina of over seven decades, but this is a characterful and mechanically sorted MG TD with genuine long-term provenance.

Key Information

Mileage: 58,248 miles indicated
Country of registration: UK
Technical inspection status: exempt
Technical specs: 1,250cc XPAG inline-four engine, mated to a four-speed manual gearbox
Paperwork: log book present, operation manual, period photographs, promotional material, various MOT certificates and invoices
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The Detail

New master cylinder, two new slave brake cylinders, and new copper brake hoses fitted; the vendor describes the brakes as very good
Fuel tank opened, cleaned out, and a new fuel line installed
New battery, air filter, oil filter, and spark plugs fitted
Fresh oil, coolant, and a new thermostat fitted
Dynamo cleaned and a new control box added; the vendor states it charges nicely
The vendor states the engine starts on first touch every time
The vendor describes the gearbox as strong
The vendor reports the brakes and handbrake can lock all four wheels on loose ground
Steering reported to show no play
The vendor states the car comfortably keeps up with modern traffic and has been taken to 65 mph
Speedometer works well and appears accurate when tested against mobile GPS, we are told
Voltmeter, choke, starter, indicators, running lights, low beams, and high beams all reported as working
Rev counter and clock are not functioning or have become disconnected
Paintwork and chrome are dull with age; a patch of paint is missing from the fuel tank area
One of four bonnet catches is broken; a rubber tube is currently used to hold the bonnet shut
Original factory green leather interior with age-appropriate patina
Tear present under the driver's seat by the footwell
Vinyl hood reported in good working order
Comes with two tonneau covers, wet weather door insets, and homemade wooden door inserts
Luggage rack fitted
Two tool kits in the engine bay containing a jack and tools; wheel nut remover clips into the back of the seat
15-inch wheels; spare wheel supplied
Never had a body-off restoration, we are told
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BEFORE YOU BUY

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