Highlights

Restored to a very high standard following its import from the United States
A very well presented example in fantastic condition for its age
Accompanied by a substantial and detailed history file amassed by previous owners
Recently fitted with a new folding roof which remains in fine condition
In very good mechanical order, running and driving well with plenty of performance and fine handling

The Appeal

After the Second World War rather got in the way of MG’s seamless lineage of T-type sports cars, the TD was to be their first post-war model, although it shared many characteristics with its predecessors. Today, these handsome roadsters are enjoyed for how they meld a pre-war aesthetic with the latest technology - effectively producing an eminently usable vintage sports car.

Here we have a very handsome 1951 TD that has clearly been cherished very dearly over the years. These MGs were in many cases intended for the American market and that’s exactly where this one comes from, since having been converted to right-hand drive. It’s presented in lovely overall condition and is accompanied by a wealth of paperwork and hand-written notes amassed by previous owners. It is said to drive really well and the vendor has enjoyed taking the car to various shows and events.

The History and Paperwork

Exported new to the USA in left-hand drive
Re-imported to the UK in 1991, restored and converted to right-hand drive
Previously painted red
Five UK owners according to DVLA records
Exempt from road tax and MOT testing
In present ownership for the past nine months
Acquired from Robin Lawton Vintage & Classic Cars
Accompanied by a substantial amount of paperwork
Collection of parts and servicing invoices
A number of old tax discs and MOT certificates have been kept
V5C present
Several pages of hand-written notes from previous owners detail various outings, repairs and tweaks
Original brochures, manuals and lubrication charts
Numerous photograph of the restoration work along with others depicting the car in use with previous owners

The Interior

Very smart red upholstery
Original and well-presented dashboard
Lightly patinated

Sitting behind the wheel of this MG is a thoroughly vintage experience and we enjoy the delicate nature of the controls - a far cry from the cars of today. The red upholstery looks fantastic next to the cream bodywork and all the material appears in great shape. The red carpeting too has worn well, as have the door cards.

All the switches and instruments are said to work correctly and we note there’s not much wear to these or the controls.

The Exterior

Attractive cream paintwork - weathering in nicely with use
Steel wheels with hubcaps and Vredestein Sprint Classic tyres
Well presented brightwork
The vendor informs us that the folding hood is new and therefore in great condition
Appears really solid underneath

We really enjoy the way the TD looks and this one is particularly handsome. The cream paintwork has now weathered in nicely, with a few chips and some general patination in a few areas which we feel really suits it. We didn’t spot any notable body damage and the steel looks really solid topside and underneath.

The vendor informs us that the folding roof is new and it certainly looks to be in excellent order. Al the chromework looks nice, as do the painted steel wheels with their hubcaps and high quality Vredestein Sprint Classic tyres.

The Mechanics

1250 cc four-cylinder engine
Four-speed manual gearbox
Independent front suspension
Rack and pinion steering
Axle ratio previously changed to 4:55:1
A solid state fuel pump and distributor points were added to increase reliability
Said to be running and driving really well, with no known faults

This is a very enjoyable car to drive and few roadsters of this sort are quite so usable. The rack and pinion steering along with the independent front suspension, really aid handling and that 1250 cc engine has plenty of pep for this MG to clip along nicely.

The vendor is not aware of any mechanical issues, it presents very well under the bonnet and the detailed history file suggests previous owners have always kept on top of maintenance.

Summary

This is a very fine specimen of the much loved MG TD. It’s in great condition, looking incredibly smart without being too pristine to enjoy.

With plenty of reading material and an interesting stateside history to discover, this MG is sure to be a great addition to any enthusiast’s garage.

Notice to bidders

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