Lot number	111
Hammer value	£17,500
Description	MG TD
Registration	YVL 654
Year	1952
Colour	Red
Engine size	1,250 cc
Chassis No.	TD13933
Engine No.	XPAG/TD2/14411

Following on from the successful TC, the MG TD arrived in 1949, introducing some much needed post-war refinements.

Its rigid box-section chassis frame featured independent double-wishbone front suspension, a well-located 'live' rear axle, four-wheel drum brakes, a hidden reinforced scuttle hoop and perhaps best of all, rack-and-pinion steering. Still constructed on a wooden frame, the car was 5-inches wider with a track of 50-inches and had a mirror-image dashboard to facilitate either RHD or LHD production.

Sharper handling and smoother riding than its T-series predecessors, the newcomer drew considerable praise from the contemporary press. Powered by a twin-carb four-cylinder XPAG 1,250cc engine allied to four-speed manual transmission, the 54bhp TD was capable of 80mph and 26mpg.

In 1951 the MkII TD entered production alongside the standard model with a more powerful 60bhp engine, offering even better performance. Great fun to drive, the MG TD had a quirky mixture of a vintage body and 50s styling cues and sold extremely well until it was replaced in 1953 by the MG TF. In all, some 30,000 TDs were made in total, the vast majority being sold to US customers.

This beautiful left-hand drive 1952 TD has come from a small private collection of cars in Scandinavia and was treated to a total nut-and-bolt restoration about five years ago. Imported back to the UK in August last year and with just one UK owner since, it has been used only very sparingly since the restoration was completed and in fine weather only.

The vendor states that the chassis, paintwork, chrome, upholstery and engine are all in “superb condition”. Fitted with radial tyres, additional cooling fan, ‘Brooklands’ aero screens and stone guards to the headlights, it also comes with a full set of weather gear comprising a hood, half tonneau and a pair of matching colour side screens, all in excellent condition.

Said to drive beautifully and MOT exempt, it is sure to be of interest to our continental clients or would be a fine thing to have at your disposal at that second home in France.