MG TD

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The T-Series MG Midget had kept the Abingdon company buoyant for many years, and following the post-war introduction of a warmed over pre-war design in the TC, MG realised they needed to come up with something new to bolster flagging US sales by the end of the decade.

So important was this export market that the TD was designed purely to carry on the sales momentum in the USA. Proof of MG’s success being that of the 30,000 odd TDs produced, just 1,656 stayed at home! Based on a stiffer chassis borrowed from the Gerald Palmer-designed Y-Type saloon, complete with its independent front suspension, rack-and-pinion steering and Easyclean steel wheels, the TD remained in production until 1953 when its replacement, the more modern looking TF, hit the streets. Contemporary road tests managed a top speed of 77mph from its 1,250cc XPAG engine, with 60mph taking 18.2 seconds from rest.

This RHD 1952 TD spent its early years in Tokyo, Japan, where it was first owned by William Joseph O'Neill. It was then purchased by His Excellency Major General R Bambang Soegeng who was the Ambassador to the Republic of Indonesia in Japan. From June 1963 ownership was transferred to Mr J Manning who lived in Japan while working for IBM at the World Trade Asia Corporation. When he retired to Stratford, Connecticut, in October 1997, he took the MG with him, by which time it was recording a mileage of 70,732 miles.

John Condon of Keston, Kent, then purchased the car in August 1999 and brought it back to the UK, eventually getting round to registering it in March 2002 as KSL 639. It then went through the hands of MG specialist Terry Bone, the vendor acquiring the car from him in January 2004. A mileage check showed that it had covered a mere 427 miles in the previous six-and-a-half years despite an Atlantic crossing!

The comprehensive document file shows a bill for £1,399 from Motor Wheel Services back in 2013 for the supply of five brand new chrome wire wheels with new Vredestein Classic tyres. Four of the original wheels have been retained and are included in the sale. Details on the car’s earlier history, six old MOTs and numerous further bills are also included in the paperwork.

Showing a lovely patina, this charming cross continental traveller started willingly and idled patiently during the photography. We would recommend a good service and spanner check before venturing out on the road, but other than that this little MG looks good for many more years of service.