MG TD

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THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN WITHDRAWN. APOLOGIES FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE CAUSED

Following on from the successful MG TC, the 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 and rack and pinion steering. Still constructed on a wooden frame, the car was 5 inches wider with a track of 50 inches. Sharper handling and smoother riding than its T-series predecessors, the newcomer drew considerable praise from the contemporary press.

Powered by a twin SU carburettor fed, four-cylinder XPAG 1250cc engine allied to four-speed manual transmission, the 54bhp TD was capable of 80mph and 26mpg. In 1951 a Mk II TD entered production with a more powerful 60bhp engine, which offered 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, some 30,000 being made in total, the vast majority in left-hand drive, although conversion to right-hand drive is straightforward.

This 1951 MG TD was supplied new to the United States where, by the Seventies. it was in need of restoration, which the then owner began in1978. But by 2005 the car was still only a rolling chassis with most parts still in boxes. At this time it was sold and shipped back to England where the car was totally stripped down and rebuilt.

All parts showing corrosion were replaced and the body underwent a full bare-metal respray in Guard’s red. Previously rebuilt, the engine and gearbox were refitted and a new wiring loom fitted. The interior was re-trimmed in matching red leather with a new hood and weather equipment made using Tan Everflex. Bills to the value of approximately £26,000 attest to the work that has gone into this car. There is also a photographic record of the restoration.

The MG was finally finished and back on the road by mid 2008. Since then it has only covered some 900 miles, mainly to and from shows where it has won several plaques and a silver trophy. MOTd until August, the vendor believes it to be as fine as any on the market.