Description

1953 MG TD MkII

Original UK car that has spent its whole life in the local area; current owner 16 years; well maintained and in regular use; recent new sidescreens and top end overhaul; charmingly original; ready to enjoy

The T-Series Midget had kept MG buoyant for many years but after the post-war introduction of the TC, a warmed-over pre-war design, MG realised that they needed to come up with something new to bolster flagging US sales, hence the TD of 1949.

Based on a stiffer chassis borrowed from the Y-Type saloon, complete with independent front suspension, rack-and-pinion steering and Easyclean steel wheels, it also boasted a hypoid-bevel back axle, hidden scuttle reinforcement hoop and twin leading-shoe front brakes.

In 1951 a Mk II TD entered production and introduced a more powerful (60bhp) engine, which offered 82mph 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. All but 1,656 of the 30,000 made went for export, the vast majority to America.

First registered in Herefordshire in April 1953, this UK market TD MkII had moved to Worcestershire by 1961 and has spent its entire life in the local area, seven previous owners being named in the buff logbook and an old V5 on file. Our vendor acquired the car in 2006 and has used it regularly in the summer months, covering some 6,000 miles over this period.

Shortly after buying the car, he treated it to a new set of sidescreens and fixings which cost £550. The canvas hood is much older (perhaps original?) but remains admirably snug and weather-proof. In following years, it has had new tyres, new windscreen rubbers, new Armstrong front shock absorbers, a new control box, a top end overhaul plus various other jobs to keep it in tip-top running order. We are told that it drives beautifully, has always proved very reliable and uses no oil or water.

Appearing to be in largely original condition with lots of patina, we are told that it is rock solid structurally and this certainly seems to be the case, the doors fitting nicely with no discernible signs of play. It has been starting promptly and running well as we have moved it around on site, with good 60psi oil pressure.

On offer here at a modest guide price, this charming TD is ready for a new owner to enjoy and could be smartened up over time as desired. But why would you? They are only original once and it would be a shame to lose all that patina!

For more information contact James on 07970 309907 or email james.dennison@brightwells.com