Lot Ended
Description
Just three owners in the last 34 years, the current since 2016; older
restoration in wonderful condition throughout; nice MG number plate; used
on high days and holidays only
Introduced in
1949, the MG TD looked broadly similar to its TC predecessor but brought
significant mechanical upgrades beneath its traditional, sweeping coachwork. The
biggest leap forward was the chassis and suspension. MG binned the harsh old
leaf springs for independent front suspension and a precise rack-and-pinion
steering system borrowed from the MG Y-Type saloon. Combined with smaller
15-inch steel disc wheels, the TD offered a smoother and more predictable ride,
making it a joy on twisty backroads.
Power came
from the tried and trusted 1,250cc XPAG inline-four engine, pushing out about
54bhp. It was never a rocket ship (top speed hovered just under 80mph) but its
lightweight design made it feel nimble and spirited. By the time production
ended in 1953, MG had built nearly 30,000 TDs, the vast majority exported to the
United States, with only 1,656 sold in RHD for the UK
market.
Dating from the last year of production,
this particular MG TD is one of those LHD cars which was imported back to the UK
in 1992 when it was owned by a Mr H Child of Cowbridge. He was to keep it for 19
years before selling it to a Mr T Dunwell of Newport who kept it for five years
before selling it to our vendor in 2016.
Sadly
there is no real history with the car, but it has clearly been restored to a
very high standard at some point in the past, including conversion to RHD. The
MOT history online implies that it has been only very lightly used, the odometer
showing 557 miles in 2007 and 1,997 miles today which may be the distance
covered since it was restored – who knows?
During
his 10-year ownership our vendor, a professional motor mechanic and garage
proprietor, has used the car on high days and holidays only, taking it to
various local shows where it is always much-admired. He tells that the TD drives
as well as it looks and it has certainly been starting easily and running
sweetly as we have moved it around on site, with healthy 50psi oil
pressure.
Supplied with a period MG TD Service
Manual, it also has a distinctive MG number plate (non-transferable) and comes
with a quality canvas hood and a set of side-screens, all in excellent
condition.
As you can see in the photos, this TD
is in wonderful condition, both above and below, and you would be hard-pressed
to find a better example, let alone at the guide price suggested. All it needs
now is an enthusiastic new owner who can give it the more regular exercise it
deserves.
Consigned by James Dennison – 07970 309907 –
james.dennison@brightwells.com