In 1949, the physical prototype of what would become the MG TD was fabricated by a Neuffield group design team led by Syd Enever, Alec Hounslow and Cecil Cousins.  Over a two week time period, this group removed 5 inches from the center of a MG YA saloon chassis and then mated that chassis to a chopped up and re-stitched MG TC body.  This Frankensteinian approach to car design was conducted prior to the rendition of a single TD specific design drawing and produced a YA/TC hybrid that was to become the most popular T series ever produced – the TD Midget.

After observing the physical prototype, MG management made the decision to employ a more rigid chassis that would withstand the travails of spirited driving over rough British roads.  Management also made the decision to employ independent front suspension and utilize rack and pinion steering.  At the rear of the car, the decision was made to alter the frame design by having the frame rails arch over the rear suspension.  This wise decision gave the TD’s wheels more room to travel and greatly improved the vehicle’s ride and handling.  Despite these changes, the T Series retained its traditional Edwardian styling and thereby kept its flowing front fenders, prominent headlamps and upright radiator with traditional slats.

Additional features of the then “new” TD included cut away, suicide doors, a folding windscreen, a dorsally hinged front bonnet, an external fuel tank covered by a spare tire carrier, slot in side curtains, what has been politely (if accurately) described as a “diabolical” convertible top and front and rear bumpers designed to protect the car from its lumbering American cousins. 

In keeping with its T Series roots (which stretched back to the 1936 TA), the car lacked a fuel gauge, a cockpit heater (or any form of forced air induction system), a radio, turn signals or any of the other amenities of the day.

The most controversial aspect of the TD’s design was its radical use of 15” steel wheels in lieu of the TC’s traditional 19” wire wheels.  This decision was made for entirely practical and/or economic reasons, e.g., the smaller wheels did not warp over time, provided a smoother ride, were cheaper and were already in use on every other contemporary Neuffield product.  Thus, from a practical perspective it made no sense to continue to use the archaic 19” wheels.  This 62 year old decision – made for sound reasons - remains irksome to many MG enthusiasts today.

The TD employed the reliable (by British standards) overhead cam, push rod, 1250 cc XPAG engine which produced an underwhelming 54.4 hp at 5200 rpm.  This power plant was coupled to a four speed gearbox (with synchromesh on the top 3 gears) using a single disk dry clutch.  This driveline gave the car a blistering 0 to 60 speed of 18.2 seconds and a top speed of 78.3 mph!  In order to slow the raging 1250 cc beast caged within the TD, the car was supplied with four wheel hydraulic brakes with 9” drums on all four wheels.     

Upon its introduction to the American market the MG TD was an instant success.  Its combination of classic styling, precision handling, relative comfort and attractive price (approximately £751) solidified MG’s foothold in the United States and paved the way for the MGA’s of the 1960’s and the MGB’s of the 1970’s.  In illustration of the TD’s popularity in the US, MG produced 29,644 TD’s from 1949 to 1953.  Of these, two thirds (23,488) were shipped to the US.  In further proof of the endearing quality of the car, in 1998, a Malaysian company obtained the rights to restart production of a TD variant – the TD2000.

The MG presented here carries Car Number 21200 and, according to a letter dated December 31, 1973, from the Delaware Valley Classic MG Chapter, it was built in November 1952.  The car was (and is) painted in the stunning (and rare) color of Sunburst Bronze and it glistens in the sun with a pleasant metallic glint.  The car’s chrome is in excellent condition and there are no bare or worn through spots.  The radiator slats have been recently painted.  While not perfect, the body work, chrome and paint present nicely and show a faint patina fitting a distinguished car of this age.  The car’s body and frame are entirely rust free and show no paint bubbles or scaling.  The car’s interior is graced with new black carpeting and the seats are covered in sturdy and durable tan vinyl.

The car comes with records dating back to 1973 and maintenance receipts dating back to 1974.  These records indicate that the car was originally sold in California, that in the 1970’s the car was transferred from California to New Jersey and, in the 1980’s, from NJ to Virginia where it remained until I purchased it in 2013.      

The maintenance records in the file indicate that the car was completely serviced in 2011 with all fluids, i.e., oil, coolant, transmission and differential fluid, being changed.  The spark plugs were replaced and a polished alloy valve cover and air filter covers were also added at that time.  The windshield wiper motor is present (but is not connected to a power source) and the gauges are all operational.  The running lights are all operational and the car starts easily.  The car’s braking system was also refurbished in 2011 with all wheel cylinders being replaced.  The brake shoes appear to have been replaced at that time also.  The car has a new battery, new tires and a new fan belt.  In addition, the car has new control arms on the rear shocks and new bushings on the control arms.  Finally, the rear pinon seal has been replaced and the car has been freshly serviced with new gear oil in the rear differential, new coolant and new engine oil. 

The car starts, stops, runs and drives excellently.  The clutch operates smoothly and the gears do not grind.  The rear differential does not whine and the car appears to be a well sorted example.  In testimony to its mechanical condition, on the day I purchased it, I drove the car 54 miles.  During this time the car did not overheat (yes, the temp gauge works), the car’s battery did not discharge (yes, the voltage gauge works) and the car was able to complete the journey from downtown Houston to Porter, Texas without significant issue.  Since that day, I have driven the car on numerous occassions with no mechanical issues and feel confident that the car will continie to perform as a sunny day cruiser for many yearas to come.

The car is being sold with a tune up manual and several technical bulletins from The Delaware Valley Classic MG Chapter.  The car is also being sold with a nice 12” X 24” box of accumulated MG TD parts, including numerous gaskets, rubber items and miscellaneous other items. 

For the MG purists taking the time to read this, the body type is 22381, the body number is 22381 and the car identification number is 21200.  The car’s odometer currently states roughly 103,000 but this figure cannot be verified.  If the weather permits then one can expect the mileage to go up slightly prior to sale (yes, the odometer works).       

If you would like to see a video of the car's exterior or of the car being driven then please visit my YouTube channel - TheBavarianMotors.

In sum, and taken as a whole, this car represents an exceptional example of a classic British motor which will continue to appreciate over time.  While it is not a concourse level car, it is a solid, rust free driver in exceptional mechanical condition and can be depended on to start and stop on command, easily maneuver through all gears and perform reliably on sunny weekends. 

If you are interested in acquiring this wonderful motor car then please call Mark at 713-320-3059.

We are a licensed lender in the State of Texas and can assist you in obtaining financing for your automobile purchase.

If you need assistance with financing then please contract Mark counts at 713-320-3059.

Please ensure that you have obtained financing prior to bidding on one of our cars.

Unless expressly stated otherwise, our cars are sold "As Is" and without warranty.

However, some of our cars are eligible for extended warranties.

Please discuss the potential purchase of an extended warranty with your sales representative.

Unless stated otherwise in the vehicle's listing, shipping is the sole responsibility of the buyer.

There are many reputable transporters across the country and the Buyer is required to contract directly with one of them.

If required, we can locate a shipper for the Buyer but will not assume responsibility for the vehicle once it is consigned to a shipper.