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 TD presented here is as striking today as it was in 1951.  This vehicle was acquired from a Ohio collector who kept the car in Florida.  Prior to his ownership, the car was located in Georgia.  Begining in 2011, and continuing to date, the car has been continiously and systematically improved.  First, in 2011, the car's engine was rebuilt and a new Moss 5 speed transmission was installed in the car.  The engine rebuild has less than 3,000 miles on it as does the transmission.  The addition of the Moss gearbox fundamentally changes the driving characteristics of the car as it is now capable of running at 60 miles per hour at less than 4000 RPM.  This menas that a spirited drive can be enjoyed without the incessant engine whine that many TD owners find distracting. 

In adfdition to the new gear box, the car has had operational turn signals added to it.  Thus, the driver need not literally risk life and limb to indiate an upcoming turn.

Further, the car has a new Moss Motor top emplaced and a new Moss touring tonneau cover.  Both fit impeccably and look like they just came out of the box.  In addition to that, the car has a working thermostat placed on the radiator which lets the driver easily tell the engine temperature without looking away from the road.  Finally, the car has a new set of floor MG mats and new carpeting. 

The chrome on this car has been previously re-plated and it glistens brightly.  The windshield frame is the only portion of the chrome that shows any age and even it is minimal.  The car has two sets of rear view mirror, one on the fenders and a second set on the windscreen.  The electrical components function properly and are in fine condition.  The engine pulls strongly and it easily propels the car to cruising speeds in excess of 60 mph.  The transmission shifts smoothly and the clutch does not slip or grind.  The paint, while not perfect, is very presentable and softly glows with a glittery green hue.  Importantly, the exterior skin of the car is devoid of rust and the frame has also been painted black to protect it from the typical scaling.  We have thoroughly inspected this car and can confidently say that this car is free of cancerous rust. The car is equipped with a steel muffler and exhaust pipe which testifies to the quality of the prior restoration.

The car’s interior is graced by gentle green leatherette seats that ooze quality while the dash is covered by matching green vinyl.  The black carpet is period and quality correct and is firmly attached to the wooden floor.  As stated, the top is new and the side curtains are very presentable showing slight signs of age but without any  holes, tears or split seams.  Both the top and the side curtains are fully serviceable “as is” and do not need replacement.  The car is also equipped with a full cockpit cover which is in new condition. 

The car's tires, including the spare tire, are in virtually new condition and show no signs of age.   The oil filter bas been upgraded to a spin off type and the rack and pinion boots have been replaced with new boots.

After acquiring the car, I have driven it on multiple trips exceeding 60 miles and the car performs admirably.  Based on my personal usage, the car has no known mechanical flaws, is of superior structural integrity (including the wooden portions of the car) and is devoid of material defect.  While it is not a concourse winner, it can be entered into any competition “as is” and can be easily and economically improved over time.  More importantly, this car is a "buy it and drive it" car not a "buy it and fix it" car.  Thus, from the day of your purchase you can slip into this elegant machine and begin to enjoy its timeless appeal. 

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.  The highlights of the car include:

Rebuilt Engine;

Moss 5 Speed Transmission;

Turn Signals;

Thermostat;

New Top;

New tonneau; and

Great paint.

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 come with the full manufacturers warranty and some 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.

Terms and Conditions

All vehicles we sell have clean and clear titles. 

We do NOT sell salvage vehicles or vehicles with reconditioned titles.

All vehicles are sold "AS IS" and there are no representations or warranties except those contained in the written sales contract or bill of sale.

The winning bidder must contact us within 24 hours by phone to start the transaction.

The winning bidder must respond within 2 days after the auction with a $500 deposit required via wire transfer, Visa/MC, or certified funds(cashier's check) to start the transaction.

It is understood that the vehicle is sold on an "As Is" basis. 

Buyer are free to purchase with or without an inspection.  

We strongly encourage pre-purchase inspections.  These inspections are relatively cheap and help ensure  that the Buyer is completely satisfied with their purchase.

All sales are subject to a state inspection fee of $40.75 and a Vehicle Inventory Tax based at .2271% of the purchase price. Ex. $10,000.00 X .2271% = 22.71.

Texas residents must pay applicable sales tax and a registration fee.

Out-of-state customers may pay tax and register the vehicle in their own applicable state. Upon request, we may be able to complete the buyer's home state registration.

The buyer is responsible for all shipping costs. We will arrange for shipping, if requested. Also, transportation to and from the airport and our location is buyer's responsibility.

We make every attempt to deliver our vehicles to our clients with two keys, key fobs, manuals, booklets, NAV CDs, wheel locks, tool kits, etc..., however, from time-to-time, a vehicle may be missing one or more of these items and we cannot guarantee that they will be included in the vehicle at the time of sale. Please call for the exact accessories included for the vehicle.

Our vehicles are pre-owned vehicles and they are sold in "As Is" condition. At time, some of our vehicles may still be in factory warranty or an extended warranty may be purchased. Ask for details.

For Canadian car buyers: If the title is to be released at the time of delivery (which is much mandatory to move the vehicle through customs), a wire transfer is the fastest  way to complete the sale.  If the payment is not by bank wire transfer, i.e., certified bank check or approved loan check, the title will only be released when all funds have cleared. Please keep in mind that the funds verification process can take up to 15 days. We will assist you with the documentation needed to clear Canadian customs, but knowing exactly which documents are required by your home province are the buyers responsibility. Requirements for Canada can be found at www.riv.ca under "Registration of import vehicles, Canada".

Notice to All Bidders

Please remember your eBay obligations. When you bid, you are entering into a legal and binding contract. Do not bid if you do not intend to buy this vehicle!

All bidders must have pre-approved loans or other financing.

The winning bidder must contact us within 24 hours by phone to complete the sale and to receive a purchase order via fax.

Major Credit Cards are accepted.

Please call for limits and details (credit card charges may incur a service fee).

Payments are accepted through paypal.com (Deposit only-$1,000 max.). Please call for limits.

We do not accept Escrow or E-Loan. Please call for exceptions prior to bidding.

Please remember that you have the option to call for the reserve price direct at 713-320-3059.

We appreciate your interest in this auction and look forward to seeing your bid. Good Luck and Happy Bidding!