Description

1953 MG TD MkII

SOLD £14,280

Rare TD/C twin carb export model; older restoration in very good order throughout; matching numbers; nice transferable number plate

Following on from the successful TC, the MG TD arrived in 1950, introducing some much-needed post-war refinements. Sharper handling and smoother riding than its predecessors, the newcomer was well-received by press and public alike, proving a big hit in the vital American market which kept much of the British car industry afloat in the dire period of austerity that afflicted Europe following WW2. In 1951 a MkII TD Competition Model also became available for the export market with a higher compression ratio, bigger carbs, twin fuel pumps, Andrex suspension and a higher ratio rear axle. Producing around 60bhp, it was easily distinguished by the raised moulding on the right side of the bonnet (required to clear the bigger carbs) and the TD/C chassis prefix. Never offered on the home market due to the feeble 72 octane ‘pool petrol’ of post-war Britain, only around 1,700 of the 30,000 TDs made in total were to TD/C spec, making this car a rare find indeed, especially on this side of the Atlantic. Dating from 1953, this lovely TD/C MkII came back to the UK in March 1992 and judging from the condition of the car it has been expertly restored and converted to RHD at some point in the not-too-distant past. Although there are no invoices to document the work carried out, the car speaks for itself and it is as good underneath as it is up top. The only noteworthy flaw that we spotted are some cracks in the paint at the front end of the bonnet hinge (as shown in the photos). The full set of weather gear looks barely used and there are a good few invoices showing routine upkeep over the last 10 years. Starting promptly and running well as we moved it around for these photos, this 'matching numbers' TD looks mighty tempting at the guide price suggested, the icing on the cake being the nice DSK 998 number plate which is transferable (most unusual with an imported car).

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