1951 MG TD

Highlights

• Comprehensively rebuilt UK home market example
• In current ownership for approximately seven years, during which the restoration was completed
• Engine rebuilt to factory standard specification with parts from a well-regarded MG supplier
• Wooden body framework replaced by a marque specialist

The Appeal

The early post-war years were a tough time for the British motor industry, but MG was thriving, and it's all thanks to its sports cars. American GIs fell in love with the T Series during the War, and in peacetime, the export market for these exciting little pocket rockets was very strong indeed. Most survivors are, therefore, US market cars, but not so our rare and desirable home market right-hand drive MG TD from 1951.
With its charming upright styling, independent front suspension, and willing 1,250cc XPAG engine, the model offered a more refined driving experience than the TC it replaced and helped establish the sports car movement on both sides of the Atlantic. Original UK-market examples are particularly sought after, as a great many TDs were exported new.

This 1951 example is an original English car that has undergone a ground-up restoration during its current ownership of approximately seven years. Purchased in March 2019 in fully dismantled form, the chassis was shot-blasted and painted, a specialist renewed most of the wooden body framework, and all body panels and wings were renovated and sprayed. The engine has reportedly been rebuilt to standard specification using parts supplied by Peter Edney, a well-regarded MG supplier. Having covered only approximately four miles since completion, this TD is essentially a freshly restored car that will need running in. The vendor notes a few very minor tweaks are needed before regular road use, but states that the restoration is otherwise complete.

Key Information

• Mileage: 20,062 miles (indicated)
• Country of registration: United Kingdom
• Technical inspection status: MOT/road tax exempt
• Technical specs: 1,250cc XPAG four-cylinder petrol, four-speed manual
• Paperwork: numerous parts invoices from MG Octagon Car Club and other specialists, reference books, V5C

The Detail

• Chassis shot-blasted and painted
• Majority of wooden body framework replaced by Andrew Denton, a specialist who advertises in the MG Octagon newsletter
• All bodywork panels and wings renovated and sprayed
• New floor fitted
• Wheels powder coated
• Axles and suspension areas all painted
• New wiring loom fitted
• All chrome rechromed or replaced with new
• The vendor states the overall exterior presents very well, and the underside is in very clean condition
• Interior fitted with new carpets and side panels
• Seat bases recovered; the vendor reports the seat backs are an older restoration but in good condition
• New brake pipes, cylinders and shoes fitted
• Shock absorbers refurbished
• New steering rack fitted
• Stainless steel exhaust fitted
• Radiator recored
• Engine rebuilt with parts supplied by Peter Edney
• Engine rebored with new pistons; crank reground with new shells
• Engine rebuilt to standard specification apart from oil filter changed to a new-style canister
• Oil pump refurbished
• Engine will need running in as only approximately four miles covered since rebuild
• The vendor notes a few very minor tweaks are needed before regular road use

BEFORE YOU BUY

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