50-Year Basement Find! 1953 MG TD

In 1953, anyone owning an MG TD was cool. Even though it looked “old” compared to modern vehicles, the TD captured the attention of many Americans (of the 29,664 produced, 23,488 were exported to the US). This car was driven into a climate-controlled basement 50 years ago and has recently received some new parts. It’s for sale here on Facebook Marketplace in Salt Lake City, Utah, and is priced at $8,200 OBO. 

From this picture, it looks like the TD has been sharing its home with some sort of Ford sedan delivery — just curious, can anyone identify it from the running board and side? We can see a few places where the paint is damaged, but nothing that couldn’t be touched up for a decent-looking driver. In this shot and the first picture, it looks to me as if the grille is pushed in a bit, but perhaps that’s just my old eyes.

Here we can see what looks like an impeccable set of seats, and even the easily cracked steering wheel seems intact. We’re told the car has covered 83,000 miles so far. The seller states that the car has a new carpet set and a new top as well. But whoever puts the top up in a TD?

The engine looks original. Very original. Like it hasn’t been touched in 50 years, original. I hope it turns freely.  If it is indeed original, it’s a 1,250 cc “XPAG” inline-four overhead-valve unit. I found horsepower ratings ranging from 54 to 57 in my research, but let’s face it: no one buys a TD expecting a screaming-fast sports car. It’s more of an “experience” car! We’re told in the ad that the car has new rims and tires, so apart from the brakes, you should be safe to drive the car once you get it running!

What a nice, original dashboard. All gauges and switches present–it just needs you behind the wheel! I have a friend with a very original TD, and I’m hoping for a ride someday. I’m even following one in a local auction–but I wish this one were closer to me. What do you think? Could this cream-and-red roadster find a home in your garage? Let us know in the comments below!