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!
Ironicly,I saw a Red TD on a trailer on my drive home from work.
It was being towed by a newer GMC crew cab,& had decals on the
doors that said something about “Nation T Registry”.
I pulled up next to the truck ,honked my horn,& gave the driver
a thumbs up.I think he was coming back from the big MG meet in
Sandusky,Ohio,& heading home to North Carolina.
My dad had one of those in the 50’s, before I was born.
High school aged me used to dream of driving one through the English countryside with Janette Scott riding next to me. Pleasant dreams.
Ah how you’ve struck a note. For me it was Donna Colbas from Alvernia HS (a Catholic girls school in Chicago) and the car was a bathtub Packard convertible. Top up windows down on a two laner with overhead trees blooming, Spring ’62. Temp. ’45-55 degrees. Heater on full blast (as if that was necessary). I think I had exchanged perhaps five sentences with her on that Western Avenue bus. Ah, fantasies.
At least you got to meet her. Janette Scott was an English actress at least a decade older than I. Loved that soft voice and accent. Her big eyes didn’t hurt either. Oh well, I ended up with a nice American girl, a real keeper. Best of all, she still puts up with me for over 50 years and then some.
It looks to be a very dry car with no rust issues. That is a plus plus and it looks to be a candidate as a good driver! That is all I would ask. There are very fun drivers, however the market is drying up as us’ boomers’ are dying off or already have enough cars and projects. That is certainly my situation (although I haven’t died of yet!!). I’m glad I am in the Northeast because this looks like it has the right potential. No more projects right now, please!
My first car at 16, was a 1952 TD. What fun! Back then, if you saw another MG on the road, you would flash your lights, and wave.
A friend bought an identical car it had been a storage facility In America it was was described as perfect everything like new,indeed it was in unbelievable condition Upon its arrival in England it was put in a garage with two other cars when my friend looked in the garage after a few months he spotted dust on the cars. Yes the MG had been stored Stateside with old furniture the former owner was horrified insurance paid. The MG was provided with a new ash body frame , The other vehicles and the garage treated for wood worm. Beware.
Seems like these have become very affordable in recent years.
Anytime I see a decent looking sports car under 10K$ my juices get pumped. Seems a good deal, but I imagine smarter MG fans than me might be more critical. I like it.
If I only had room for one more
This looks like a really nice car. I wanted to buy a TD from a guy who lived in the same apartment building I was in when I was 19 and fresh out of my parent’s house. The only problem was the clutch was slipping and while I had the money for the car I didn’t for a clutch, nor did I have a place to work on it.
One of the most underpriced collectable cars of all time. Classic looks phenomenal support. Just an overall winner!
I have always loved the MG TD. The style is so cool. A friend had one and traded it for MGA.
Owned a ’53 and it was pure fun.
Sold for $6200 ! A steal.