This 1951 MG TD is a classic with enough positive attributes that it is difficult to know where to start. It presents beautifully, is as solid as the day it was built, and has belonged to the same person for more than six decades. However, it is the upgraded engine that some enthusiasts may find impossible to resist. All it needs is a new home, with the seller listing it here on eBay in Winchester, Virginia. The bidding has reached $5,211, although it remains short of the reserve. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for unearthing a genuinely great classic.
The seller purchased this MG in 1959, meaning it has been in their custody for the past sixty-three years. For potential buyers, that brings the reassurance of one of the most impressive long-term ownership histories they are likely to find. The seller treated the car to a frame-off restoration in the 1990s, including a fresh coat of the original Black paint. It presents beautifully, with no significant flaws. The vehicle remains rust-free, but the seller admits it isn’t perfect. The side curtains would benefit from a thorough cleaning, while the condition of the convertible top is unknown. They haven’t raised it for more than twenty years, meaning it could be pretty brittle. Reproduction tops are affordable, so addressing that potential problem won’t break the bank. The glass looks excellent, and although the existing wire wheels are a later addition, the seller refurbished the originals and includes them in the sale. The trim looks wonderful, with the grille slats wearing the correct shade to match the interior upholstery.
If British sports cars from this era received any significant criticism, they generally revolved around the lack of engine power. The 1,250cc “XPAG” four under the hood of the MG TD produced 57hp. The power was fed to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission, allowing the car to cover the ¼ mile in 21.2 seconds before winding its way to 80mph. The seller indicates the car’s drivetrain remains original, but the engine received a rebuild as part of the restoration project. The capacity was stretched to 1,300cc using Porsche pistons, while it received a longer rear-end ratio to improve open-road cruising. However, the sting in the tail was the owner’s decision to add a period-correct Shorrock supercharger in the mid-1970s. The seller says although it has never been on a dyno, they believe the blower doubled the power and torque figures. They say the only further change they would consider would be sourcing and fitting an appropriate overdrive unit, so the motor doesn’t work as hard at highway speeds. It seems the Pirelli tires might be old, and the seller recommends replacing them before undertaking any extended or high-speed journeys. Otherwise, the car runs and drives perfectly. As a side note, their devotion to this classic is reflected in its history. The seller served in the army and frequently drove the car from coast to coast without any problems. They undertook three tours of duty in Germany and didn’t hesitate to pack the TD off so it could serve as their daily driver during those times. There can’t be many people who could make similar claims.
Although most of this TD received attention during the 1990s restoration, its interior remains untouched. It features the original Green leather upholstery with a matching dash. I can’t spot any additions beyond a vacuum gauge above the speedometer, but there’s no denying the upholstery looks tired. However, that is not an issue. This may seem the wrong time of year to buy a vehicle of this type, but there is work the new owner could undertake to occupy their time until the warm weather arrives. The seller includes a new upholstery kit, and fitting this could provide enormous satisfaction and a sense of achievement. With the work complete, this interior should present nicely.
MG TD sales figures were surprisingly high for what was essentially a hand-built vehicle. Of the 29,664 cars that left the factory during four years of production, an incredible 23,488 found their way to North America. This is one of those cars, and its long-term ownership history and engine upgrades help it stand apart from the crowd. We can speculate on the seller’s reserve price, but the car’s overall condition suggests it should be north of $20,000. If you’ve always desired to own a British sports car but felt the lack of engine power would impact the driving experience, this 1951 MG TD could be the car of your dreams.
Very, very, nice!
“Page not found” on both MGs after comments.
Revell made a plastic model of this car, and I glued one of these to sit on a table next to my bed. I always thought how neat it would be to ride in one of these.
63 years of memories, sad to think that the owner has to sell it now. I think I might find a way to be buried in it.
Shorrock supercharger does NOT “double’ the horsepower… it adds about 30% net IF it is in first class condition. It would take over 15 psi boost to make that claim
Adam might have misquoted the what the seller wrote in his ad. The seller said he believes the blower “nearly” doubled the power. You and I know that’s a stretch, but I just take statements like that as optimistic hyperbole many sellers employ. This car looks great in black, but I’m not sold on the green. Also, if anyone ever does put this car on a chassis dyno PLEASE post a vid on YouTube.
Don’t forget the displacement increase and the high lift cam. Maybe 50%!
I’ve had 2 and the driving experience is worth it! My original paint/ interior black one had a Volvo 1800 in it which almost doubled the power.
Two of the most beautiful British cars ever IMO was the Jaguar E Type and the MG TD with the MGA as a runner up.
This car appears solid and of good value especially in light of the same owner loving it for more than six decades.
I’m 68. I was three years old when my future brother-in-law was dating my oldest sister. JC drove a TD and little me would crawl under the tonneau cover and hide there until JC was miles from mom and dad’s.
After the first time I’m sure that he wised up but he probably enjoyed taking the little guy for a spin and back home. He probably got points from my sister.
I loved that car.
65 years later I can still hear that TD going through the gears and I still remember the smell of that leather and hot engine spooge.
My wife would kill me if a TD replaced the 2018 Mustang convertible….
She’d probably even notice the difference.
I’ve always loved the green interior on these, maybe its because most are biscuit, red, or black. The green slats are icing on the cake to me. Whoever gets this one should keep the good vibes alive, and enjoy driving it whenever they can.
A funny attempt to add a blower but had the owner also in
mind that a ‘doubled acceleration’ also does a just doubled
stopping distance?
I didn’t want yet here the spoilsport but with that addition the
car is not anymore road legal. So 4500€ is a fair price.
Maybe it’s not legal in Europe or somewhere else than the US but it IS legal here and would be welcomed everywhere things with wheels are!
I’m surprised there is no mention of the trans or rear end. These were the definite weak points in the TD that my wife had. Could almost break them at will, with the stock engine. Hard to imagine what happens with added hp.
Nice looking runner. Ignition switch and horn are out of place (relocated to left side of steering wheel) This gave current owner room for two other gauges.
Dad had a MGAfuxd head coupe when I was a kid. One of the most gorgeous body styles ever. But you have to love all the T series. I’m in the minority I’m sure that the TF is my favorite of the T series.
@ Mitch – it’s road legal in the US. You could drop a 6L LS in it in Texas and it would still be legal! (I didn’t say driveable..).
I know things are different elsewhere. I once put a 2L engine in an Alfa GT Junior. Not legal in France, where I lived at the time, but unless you know where to look, the increased deck height is not obvious.
Mitch where did you get the. Idea that adding the blower. would make the vehicle not. road legal
I’d like to see the undercarriage, but it looks nice from the top side.
sis had one in ’69 she’d buzz around, w.shield down snoopy hat’n goggles on. These things steadfastly retain the same price point in the market not matter the decade.
Loose the green grill’n leather interior (like the weird paint on the Victorians), double ck the rear gear (may B upgrade suspension/add discs or 5 speed?).
I’m liken it~
I’ve had the privilege of owning many British cars from Jags and Healy’s to Minis and Austins. This one has escaped me but has been on my bucket list. Actually any “T” series would be welcome. Hope someone gets this and appreciates it as its current owner has.