This 1951 MG TD has just emerged from twenty-three years of storage, with the bloom – albeit faded – of an older restoration still upon her. Advertised on craigslist for $10,950 in non-running form (pay an extra few thousand and the seller will put it in running and driving condition), the TD is located in Los Alamitos, California. This model is the fourth in MG’s T-series, which germinated from the TA. The TA was produced starting in 1936, becoming the foundation of the MG “look”. The tall, narrow body hugged by its running boards, swept-down doors, upright radiator – these elements persisted for decades. But it took the advent of the MG TC in 1945 to set America’s desire afire. Almost 4000 examples of the quivery, eager TC arrived here, imported by servicemen returning from WWII or exported to us from England. Upon the sight of these tiny machines, drivers who had no concept of a “sports car” suddenly wanted one. But the TC was less than civilized. Its weather equipment was barely effective and arduous to use. It was narrow. Its suspension was a bare notch above a horse cart. Every single one was right hand drive. MG solved most of these problems when it adopted its Y saloon chassis for the next iteration of the T: wider, heavier, with softer suspension, left hand drive and real bumpers, the new TD sang to Americans, selling hand over fist. Thanks to T.J. for sending us down memory lane with this tip – we appreciate it!
The TD’s underpinnings may have changed, but its engine did not – at least at first. It was still the 1250 cc XPAG four-cylinder, hung with two SU carburetors, making 54 hp. A four-speed manual brings the power to the rear wheels. In mid 1951, the block, sump, flywheel and and bell-housing were changed to accommodate a larger clutch. Thanks to the slightly heavier curb weight of the TD, it wasn’t faster than the TC until the Mk II arrived with tuning improvements and more horsepower. Today, performance can be enhanced by using later TF components, swapping to a five-speed gearbox (from Moss Motors), or even changing engines, though before going that route, I’d think about simply buying a different car.
This interior is fairly nice given the long slumber. The glove box lid in the wood dashboard needs to be re-set – it is missing the trim that surrounds the cut-out and the lid itself. The steering wheel is an expensive Brooklands four-spoke banjo type. The seller notes that the weather equipment is present though the plastic windows are cloudy and need to be replaced.
The TD was given steel wheels rather than wires as a cost-cutting move; this switch alone was responsible for considerable derision in the marketplace. Later cars received vents in the wheels due to complaints about brake fade. Despite this improvement, many an owner swapped to wire wheels. Our subject car is said to be rust free; while the paint is not an original color, its condition might be improvable and the shade is a good match to the buff upholstery. My only quarrel with this listing is the seller’s exhortation that prices have been on the rise and that this car is a good investment – actually, prices have fallen, and likely won’t rise much from here. That said, the current ask is still reasonable against the background of a sloppy market.
Happy Holidays Michelle. Nice car here. Agree the price is too high for a non runner, especially since the reason for the condition is unknown. After owning a ’53 I can say that these cars are fun and easy to maintain with no problems getting needed parts.
Back at ya, Bob – best of the season. … on the price, I will say I’ve seen a lot worse for more! That doesn’t mean either one of them are right, but one thing that does seem right is the downtrend over time. I’m noticing diminished prices for Austin Healeys, MGAs, and Triumphs, too.
Do you think prices on some of these cars will bring in more younger folks given the chance to take advantage of cars they can afford?
Some. It’s happening with the Model A. But I’m not sure the population of youngsters interested are going to absorb the whole T-series supply. That said, there’s developing interest. If you have a subscription to the NYT, there’s this
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/06/automobiles/collectibles/young-collectors-older-classic-cars.html
This article says much the same thing, dated a few years ago
https://www.magnetomagazine.com/articles/tcct-survey-shows-the-popularity-of-classic-cars-is-strong-among-young-people/
By the way, Magneto is a fabulous magazine.
Another thing I will note is that people who are over-the-top gearheads, like me, travel beyond their typical demographics. We move backwards. I have a Model A, and a 1935 MG PA. Lately I have been scrutinizing Model Ts, but I think they’re kind of too normal for me, ha ha!
Welcome to the club. Among all the Porsches, and British cars starting with a ’62 new MG Midget and probably ending with the present build as the last of 5 Sprite race cars starting in ’89 I sure appreciate your “problem”. All sorts of interesting cars scattered in the 80 plus cars and other forms of transportation we have owned. Don’t know if it’s a sickness or not but we sure have a lot of friends around the country with the same disease. Picture is of the first Sprite race car disease.
I have a TF; it’s a really nice thing to drive quickly. I’ve never raced it, but I think that racing has improved my driving of it; it drifts really nicely and changes direction well.
Never driven a TD so can’t comment on them.
Haji Baba! This is a beauty!
Compare this genuine car to that garish Las Vegas-esque Austin-Healey Kit Kar also appearing on this site today – this is a better value, if if deemed priced high.
Neat little car. Had a friend that had a ’51 TD that was a true barn find. He found it disassembled in a barn outside of Albany Oregon sometime around ’64 or ’65. Luckily it was complete, albeit in pieces and as he was something of a BMC aficionado, he got it back together and running in a couple of years. Fun little run a-bout, (if a little slow) and cute as a “bug’s ear” painted black with a red leather interior and chrome wires. He is in his mid eighties now and even though I haven’t seen him in years, my sister tells me that he still has it, as well as a Porsche 356C he bought at about the same time.
Back in those days you could pick up cars to work on for an amazing price. A better time (as far as the economics of car love went, other things not so much) The dreaded “investors” were nowhere to be found. They were too busy pushing for a very lucrative war instead.
I used to buy Bugeye Sprites for $500 complete, albeit not running. I think about 11 passed through my hands over time. I made a race car from one plus parts from others, and parted out most of the rest. Those were the days… it seemed like everyone had a Bugeye tucked into their barn or yard.
Michelle, another great write-up.
I love your little observations that give your articles personality.
“The TC was less than civilized… its suspension was a bare notch above a horse cart.”
Thanks for the laughs. You make my coffee so much more enjoyable.