Although prices for running-board MGs have declined in the past few years, I’m still surprised this 1952 MG TD hasn’t found a new garage. It’s advertised here on facebook Marketplace for $12,000, and though it hasn’t run in about nine years, the motor apparently does turn and the car wears a credible restoration with no serious flaws. It can be retrieved from Lawton, Oklahoma. The MG TD arrived in 1950; the new car was created to capture more of the American market. While its engine came from the TC, it sat on an MG Y chassis, allowing for greater spring travel. Independent front suspension and rack and pinion steering aided handling. Slightly longer and slightly wider than the TC, it was just spacious enough to appeal to American tastes. Left-hand drive, chrome bumpers, steel wheels, and rotund front fenders also differentiated it from its older sibling, which was only ever right-hand drive, had no bumpers, always sported 19″ wires, and made do with abbreviated fenders barely covering the top of the front wheels.
The TD utilized the XPAG 1250 cc four-cylinder from the TC, good for about 55 hp. It was a heavier vehicle, though, so performance suffered a bit. In mid 1951, the engine block, bellhousing, sump and flywheel changed to accommodate a larger (8″) clutch. Later, a competition version of the TD arrived, with minutely more horsepower. In about 1952, Armstrong shocks replaced the Girlings. No matter the iteration, the gearbox was a four-speed manual with synchros on the top three gears. Top speed is around 77 mph.
The interior literally looks brand new, as if no one drove it much after its restoration. The instrument panel design is a carryover from the much earlier MG TA: workmanlike and logical but not fancy. Octagonal trim surrounding the gauges disappeared with the pre-war MG PB, alas. The seller provides photos of the car’s weather equipment, and notes that the material and plastic windows need to be replaced.
The TD met with disdain in its country of origin, as British drivers exclaimed that it was no longer a “sports car”. But given that the TD was produced while MG was under financial duress, it was a remarkable achievement, with over 23,000 examples tackling the twisty bits in America alone, and another 7,000 sold elsewhere. In 1953, the TF took the reins, acting as a bridge to the much more sophisticated MGA. Of the three modern T-series cars, the TD proved most popular. BCB42 spotted this mild project for us – thanks! Any of you up to resurrecting a British roadster in time for next spring?
ding, ding, ding, the daily double. It’s nice to know pobodies nerfect.
Ok, Michelle. Asking one of the most talented car historians on this planet this question may get me in trouble but didn’t the TF get introduced in ’53 as a ’54 model? Our ’53 TD was an early model year with the square taillights and the rest of the ’53s that year had the round ones used on the TF.
Not running? I would offer about half the asking price.
I have owned four MGs – a midget, a BGT, currently have a B and a restored TD. The TD is my all time favourite ride. Nothing compares with it for fun. Hood down, notchy gear shift, double declutch, fly-off handbrake and can that baby corner! As if it is in rails. Not the fastest with a 60mph top speed but for a 75 yo car it’s amazing.and parts are readily available and plenty of user forums for advice
MG never sold their cars by year/model, so there’s always going to be a bit of interpretation. The last TD was made on August 17, 1953, and the first TF appeared a month to the day later. They made some 1675 TFs during the rest of 1953, but we have come to adopt the short-hand that TAs were 1936-1939, TB was 1939, TC was 1945-1949, TD was 1950-1953, and TF 1954-55.
The last TD with rectangular tail lights was TD21303 in October, 1952, so all 1953 TDs should have round tail lights.
This looks like a more-than-decent car with some incorrect things (MGA steering wheel, chrome door hinges, wood rather than Rexine-covered dash), and is priced about $3,000 too high. It will almost certainly need brakes ($1500-2000), tires ($750), and some effort to get it running.
Great information Tom. Thanks. Being as it’s been a long time since we owned the car l don’t have any numbers but in looking up the history when we bought it the build date was early in the year. Spent more time driving it than chasing it’s history but photos from the first and second owners showed the rectangular taillights. Reminds me of our ’59 Porsche Convertible D with the ’60 roadster rear body section having the backup light bump stamped into it. Saw only one other D with that bump over the years. You are off the hook Michelle.
Whew! Thanks, Tom, thanks Bob. Sharp eyes, everyone. … I’m not sure precision reigned at many car companies in the 40s, 50s and even early 60s. We’re lucky we have British Heritage cert service, Ferrari has Classiche, I found out Alfa has a document center…. but even then, phased-in models shared parts with earlier cars in varying percentages. Try tracking an Alfa – just not an easy prospect.
Aside from year to year blurriness, some companies including British Leland/Morris/whatever you want to call them, were running other models entirely on the same lines, at the same time. So for instance, the TD shared the line with Riley RMs, the earlier TC which was phasing out at the same time the TD was arriving, and even the MG Y saloon. Wow.