I am rarely surprised by the classic world, but this 1951 MG TD represents one of those moments. A previous owner undertook a total restoration of this classic in the 1990s, before parking it in 1997. The seller was informed that this was due to a clutch malfunction, a fault that could have been easily and inexpensively fixed. However, it has lain dormant ever since, awaiting the right person to return it to active service. If you feel up to the task, you will find the MG listed here on eBay in West Sacramento, California. The seller set their BIN at $6,500 with the option to make an offer.
MG introduced the TD to its model range in January 1950 as its replacement for the TC. The company focused heavily on the North American market, introducing a sports car with more interior space and an improved ride. It was a wise strategy, because with nearly 30,000 vehicles sold before production ended in 1953, the TD proved to be the marque’s most successful model to that point. The seller confirms that a previous owner treated this beauty to a restoration that they completed in the mid-1990s. The fact that it saw limited service before being parked means that it remains remarkably well-preserved. MG Red is a fascinating paint shade that changes considerably, depending on the prevailing light. It looks very “orange” in some shots, and more “red” in others. The car presents well, with sparkling paint and stunning chromed wire wheels. That doesn’t mean it’s perfect, because a small falling tree cracked the windshield and inflicted a small dent on the driver’s door. However, both issues could be easily fixed at relatively low cost. One positive consequence of this car’s history is that it has remained rust-free. It is unclear whether it features a soft-top or side curtains, but the trim looks excellent.
Although the TD brought some welcome mechanical upgrades compared to its predecessor, the company continued to utilize the 1,250cc “XPAG” four-cylinder engine that had served it so well. It produced 54hp and 64 ft/lbs of torque, which was fed to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. Those figures don’t promise motoring excitement, but with the TD tipping the scales at a touch over 2,000 lbs, it was still a relatively lively beast that excelled on twisting roads. The seller confirms that this beauty doesn’t run or drive, and it appears that it hasn’t since the 1997 clutch failure. The engine turns freely, but the brakes are inoperative. Therefore, there may be a few mechanical tasks awaiting the buyer before this classic returns to its rightful place on our roads. A thorough mechanical inspection would be the starting point. However, budgeting for a clutch and a brake system hydraulic component replacement would be wise.
One aspect of this TD requiring little work is its interior. The Dark Brown upholstered surfaces and the dash look perfect. There is no evidence of wear or deterioration, which is consistent with the amount of work performed by this classic following its restoration. The carpet is slightly faded, and the banjo-style wheel exhibits some signs of age deterioration. However, the wheel hasn’t cracked, so a wrap would hide that shortcoming. Therefore, the wrap and a $400 investment in a new carpet set would significantly improve the appearance.
Considering the mechanical gremlin that befell this 1951 MG TD, I am amazed that it has spent almost three decades in a state of hibernation. Its revival should be relatively straightforward, and the elegant simplicity of the engineering employed by MG means that a DIY approach may be viable. The seller’s BIN looks affordable, and could be more so if they are willing to negotiate. Does this classic tempt you, or would you prefer to follow the turnkey path?
Eep, I’ll admit, the color is a bit loud for the conservative British. In fact, I can’t ever recall a T series this color, but it was 1 of the 5 colors, oops, colours, they offered. I don’t care for the wires, had them on my MGB, looked nice, but lot of flats. Mario Andretti would sure be proud, I could change a tire in under a minute. No soft top, it would be behind the seats, and this is a really nice one,,,sadly, no interest, bupkis. Shame a whole group of upcoming people won’t know what a 2 seat British roadster is all about and it doesn’t get any better than this. Again, it will do 55, but more for a slow ride, open touring, The Who blaring out “I can see for miles and miles”( optional), yes sir, good times.
Provided a new buyer, blissfully unaware of MG bugaboos, somehow DOES get it going again, I guarantee the 1st time it strands them, it will be for sale again.
Hey Howard A! Amen! Also being ‘B’ person in my early days, I could change a flat in my 67 BGT with wires in an about a minute also! I used to time myself! The chrome wires and the red paint attractive the more uninformed buyers. I like the look of this one, as I prefer a period restoration rather than an original restoration. A ‘driver’ is more important to me than a ‘garage queen’! Yes, the MG bugaboos for the uninformed can drive them crazy!! I would take a look at this car if it was local but I am in the northeast and I don’t do car shipping!!
How I loved my ’63 TR4 and my ’60 MGA, and am often tempted to pull the trigger and purchase another one. Then I start remembering all those times both cars left me stranded at all hours of the day and night in all kinds of weather with electrical, mechanical, and metal fatigue problems. No, thank you. Then I bought a used 1970 F100 with 250k miles and drove it for 2 decades and it never failed me.
Wut? $6500? This is a steal. Won’t last long.
I also do agree this is steal for $6500. Just a couple years ago, it would have been $16,500 It probably needs a few days of ‘sorting’ from a knowledge British guy and it will be up and running. Even with a clutch job it is not that bad!! All the money stuff is done on this one!!
It all depends on what you want. If you want a car you can get in and drive, and don’t care about how it looks, then this one will cost you another thousand for brakes, 800 for tires, and perhaps 1250 for a fuel pump, ignition and carb re-do. Afraid you are already under water in todays market. But then to replace the ugly padded dash, seats and interior panels with original-type will be another $4,000, plus labor! At that point you have a non-original wire-wheeled car in a non-original color, needing much work – $17,000 invested in a $12,000 car. Not interested.
I would love to have it for a toy to get going I just don’t have the garage space to keep it out of the weather
With both clutch and brakes non-operative, I’d bet dollars to donuts that some helpful soul drained the Girling hydraulics and refilled them with Amercan petroleum -based fluid, which quickly turned the seals to mush.
I think you are right – a mess but not impossible to remedy.
Great writeup as always but it’s unfortunate that writers on Barn Finds have no way to know the truth and end up sharing the, uh, “alternate truth” with Barnfind readers.The eBay ad and the car are not as represented. The orange MG was purchased by a friend as a parts car. He wanted the steel wheels, engine and other parts for an MG he is restoring. He had the orange paint buffed, shined up the spoke wheels and swapped the engine with a knock from his car for the good engine in the orange car. This is a case of buyer beware and see the car in person.