MG TD (1953)

First registered April 1953 this immaculate MG TD "Midget" has had just three private owners from new: the first from 1953 to 1993 (Forty Years); the second, from 1993 to to 2105 and the most recent to date. It is only being sold as the current owner has recently moved to a retirement complex without suitable garaging.

The forerunner to our TD the MG TC is quite accurately described as the (specific) car that caused the Sport Car "craze" in America. The TC was quite similar to the pre-war TB, sharing the same 1,250 cc pushrod-OHV engine with a slightly higher compression ratio of 7.4:1 giving 54.5 bhp at 5200 rpm. The TD Midget announced in January 1950 combined the TC's drive-train, a modified hypoid-geared rear axle, the MG Y-type chassis, a familiar T-type style body and independent suspension on front axle using coil springs from the MG Y-type saloon. A 1950 road-test report described the suspension modification as "most striking" providing the resulting "transformation ... in the comfort of riding". Also lifted from the company's successful 1¼-litre saloon was the (still highly geared) rack and pinion steering. In addition, the TD featured smaller 15-inch disc type road wheels. The car was also 5 inches wider with a track of 50 inches.

Our example has recently been fitted with a later 5-Speed gearbox which does transform its drive-ability on modern roads, however, for completeness the original gearbox can be supplied with the car if its new owner wants to return it to original specification. For us and for usability we would leave it as it is and enjoy it.

Uncomplicated to maintain this lovely old motor car comes with a library of paper work including a summation that describes very precisely the works carried out by the last two owners and the original Buff log book and Handbook.

These cars are now really coming in to their own as enjoyable classics, that are easy on the wallet to buy and keep. Incidentally; an example tested by The Motor magazine in 1952 had a top speed of 77 mph. We have a speed limit of 70mph; so what more do you need. We'll say no more....

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