Highlights

• Over £8,000 spent on servicing and improvements since 2018
• Supplied in RHD kit form to South Africa, assembled by Motor Assemblies in Durban
• Black canvas roof and side-screens purchased new in 2020 for £1,200
• Only 1 previous registered keeper since returning to the UK
• Many invoices present for work carried out in the last few years

The Appeal

"Export or die". That's the grim message issued to British motor car manufacturers at the end of the Second World War. There was a grave material shortage and cash-strapped British buyers simply couldn't justify buying a new car - let alone a sporting two-seater.

Nevertheless, Abingdon's MG went from strength to strength in this difficult period and it's all thanks to their popularity overseas. The US market was huge, so was Australia and South Africa - which is where this 1951 TD was sent out to in 1951. Originally supplied in right-hand drive 'knock-down' form to South Africa, it was assembled by Motor Assemblies in Durban. A collector acquired the car in 1979 and carried out a significant restoration. They moved to the Isle of Mann in 2000, taking their cars with them and thus, the MG returned home. The vendor acquired it in 2023 as a sorted example which they have taken to the next level.

It's transported the vendor to numerous local shows and the occasional pub visit, proving enjoyable and engaging to drive on every journey. If such activities appeal, (and they certainly do to us), then we urge to consider this charming MG TD.

History and Paperwork

• Many invoices present for work done in the last few years
• Over £8,000 spent on servicing and improvements since 2018
• Bought to drive to local shows and pub, not a concourse or restoration project
• Only selling due to recent purchase of a very rare MG YT
• V5C shows 1 previous registered keeper since registered in the UK
• Supplied in RHD kit form to South Africa, assembled by Motor Assemblies in Durban
• Bought by Dr. Prestwich in 1979 and fully restored
• Dr. Prestwich moved to the Isle of Man in 2000, taking car collection with him
• Sold by Charterhouse auctions in 2018 to the previous owner
• Acquired by the vendor in 2023
• The indicated mileage is unwarranted

The Condition

• Restored to a good standard with little use since
• Exceedingly smart inside and out with very few signs of wear to report
• Bodywork and underside in very good condition with no obvious signs of damage or notable deterioration
• All four wings and petrol tank removed for localised paintwork and wing piping replacement
• Much of the chromework was replated last year
• The paintwork is very glossy and polishes up well
• The vendor points out some superficial blemishes but nothing especially noteworthy
• The seats are in very good condition with no  tears of heavy wear apparent
• Black carpets in smart order
• Black canvas roof and side-screens purchased new in 2020 for £1,200 - which continue to fit beautifully
• The dashboard looks in exceedingly good condition and we're informed that all the clocks and switches are working
• Separate temperature gauge fitted, likely due to climate in South Africa

The Mechanics

• 1,250 cc XPAG engine
• Four-speed manual gearbox
• The vendor states that the engine starts easily and runs well with very good oil pressure indicated
• We're informed that the gearbox and brakes work very well and the suspension operates correctly with no knocks when on the move
• The steering is precise as it's a rack and pinion system
• Stainless steel exhaust fitted
• Drives well with smooth gear changes both up and down the box

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