Highlights
• Original right hand drive TD built for export
• Older restoration still in excellent condition
• Used regularly and reliable
• Upgraded 5 speed gearbox
• Complete with snug roof and side screens
• Luggage rack and tow bar
Background
The 1950 MG TD combined the TC's drivetrain, a modified hypoid-geared rear axle, the MG Y-Type saloon chassis and independent coil spring suspension, with a familiar T-Type style body. Also new were rack and pinion steering, smaller 15-inch disc type road wheels, a left hand drive option and standard equipment bumpers with overriders.
In 1950, the TD Mk2 was introduced alongside the standard car, featuring a more highly tuned engine with 8.0:1 compression ratio giving 57bhp at 5500rpm. It also featured twin fuel pumps, revised dampers and a higher rear axle ratio. Nearly 30,000 MG TD's were manufactured.
When production of the TD series ended in 1953, all but 1,656 had been exported with an amazing 23,488 of them to the United States.
In 1950, the TD Mk2 was introduced alongside the standard car, featuring a more highly tuned engine with 8.0:1 compression ratio giving 57bhp at 5500rpm. It also featured twin fuel pumps, revised dampers and a higher rear axle ratio. Nearly 30,000 MG TD's were manufactured.
When production of the TD series ended in 1953, all but 1,656 had been exported with an amazing 23,488 of them to the United States.
History
Built in December 1952 this TD is an original right hand drive example, but the EXR in the chassis number tells us it was built for export, but not to the USA which makes it quite rare. It has had just one owner since 1989, the most recent name on the V5 issued in September 2021 being that of the owner’s wife.
The subject of a major restoration in the late 1980’s it was purchased open completion to use whilst the owner restored another, earlier TD. From the MoT carried out in 1989 we know it had covered just 23 miles since the resto was completed and the new owner then proceeded to use the car regularly, adding approximately 1000 miles a year. The mileage now stands at 26,815.
According to notes in the history folder it was used whenever possible, for local shows and MG Car Club meets, and a few times around France for touring holidays. Known to the MG Car Club T Register it is though that the TD retains its original XPAG engine.
The subject of a major restoration in the late 1980’s it was purchased open completion to use whilst the owner restored another, earlier TD. From the MoT carried out in 1989 we know it had covered just 23 miles since the resto was completed and the new owner then proceeded to use the car regularly, adding approximately 1000 miles a year. The mileage now stands at 26,815.
According to notes in the history folder it was used whenever possible, for local shows and MG Car Club meets, and a few times around France for touring holidays. Known to the MG Car Club T Register it is though that the TD retains its original XPAG engine.
The Paperwork
There is a nice collection of MoTs from 1989 onwards that show the gently increasing mileage over the next 32 years of single ownership.
The TD has obviously been driven regularly since its restoration, but it has also been exceptionally well maintained and remains in excellent and useable condition. During the restoration the TD was treated to an upgraded 5 speed gearbox which must have made the Route Nationale miles (km?) slip by effortlessly.
There is a small handwritten note that shows the ratios and top speeds that appear to suggest that the TD should be able to keep up with modern traffic and provide unstressed motoring.
The TD has obviously been driven regularly since its restoration, but it has also been exceptionally well maintained and remains in excellent and useable condition. During the restoration the TD was treated to an upgraded 5 speed gearbox which must have made the Route Nationale miles (km?) slip by effortlessly.
There is a small handwritten note that shows the ratios and top speeds that appear to suggest that the TD should be able to keep up with modern traffic and provide unstressed motoring.
The Interior
The interior is nicely upholstered in what is thought to be Empire Green rexine, which was the standard correct interior material and colour for TDs with an Ivory/Cream exterior.
It appears that various areas have been replaced over the years so there are a couple of different shades of green present. The handbrake cover looks to be Sage Green perhaps?
The carpet behind the seats may have faded a little, but generally the whole interior presents well, with just enough wear to look authentic and useable without appearing shabby. The instruments are all as they should be and the switchgear appears to function correctly.
It appears that various areas have been replaced over the years so there are a couple of different shades of green present. The handbrake cover looks to be Sage Green perhaps?
The carpet behind the seats may have faded a little, but generally the whole interior presents well, with just enough wear to look authentic and useable without appearing shabby. The instruments are all as they should be and the switchgear appears to function correctly.
The Exterior
The Ivory/Cream exterior paint is in excellent condition and contrasts nicely with the green interior. The chrome work is in good condition with no obvious pitting or discolouration. There is a useful luggage rack fitted for Continental touring perhaps? Unusually there is a tow bar fitted which suggests the TD may have towed a trailer in the past.. or maybe a very small caravan!
The fold flat screen is unmarked, and seals well to the smart white hood. The separate side screens are present with no scratches to the windows. We were impressed by the snug fit of the roof and screens; the new owner shouldn’t have any fear of black clouds approaching!
The fold flat screen is unmarked, and seals well to the smart white hood. The separate side screens are present with no scratches to the windows. We were impressed by the snug fit of the roof and screens; the new owner shouldn’t have any fear of black clouds approaching!
At the rear the owner has added additional orange indicators to the tail lights without drilling the rear wings. At the front there is a badge bar flanked by spotlights. Three badges are mounted; the MG T Register, The MG Owners Club, and MG 60th Anniversary badge (1930-1980).
Wheels are correct 15 inch steels with MG chrome centre caps, and all are fitted with matching lightly worn Barum tyres, including the rear mounted spare wheel.
Wheels are correct 15 inch steels with MG chrome centre caps, and all are fitted with matching lightly worn Barum tyres, including the rear mounted spare wheel.
The Mechanics
Being the subject of what was obviously a top notch resto in the past, and then being used regularly, means the TD should continue to be a reliable and amusing drive.
Under the bonnet the engine bay is clean, but does show signs of use. Nothing appears out of place, except the battery that looks a bit too modern! The leads and hoses look right, and the engine, thought to be the original XPAG high compression unit, runs smoothly and holds good oil pressure.
Underneath there is only some light oxidisation on some of the painted parts, generally it is clean and very tidy. A stainless steel exhaust is fitted, wrapped in heat shield material below the cabin. Running and driving nicely when we visited to get the photographs we think this is a nice useable example.
Under the bonnet the engine bay is clean, but does show signs of use. Nothing appears out of place, except the battery that looks a bit too modern! The leads and hoses look right, and the engine, thought to be the original XPAG high compression unit, runs smoothly and holds good oil pressure.
Underneath there is only some light oxidisation on some of the painted parts, generally it is clean and very tidy. A stainless steel exhaust is fitted, wrapped in heat shield material below the cabin. Running and driving nicely when we visited to get the photographs we think this is a nice useable example.
The Appeal
The TD is a much more comfortable and spacious proposition than the earlier TC, and is a far easier car to drive on modern roads. Easy to maintain, with great parts availability and an excellent and supportive Owner’s Club the TD model is a rewarding and enjoyable proposition.
With so many TDs going for export it’s unsurprising that many left hand drive examples have returned home, mostly from the USA, to be swapped to right hand drive. Here is an original right hand drive TD, and a more powerful and rare TD2 version to boot! Lovely!
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