Winning bid
£8,000

1952 MG TD

Highlights

  • Comprehensive 5-year restoration carried out by the vendor - a retired Rolls-Royce-trained engineer
  • Imported from California with no serious corrosion issues
  • New tan leather interior and carpets
  • Rebuilt matching numbers engine

The Appeal

It's often said American GIs had a lot of fun while stationed in Britain during the Second World War, and we'll wager it's because good old Blighty had something those "Yanks" didn't - MG sports cars. American automobiles of the time were very advanced, but the concept of a lightweight, sporting roadster was still very much a British phenomenon. it's no wonder that once the war was over, MG sales skyrocketed stateside.

The TD was Abingdon's second post-war model and incorporated some notable improvement to the chassis and drivetrain. This 1952 example stands out having undergone a meticulous 5-year restoration carried out by a retired Rolls-Royce-trained engineer. As a relatively rust-free Californian import, it was a very sound basis for restoration which the vendor has completed to a very high standard. It's hardly turned a wheel since so remains in superb overall condition.
The exterior is finished in a striking Autumn Red (maroon), complemented by a new tan leather interior. The matching numbers engine has been rebuilt and sympathetically upgraded with electronic ignition and a new stainless steel exhaust.

For those seeking a freshly restored example,  this TD would be a most worthy addition to your collection.
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History and Paperwork

  • Registered in 1952
  • Imported from California around 2016, no serious rust or corrosion
  • Restored over 5 years by the current owner, a retired Rolls Royce-trained engineer
  • Originally had 54,000 miles recorded on an old service note
  • MOT exempt
  • All oils replaced, effectively newly serviced

The Condition

  • Bodywork mainly original, with suspected replacement of the front wings
  • Wooden frame in good condition, with one small section in the rear of the scuttle replaced
  • All surfaces repainted
  • Resprayed with undercoat and traditional topcoat in maroon
  • New floorboards fitted
  • New tan leather interior and door cards
  • New carpets and MG sill plates fitted
  • Some interior insulation fitted to help deaden sound
  • Front wings have touch-up marks, paintwork a couple of years old and acceptable
  • Runner treads original and show some wear but are eminently serviceable
  • New varnished wooden dashboard with most gauges and switches being original
  • Seat belts fitted to the original seats, which have been fully restored
  • Original period heater fitted
  • New weather equipment with new or reconditioned side screens and a new half tonneau
  • Original chrome work with some pitting while the rear bumper has been chrome painted
  • Original wheels with new tyres and inner tubes
  • Set of original tools in a newer tool roll, with a period jack and stirrup pump available

The Mechanics

  • 1,250 cc XPAG l4
  • Four-speed manual gearbox
  • Rebuilt engine with new shells and bearings
  • The vendor informs us that it starts readily and runs smoothly with no blue smoke from the exhaust
  • Original gearbox retained and reportedly in working order
  • Clutch replaced
  • Electronic ignition fitted to the original distributor casing
  • New stainless steel exhaust fitted
  • New starter motor fitted
  • Original dynamo, most major parts original and restored
  • The cylinder head has pancake-type air filters rather than the oil bath type
  • New brake pipes and brake shoes fitted
  • Original suspension and differential
  • New wiring loom upgraded with indicators
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following: 
The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions.. 
We request that a non-refundable fee  be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates. 
This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind. 
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing. 
We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence. 
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own  full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle. 
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection 
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected] 
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Auction Details

  • Year1952
  • MakeMG
  • ModelD-Type
  • ColourRed
  • Odometer10 Miles
  • Engine size1250cc
  • Seller TypePrivate
  • TownBacup
  • CountyLancashire
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • Auction ends

Bidding history

8 Bids from 6 bidders

Tommo19••••
Bid
£8,000
28/08/24
john_mp••••
Bid
£3,000
27/08/24
Humpty••••
Pre-bid
£2,001
22/08/24
Humpty••••
Pre-bid
£2,000
22/08/24
RJDAVII••••
Bid
£1,500
27/08/24
john_mp••••
Bid
£1,000
23/08/24
FSM243••••
Pre-bid
£770
19/08/24
mark.ma••••
Bid
£100
23/08/24

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