Highlights

One of only 67 Arnolt-MG coupés ever produced
Italian coachwork by Carrozzeria Bertone
Retains original 15" Borrani steel spoke wheels with winglets
Imported into Italy in 2015 with all taxes fully paid
Accompanied by a rich collection of documents, invoices and the original owner's manual

The Appeal

The Arnolt-MG coupe is a fascinating hybrid, combining British mechanics and Italian coachwork, destined to be sold in the United States. Chicago entrepreneur Stanley H. 'Wacky' Arnolt began importing foreign cars into the United States in the 1950s. This 1953 MG TD Arnolt is one of only 67 ever produced and features an elegant body designed by Bertone mounted on an MG TD chassis.

This car was kept with great care, received extensive attention in the early 2000s and was subsequently imported to Italy in 2015. It is distinguished by a light brown colour scheme over a black interior and under the bonnet houses a 1,250 cm³ inline-four XPAG engine equipped with twin SU carburettors.

The car is located in Rome, all import taxes have been fully paid and we have been informed that the necessary documents to re-register the car are present.

The History and Paperwork

Produced in 1953 and exported with North American specifications (EXLNA) on 8 April 1953
Shipped on the SS Joliette and received in Chicago on 16 November 1953
Ship's records show that this Arnolt 278 coupe was shipped on SS Joliette along with Arnolt 275, 276, 279, 281, 282 and 284 coupes, and 283 convertible and received in Chicago on 16 November 1953
Purchased from Robins Imported Motors and delivered in May 1954, (invoice 1514)
Imported into Italy in 2015 with all import taxes fully paid
The car comes with a wealth of documents and invoices and has the original owner's manual
The car is accompanied by CRS (Certificate of Historical Significance) ASI

The Condition

Steel bodywork by Bertone with aluminium bonnet, tailgate and doors
The bodywork is painted in light brown and upon closer inspection reveals some paint chipping, scratches and imperfections, there is no noticeable damage. The undercoats reveal traces of corrosion
All chrome parts are in good shape and free of obvious defects
Exterior features include rear deflectors, Bertone badges, retractable door handles and additional Marchal headlights
15-inch spoked wheels with Borrani steel winglets
A three-spoke Bluemel steering wheel frames the dashboard that houses Jaeger instrumentation, which includes a tachometer with a 6k rpm scale with an analogue clock, speedometer and auxiliary instruments inside
The black upholstery is in excellent condition
We have been informed that the tyres will need to be replaced

The Mechanics

Powered by a 1,250 cm³ in-line four-cylinder XPAG engine
Equipped with twin SU carburettors
Equipped with a four-speed gearbox
The electrical system is fully functional and we have been informed that headlights, wipers and indicators work properly
Four drum brakes
We have been informed that the braking system will need to be overhauled
A standard-sized spare wheel is stowed in the luggage compartment
The engine may need tuning

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By submitting a bid, you also agree to the following:

✓ Theseller of this vehicle is registered as a professional seller. And you are protected by the Terms and Conditions of Car & Classic.

✓Ifyou are the lucky winner of an auction or if your bid is accepted, we will ask you to pay a non-refundable commission fee. Please refer to our FAQ and Terms & Conditions for specific fees.

✓Thisvehicle is 'Sold AsSeen', on an 'as isand where is' basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are for illustrative purposes only and it is good practice to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle before purchase for added peace of mind and security.

✓VATis included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final offer or asking price, as specified in the ad.

✓Justlike you, we want transactions to be as straightforward and transparent as possible, which is why we subject all UK vehicles for sale on Car & Classic to an HPI check to ensure that they are not listed in insurance databases as damaged or stolen and that they are free of any financial liens, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓Wealso check whether vehicles have been declared withdrawn from circulation and compensated as irreparably damaged when an ad is published on Car & Classic, and where necessary we indicate the category of damage reported (Cat C/D/S/N) to help you. However, the presence or absence of such indications is no guarantee of the condition of the vehicle and it is always preferable to carry out a full vehicle history check yourself before submitting an offer.

✓Buyers are responsible for collecting or delivering the vehicle. Additional customs duties and import taxes may apply when importing vehicles, so it is advisable to check beforehand. If required, we can direct you to a third-party shipping company that can help. For more details, or to communicate with our team, please email [email protected].