1952 MG TD
Highlights
- In single ownership for 66 years - four registered keepers in total
- Accompanied by a substantial and carefully curated history file
- Subject to an extensive recent restoration
The Appeal
Much like the appeal of a Morgan today, the MG TD neatly combined classic aesthetics with modern engineering. It was blessed with pre-war-esque styling, looking every bit the ‘30s sports car. But under the skin, it harboured such innovations as rack and pinion steering and independent front suspension.
Registered new in Blackpool in 1952, this TD is believed to have remained in the same family for much of its life, spanning an incredible 66 years. The car saw regular use until the early ‘70s and was eventually subject to a restoration by Naylor Brothers in 1988. It remained in possession with the original owner until it was passed over to relatives in 2007 for which we have copious documentation. During the Covid-19 ‘Lockdown’ - during which many of us headed to our sheds - this MG underwent a comprehensive 18-month restoration which included a bare metal respray.
The current owner of three years, a retired engineer, has thoroughly enjoyed the car. They’re fastidious with upkeep and careful to the extent they don’t even let the bonnet covers rest on the bodywork!
They reluctantly offer it for sale due to a need to downsize their collection.
The History and Paperwork
- UK-supplied right-hand drive example
- Just four registered keepers
- 93,123 miles indicated
- Restored by Naylor Brothers in 1988
- In the possession of the original owner until 2007 when it was passed to relatives
- There is a comprehensive and carefully curated history file of the work carried out through the years, including MOT certificates dating back to 1970
- Invoices for work done by the renowned marque specialists Naylor Brothers spanning four years
- Evidence of the 2020 restoration and the electrical work done by the current owner is also documented
- V5C present
Registered new in Blackpool in 1952, the car was believed to have remained in the same family for much of its life, spanning an incredible 66 years. The car saw regular use until the early ‘70s and was eventually subject to a restoration in 1988. It remained in possession with the original owner until it was passed over to relatives in 2007. There is much documentation concerning this. The current owner of 3 years, a retired engineer, has too many cars, and is looking to ‘downsize’ his collection, so one has to go!
There is a comprehensive and carefully organized history file of the work carried out through the years, including MOTs going back to 1970.
Invoices for work done by the renowned marque specialists Naylor Brothers, spanning 4 years is of particular interest. Evidence of the 2020 renovation, and the electrical work done by the current owner is also documented. This paperwork gives the promise that the car has seen nothing but the most careful of keepers over its lifetime.
The Condition
- Superbly restored with an emphasis on preserving originality
- Subject to a bare metal respray, with all panels and exterior components carefully dismantled and reassembled after its paint
- The panels align nicely and look arrow-straight
- The doors have been meticulously installed and tested to ensure they fit as well if not better then new
- Much of the original chrome has been preserved, which displays minor pitting but is another pleasingly authentic touch
- We’re informed that the hood is original - which is remarkable for a car of this vintage
- Restored seats
- All instruments are reportedy in good working order
- High capacity illuminated switch for the indicators installled
The body strikes a fine balance between authenticity and the appeal of a well-done restoration. The car has seen a bare metal respray, with all panels and exterior components carefully dismantled and reassembled after its paint. As a result, there’s very little to pick fault with in terms of the panel fit or condition. The doors have been meticulously installed and tested to guarantee that they fit as well, or perhaps better than they did when they left the Abingdon factory.
The paintwork has been professionally applied by a specialist. And it shows! What's especially intriguing about the car is how much of the original chrome has been preserved, which displays minor pitting but is another pleasingly authentic touch. The hood is original, and it has acquired a couple of minor tears in its 70 years, but can do its job if needed. There is also a full set of side screens, all in good order.
All five wheels are reportedly in excellent condition, and fitted with classic Pirelli Cinturatos. The vendor comments that while the tyres show well above legal tread limit, they are clearly over twenty years old.
The windscreen is in a good state with no significant blemishes, all the rubbers and piping on the car are new and in excellent condition and have been fitted to a high standard. The lights are all good, with no damage and new rear lights were recently fitted.
The seats have been well restored and are firmly sprung and the carpets are all in good condition. All the instruments, ignition and fuel level warning lights, are in good working order. The wiper motor functions, the wiper blades are new, and a push/pull switch installed on panel. A high capacity illuminated switch for the indicators has also been installed. The steering wheel, gear knob and hand brake lever are all good, with no significant wear or cracks
The seats have been well restored and are firmly sprung and the carpets are all in good condition. All the instruments, ignition and fuel level warning lights, are in good working order. The wiper motor functions, the wiper blades are new, and a push/pull switch installed on panel. A high capacity illuminated switch for the indicators has also been installed. The steering wheel, gear knob and hand brake lever are all good, with no significant wear or cracks
The Mechanics
- 1,250 cc XPAG l4
- Four-speed manual gearbox
- The cooling system has been recently renovated which included a radiator re-core, a new water pump and new thermostat
- The carburettors were overhauled as well as a set of new engine gaskets and ancillaries
- For improved handling, the rear suspension has been fitted with new modern telescopic shock absorbers
The vendor states that the car starts up instantly, bursting into life with a single turn of the key. The oil pressure runs correctly while the car is idling or in motion, with the engine reaching correct temperature with no issues. The cooling system has been recently renovated which included a radiator re-core, a new water pump and new thermostat. The carburetors were overhauled as well as a set of new engine gaskets and ancillaries.
The gear change is precise and needs minimal effort, with the clutch operating without any issues and has a comfortable biting point. The brakes function well, but as with all older cars, one must anticipate in advance when to start braking.
We note that the engine compartment is beautifully clean and as a measure of the fastidious nature of the owner’s care for the car, he doesn’t even let the bonnet covers rest on the car.
The underside appears virtually unblemished, with the chassis and suspension looking as good as new. For improved handling, the rear suspension has been fitted with new modern telescopic shock absorbers. The car’s ride is remarkably composed, dealing with the potholes and corners with no knocking from the suspension. The steering wheel stays true and shows no signs of vibration.
BEFORE YOU BUY
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Vehicle specification
- Year 1952
- Make MG
- Model T-Type
- Colour Red
- Odometer 93,117 Miles
- Engine size 1250
Listing Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Mayland
- Location Essex
- Country United Kingdom
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