1953 MG TD Roadster

1953 MG TD Roadster Final model year for TD Left-hand drive Engine rebuilt in 2012 by the late Tom Roberts Stored and covered in a heated garage during winters 1.3L four-cylinder engine Four-speed manual transmission British Racing Green exterior with beige, manual folding top and tan leather interior Rear-mounted spare tire and wheel Made in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, England, the demand for English two-seat sports cars had not waned with World War II in the rearview mirror. Finished in British Racing Green, this example is part of the final model year for the TD. The cars paint and trim are in overall very good order, the bodywork is straight and solid and the chrome bumpers fit tightly to the body. The car has a beige, manual folding top with a plastic rear window that is in fine order. The engine bay is extremely tidy. Out back is a full-sized spare tire and wheel. The car was covered and stored in a heated garage during winters. This roadster rolls on Vredestein Sprint Classic tires, size 165HR15 at every corner. Each tire is mounted on a steel wheel topped with a factory center cap. The wheels and tires are all in good, original condition. Under the hood is a 1.3L four-cylinder engine that was rebuilt in 2012 by the late Tom Roberts, reputed to be the best British car mechanic in New York State. The engine is backed by a four-speed manual transmission. The tan interior and side curtain window panels have been updated; the newer leather seats are in great shape, a three-spoke steering wheel faces the driver while the tan inner door liners and dark green instrument panel are all in very good order, with instruments (Temp gauge is inop) facing the driver versus some dials facing the passenger (for two-man racing duties) as in previous models. The 1950 TD Midget announced in January 1950 combined the TC's drivetrain, a modified hypoid-geared rear axle, the MG Y-type chassis, a familiar T-type style body and independent suspension on front axle using coil springs from the MG Y-type saloon: a 1950 road-test report described as most striking the resulting transformation ... in the comfort of riding. The reference cited above was incorrect to infer the entire drive train was lifted from the TC, as along with the new hypoid differential, a completely different transmission was used (albeit also a four-speed). Also lifted from the company's successful 1-litre saloon was the (still highly geared) rack and pinion steering. In addition, the TD featured smaller 15-inch disc type road wheels, a left-hand drive option and standard equipment bumpers and over-riders. The car was also five-inch wider with a track of 50 inches. It was seen by enthusiasts at the time as a disappointment, mild and "not a sports car. . . the new model is largely designed to consolidate and expand the car's sale in North America. The first TDs were built in late 1949. For the driver the all-weather protection was good by the standards of the time. For night driving, instrument illumination was effective but not dazzling, by a pale green lighting effect. There was still no fuel gauge, but the 14.5 gallons of tank capacity gave a range between refueling stops of about 300 miles and a green light on the facia flashed a warning when the fuel level was down to about three US gallons. In 1950, the TD MkII Competition Model was introduced, produced alongside the standard car, with a more highly tuned engine using an 8.1:1 compression ratio. Nearly 30,000 TDs had been produced, including about 1700 Mk II models, when the series ended in 1953 with all but 1656 exported, 23,488 of them to the US alone. Competition to this MG in 1953 included Chevrolets new Corvette, Crosleys Super Sport and Porsches 356. Stop by MotoeXotica Classic Cars to check out this survivor from the post-war era. If taken to a cruise night or car show event, youd be in the spotlight and expected to answer a lot of questions. VIN: 1909525/TD28251 This car is currently located at our facility in St. Louis, Missouri. Current mileage on the odometer shows 36,561 miles. It is sold as is, where is, on a clean and clear, mileage exempt title. GET OUT AND DRIVE!!! Note: Please see full terms and conditions listed below that pertain to the purchase of any said vehicle, thank you.