Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 104
1953 MG TD Chassis no. TD21811 Engine no. TD222211
Sold for US$19,600 inc. premium
1953 MG TD
Chassis no. TD21811
Engine no. TD222211
Chassis no. TD21811
Engine no. TD222211
1,250cc OHV Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
2 SU Carburetors
55bhp at 5,400rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Front Independent Suspension – Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Drum Brakes
*Well-presented older restoration
*Characteristic Black/Green color scheme
*Matching numbers
*Classic British roadster styling
THE T SERIES MG
"The Midget is the survival of what, in the opinion of many people, is the right sort of small sports car. It caters for those who look upon motoring not as a means to an end, but as an end in itself. Many thousands of these little cars are succeeding admirably in providing their owners with something that will, at one moment, journey forth and do the shopping and, at the next, take part in serious competitive events or tackle a 400-mile journey with zest." The Autocar, 15th May 1953.
The penultimate T-Series Midget, the TD appeared in 1949. A larger car than its predecessors, the TD owed much to the contemporary Y-Type saloon, using a narrowed and modified version of the latter's box-frame chassis, upon which sat an all-new body - roomier than before but retaining the classic looks of the traditional MG sports car and the proven 1,250cc XPAG four-cylinder engine. This saloon parentage was far from a handicap, for the Y-Type was a later and more advanced design than the TC Midget, employing independent front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering. Although thoroughly traditional both in appearance and its coachbuilt method of construction, the TD body offered greatly increased 'elbow room' to its occupants compared to that of the TC. It became the 'gateway drug' for an entire generation of sports car enthusiasts and became a staple of early post-war American sports car racing competition.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
This Black and Green MG is reported to have received a proper restoration roughly 30 years ago. The work has held up well over the years and has furthermore remained without any large deviations from how a TD would have left the factory. Under the hood, the bulk of the components appear rather tidy, as does the rest of the vehicle. A well taken care of example, the original engine has remained with the car for the entirety of its life. Upon inspection by a Bonhams specialist, it can further be reported that the car was running well and without major issue.
Ideal for warm sunny drives down twisty backroads, this MG is the purest form of motoring. This TD is ready to go and will surely be enjoyed by its next owner.
Saleroom notices
Please note, the title will be in transit.
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