1,250cc OHV Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
Twin SU H2 Semi-Downdraft Carburetors
54bhp at 5,200rpm
5-Speed All-Synchromesh Manual Transmission (see text)
Front Independent Suspension – Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Lockheed Hydraulic Drum Brakes

*One of only 65 Arnolt-MG Coupes built
*Beautifully restored
*Italian coachwork, English mechanicals, American flair
*Cost nearly as much as an XK120 when new

THE ARNOLT-MG

Stanley Harold 'Wacky' Arnolt from Chicago was a based Chicago industrialist who had made his money during WWII selling marine motors for the war effort. After the war he started an automobile business as a distributor of British marques including MG, Riley, and Morris. At the 1952 Turin Auto Show, Arnolt spotted an elegant coupe with a body styled by Franco Scaglione of Batmobile fame and bodied by Italian Bertone in Turin on the Abingdon-built MG TD rolling chassis. Arnolt struck up a conversation Nuccio Bertone and a deal was struck to build 200 Bertone-bodied, MG TD based cars to be marketed as Arnolt-MGs with the first examples prepared in time for the 1953 New York Auto Show. The aluminum intensive design gave the TD a more contemporary look and a pair of extra seats, but also bumped the price up by over 30% to bring the sticker to $3,145—just $500 shy of the more powerful Jaguar XK120. In the end, MG's demand for their own cars and the forthcoming TF meant that Arnolt could no longer get chassis and drivetrains allocated to him and only 65 Arnolt-MG Coupes and 35 Convertibles were built before Arnolt switched his attention to Astons, Jaguars, and Bristols.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This stunning example of Arnolt's luxurious interpretation of the MG TD has been the lucky recipient of thorough restoration. Acquired locally several years ago, much work has been carried out to bring the car to where it is today. Taken down to bare metal, it received a respray in Ferrari red—harkening to its Italian bodywork. The shiny paint was accented with equally shiny fresh chromework. The interior was retrimmed with ample flair in tan leather by Auto Upholstery in Tuckaho, New York. The seats, package shelf, and door cards all feature a unique design that givens added elegance to this already lovely machine. The matching Alcantara headliner only adds to this effect.

Under the hood, the original engine has been rebuilt and fitted with larger SU carburetors and bolted to a gearbox with an extra cog—for a total of five—and synchromesh in all gears. The suspension system has also received attention with modern shocks installed for improved handling and ride quality. To slow things down, the brakes have been overhauled. The notorious electrical bugs so often associated with British machinery has also been kept at bay with a new wiring harness. It goes without saying that the car is as clean underneath as it is up top. Marque specialists Automotive Restorations Inc in Stratford, Connecticut have carried out much of the service work.

Only shown locally since purchase, this Arnolt is a rare opportunity to acquire one of "Wacky's" creations. As the featured marque at the Greenwich Concours d'Elegance this year, one need only walk the field just outside the concours tent to see the incredible breadth of Arnolt's creations. Complete with receipts and invoices, plus books and literature on the car, outside of the show field on auction day, you are unlikely to see another one of these! One of only 36 Arnolt-MGs of all stripes believed to survive today, it's a sure fire way to grab attention at the next British Car Meet or local cruise.