Ian Gabriele
Specialist
LOT 102
1953 MG TD Roadster Chassis no. TD21119
Sold for US$11,760 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 102
Offered from 62 years of single-family ownership
1953 MG TD Roadster
1953 MG TD Roadster
The Audrain Concours Auction|4 October 2024, 17:00 EDT|Newport, Rhode Island, International Tennis Hall of Fame
1953 MG TD Roadster
Chassis no. TD21119
Chassis no. TD21119
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
*Lovingly presented, older restoration
*Sporting color scheme of Ivory over red
*In current ownership since 1962
*Detailed restoration approximately 10 years ago
*Authentic detailing, true to factory specifications
*A delightful British roadster
*Offered out of storage, with minor recommissioning required
THE MG TD
The penultimate T-Series Midget, the TD first appeared in 1949. A larger and more refined 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 XPAG four-cylinder engine. This saloon parentage was far from a handicap, for the Y-Type was a later and considerably more advanced design than the TC Midget, employing independent front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering, which vastly improved handling and ride quality on the TD. Widely beloved, particularly in its target US market, the MG TD became the 'gateway drug' for an entire generation of sports car enthusiasts and a staple of early post-war American sports car racing competition.
THE CAR OFFERED
This 1953 MG TD is a charming example of BMC's beloved roadster, offered here from 62 years of continuous ownership. The late owner acquired it in 1962, and the bill of sale from when he bought it is still on file today. He reportedly used to regularly tow the TD behind his MGA when traveling between upstate New York and Texas – undoubtedly a character-building experience!
Approximately a decade ago, the TD was due for some freshening, which quickly evolved into a more comprehensive restoration, as these projects often do. Thankfully, the owner was careful to preserve the original character of his TD, avoiding the common affliction of over accessorizing. Refinished in the period-correct shade of Ivory, it rides on proper steel disc wheels shod with bias-ply tires, and the body is adorned just as it would have left Abingdon with simple chrome bumpers and red radiator grille slats. The cockpit is trimmed red – a period correct color offered with ivory paint – and features a proper, red-upholstered instrument panel. A new black canvas top was fitted and remains in excellent condition.
Under the skin, the plucky XPAG four-cylinder engine is appropriately finished in dark MG red with a silver rocker cover, and details like a correct cloth-bound wiring loom show the attention to detail paid to the restoration. The car has been in storage since the unfortunate passing of the owner, and therefore will require some light recommissioning to return to full health. Once sorted, this wonderful little TD's unique charm will have you reaching for the keys at every opportunity to savor the pure, unfiltered driving pleasure that makes the simplistic appeal of these British roadsters so enduring.
Additional information
Looking for a similar item?
Our Cars specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.
Find your local specialistSpecialist section
Auction Viewings
- 3 October 2024, 09:00 - 18:00 EDT
- 4 October 2024, 09:00 - 16:00 EDT
Bid now on these items
United Kingdom
Coming soon
1980 Ducati 900 MHR
£7,000 - £9,000
United Kingdom
Coming soon
1914 Sunbeam 3½hp
£8,000 - £12,000
United Kingdom
Coming soon
1975 Ducati 750 GT
£8,000 - £10,000
