1952 MG TD Roadster, Fully restored, New Top and Curtains, Lots of Paperwork

1952 MG TD Roadster

Made in Abingdon-on-Thames, this is one of the original, classic British sports cars, MotoeXotica Classic Cars is very proud to present this 1952 MG TD Roadster. Fully restored six years ago, this car represents an investment worth more than $10,000.

Finished in a handsome off white on the outside, the paint is in excellent order, and the vehicle’s trim is quite presentable. The vehicle’s windscreen is intact and crack- and haze-free. The vehicle’s lights, from its large, dual headlights to its amber foglights perched above the front bumper and its tiny taillights are in very good condition. Car rides on 15-inch steel wheels, with factory vented wheel covers. A spare tire and wheel are on the car’s boot [trunk]. The car’s body is very straight and solid. The frame is clean and all body panels are blemish-free.

Inside, the Apple Green Rexine seats are a refreshing contrast to the exterior. The seats and carpet are very clean and intact. The wooden dashboard is quite well preserved and it shines. The original steering wheel has been replaced with a modern, three-spoke metal version, with a wooden rim. Both the speedometer and tachometer reside behind the wheel, while a shiny metallic section contains the secondary gauges, ignition switch and other controls. Facing the passenger is the glovebox and a chrome grab handle for use during “aggressive manoeuvres.”

Mechanically, the car is in very good condition. A 1250cc inline four-cylinder engine is under the bonnet [hood], and the engine bay is tidy. Backing up the engine is a modern five-speed manual transmission and the car has been upgraded with a modern ignition system.

In March 2010, a previous owner had brake system flushed, replaced these parts — all six wheel cylinders, front and rear brake shoes, the master cylinder, front engine mount, valve cover, valve stem seals, steering rack boots, fuel pump, which was cleaned and reassembled. In July 2010, the transmission was replaced, solid state ignition installed. In August 2010, all four brake drums were machined, the system bled, replaced the steering wheel and hub. In October 2010, the battery was replaced. In February 2011, the car was completely checked over as well as recently by our service department.

The 1950 TD Midget 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 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.” Also lifted from the company’s successful 1¼-litre saloon for the TD 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 inches wider with a track of 50 inches.

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 15 US gallons of tank capacity gave a range between refueling stops of about 300 miles and a green light on the fascia flashed a “warning” when the fuel level was down to about four gallons.

Nearly 30,000 TDs had been produced when the series ended in 1953 with all but 1,656 exported, 23,488 of them to the US alone. The main complaint that US owners had with the MG TD sold in the US was the British 12-volt electrical system, which was hard to service when most US cars were still using six volts. But in general in surveys, owners of the Americanized MG TD had more positive remarks than negative. Documentation includes a binder with an information summary, copies of maintenance and service receipts and photos.

Competition to this MG in 1952 included the Crosley Super Sport, Austin’s A40 Sports and Delahaye’s 135M Convertible.

This car is currently located at our facility in St. Louis, Missouri. Current mileage on the odometer shows 15,229 miles. It is sold as is, where is, on a clean and clear, actual mileage title. GET OUT AND DRIVE!!!

VIN: TD11983

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