Project Description
MG TD
A charming fully restored MG TD in Clipper Blue.
Price
SOLDYear
1952Mls/Kms
95,925 milesSold in
GermanyHistory File
The depicted commission plate (see engine description) explains that our delightful MG TD is a LHD export model that was sent to the USA with an MPH speedometer. With a 1950 – 1953 production span, our chassis number: 14246 example confirms a mid-production car produced on the 3rd of March 1952, combined with an engine number XPAG TD2 145587 with the larger 8 inch clutch plate. Originally shipped to the Oregon area it has remained on the west coast of America, before being imported to Germany in 2017. Now fully German registered with Historical registration, this is as good as it gets within this period.
Exterior
Finished in Clipper Blue, which is quite rare on TD’s and more used on the previous model the TC, and even rarer on that. When the car first arrived with us in Germany the wings were painted a darker blue displaying a somewhat unusual two-tone effect. Now changed back to all one colour, the contrasting beige grill, often done to match the interior, we believe, is as it should be. The all-weather protection equipment is in superb condition with all 4 side window elements present. As depicted, the beige zipped tonneau cover is a great addition for those wonderful autumn and winter crisp blue sky days. All chrome and bright-work are in stunning, unblemished condition. All in all, a superbly finished example of 1950’s quintessential British engineering.
Interior
If you are 5 foot 8 inches tall you should, essentially, be fine as these wee cars are somewhat challenged in terms of who can actually get in them – and out again, for that matter. However, once ensconced, its appeal is obvious: lovely beige leather bench seats (rear adjustable) with matching door capping’s and dashboard. A delightful light blue carpet is a perfect match for the cars Clipper blue exterior. But the highlight is surely the large Bakelite three spoke steering wheel which is a joy and befitting of the model and indeed the period. A closer look under the dash will confirm just how well the car has been restored. As mentioned above, it’s rare to have all parts of the all-weather protection equipment intact and in such good condition.
Engine & Transmission
Without question, this is the best running MG engine we’ve ever encountered at Cathedral Classics. You just need to look at the key, almost, and it starts with an uncanny quiet tick-over. The engine number XPAG TD2 145587 has the larger 8” clutch plate and has been recently maintained by renowned MG marque specialist, Mengers, in north Germany. Clearly a matching numbers example indicated by the block plaque housed inside a wonderfully detailed engine bay.
Wheels, Tyres & Brakes
Refurbished correct steel wheels are covered with discrete Whitewall Dunlop SP Sport tyres. All 5 are in like new condition but, may now have age related issues. The car has recently passed the now very strict German TÜV inspection confirming its new historical registration status. All 5 chrome hubcaps with blue MG decals are simply lovely. The brakes are period appropriate but do stop the car very straight.
Underneath
Additional images
