Lot Ended
Description
Rock-solid US import; well-maintained with lots of bills; recent new
gearbox and clutch; nice shiny paintwork; lots to like about this
one
Launched in
1950, the MG TD Midget perfectly captured the post-war romance of open-air
motoring. While it maintained the classic, pre-war look of its predecessors –
complete with sweeping running boards, standalone headlights, and a fold-down
windscreen – under the skin it was a significantly more civilised
machine.
The biggest upgrade was the introduction
of independent front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering which ironed
out the harsh ride of the older TC with improved handling and comfort.
Power came from a lively 1,250cc XPAG inline-four engine, pushing out around
54bhp. While a top speed of 77mph sounds modest today, the car’s low-slung
seating and lively road manners made it feel like a much quicker
machine.
The TD was hugely popular in America,
demand fuelled by US servicemen who had fallen in love with nimble British
roadsters while stationed ihere during the war. Out of nearly 30,000 TDs
produced before production ended in 1953, over 80% were exported across the
Atlantic and only 1,656 were RHD cars for the British
market.
This particular TD is one of the US
market cars, a copy of the Production Record showing that it left the MG works
in March 1950, correspondence from the American TD Register stating that by 1970
it was owned by a Mr T Driscoll of Rhode Island.
Imported
back to the UK in February 1991, it was converted to RHD and has been carefully
maintained since, with lots of invoices for routine servicing and new parts
fitted. This includes an engine rebuild in 2006 with new bearings, piston rings,
gaskets etc.
Other noteworthy work includes: a
new set of carbs in 2006; new wheel cylinders all round in 2013; new set of
flexible oil pipes in 2015; speedo rebuilt and set to zero in 2015; four new
tyres in 2018 plus numerous other minor items.
More recently, in October 2023 it had a replacement gearbox, new
clutch and a full brake system overhaul by Ian Parminter Classic Cars of
Northallerton which cost £2,239.
Fitted with a
cigar lighter port beneath the dash to power your sat nav or phone charger, it
also has a battery cut-off switch discreetly fitted in the driver’s side tool
box under the bonnet. It comes with a snug-fitting hood and tonneau cover, both
in good condition, the hood being only loosely fitted for the photos. A handbook
and workshop manual are also present.
We are told
that the car drives as well as it looks and it has certainly been starting
promptly and running nicely as we have moved it around on site, feeling light
and lively with healthy 40psi oil pressure.
As
you can see in the photos, this TD looks to be in great shape for a 76-year-old
with excellent paintwork and a remarkably solid and original underside. Great
fun to drive, it is the perfect antidote to the dull conformity of modern
motoring and will get you beaming from ear to ear as you chuck it around the
lanes this coming summer.
Consigned by James
Dennison – 07970 309907 – [email protected]