1953 MG TD

1953 MG TD. #229641.

(Stock #4343.) Following the end of the hostilities of World War II, England reinitiated production of their fabulous “T-Series” sports cars, introducing the “TC”. A bit more road-worthy and luxurious but not too far removed from MG’s pre-war offerings, the TC is known as introducing the sports car to America. Returning servicemen drove these in England, fell in love with these wonderful little cars, and many brought one home with them. In 1949, the sporting world was ready for a bit more modern look, ride and performance, and in America, American side steering. The TD was introduced that year with increased horsepower from its 1250 cc 4-cylinder engine (all the way up to 52 horsepower), left hand (American side) steering and a more advanced suspension with shorter steel wheels. Although the new TD had a bit wider body and incorporated mechanical advances such as rack-and-pinion steering, the classic look was the same. The tall vertical grill, although a bit shorter than that of the TC, was still present along with a fold-down windscreen, for true wind-in-the-hair motoring, doors which still opened to the rear, side curtains instead of roll-up glass side windows, etc. The TD set new sales records in the USA and stayed in production with only minimal changes through 1953. Our car is one of the very late TD’s and was owned locally for more than twenty years. Finished in cream with beautifully classic British Green leather, it is in excellent cosmetic and mechanical condition and drives exactly as it should. It is accompanied by its original owner’s manual and a quite thorough shop manual. Odometer reading: 1,398. $22,000.