Lot Ended
Description
1953 MG TD
Few owners; massive history file;
sensible upgrades; very nice indeed
Supplied new by University Motors in September 1953, this
lovely TD is an original UK car that has only had three owners since 1976. It
comes with a large history file extending back to the mid-1970s to show
meticulous upkeep over the years.
Prior to 1976 it was owned by a Mr Blaby of Leicester who
fitted a replacement Gold Seal engine in 1969/1970 when he also had the body
rebuilt by Naylors with a new ash frame and some new aluminium body panels. At
this time the car was still on its original registration number, 8279 H (of
which more later).
In 1976 when the new engine had still only done 3,000
miles, he sold the car to a Mr Cook of Lancashire who was to keep it for the
next 30 years. Judging by the huge number of invoices on file, he barely used
the car, preferring to spend his time spoodling it up rather than actually
driving it.
Invoices show that in 1981/1982 the interior was retrimmed
with new carpets and new black leather seat covers which have stood the test of
time very well indeed. A new canvas hood, sidescreens and tonneau cover were
also fitted at the same time and the front and rear bumpers were rechromed.
Dozens more invoices attest to a multitude of other new parts being fitted
during Cook’s ownership.
In 2006 the car was spotted for sale by a Mr Beamond of
Staffs, but as he arrived in Lancashire to view the car it was already being
trailered away by Yorkshire classic car dealer Derek Matthewson (of ‘Bangers
& Cash’ fame). Fortunately Mr B had seven (!) other TDs to look at in the
same area so it wasn’t a totally wasted journey but unfortunately they all
turned out to be rubbish compared to the one that got away.
A deal was therefore struck and Mr B was able to buy the
car from Matthewson although the 8279 H number plate was not included so it got
re-registered as 540 UXU, a transferable number that it wears to this day. Upon
acquiring the car, Mr B promptly sent it to the Octagon Car Club T-Series guru,
Chris Rogers, for a stem-to-stern checkover to ensure that it was fighting fit
and to carry out any upgrades recommended by the Club to make it a reliable
daily driver.
Rogers confirmed that the ash frame was indeed ‘as new’
and he also removed the sump and the oil pump cover plate to check the
tolerances in the Gold Seal engine, again declaring it ‘as new’ with no wear
whatsoever. The carburettors were completely rebuilt and Aldon electronic
ignition fitted along with a modern ‘spin on’ oil filter and an electric fuel
pump. An MGB cooling fan was fitted along with an uprated water pump and an MGB
brake servo.
All rubber items were replaced and the felt trim strips
between the petrol tank and the chassis were upgraded with much thicker rubber
items. Modern inertia reel seat belts were fitted and the whole chassis was
sprayed and injected with waxoil. A new tonneau cover was also fitted plus a
host of other items, all detailed in copious invoices on file.
All this work paid off and over the next 11 years the car
needed nothing other than routine servicing. A stainless steel exhaust was
fitted in 2010; the odometer (which had been stuck on 12 miles since the 1980s)
was rebuilt in 2011; Goodrich stainless steel braided brake hoses and a new
master cylinder were fitted in 2015. In 2016 it was treated to a rebuilt 4:55
crown wheel and pinion which was fitted by MG racer/engineer George Edney and
the speedo was recalibrated by Speedograph as the old 40mph was now 50mph.
Our vendor acquired the TD from Mr Beamond in May 2017 and
has used it sparingly in fine weather only. As you can see in the photos, it
remains in very good order throughout and has been starting promptly and running
nicely as we have moved it around on site, with good 40psi oil pressure.
Documentation includes a current V5C, correspondence from
previous owners, reams of invoices, a box full of workshop manuals, MG Club
magazines, technical literature about the model and 16 old MOTs from 1967 to
2018. A useful quantity of spares are also included.
For more information contact James on 07970 309907 or
email james.dennison@brightwells.com
* All charges are subject to VAT