Description

1952 MG TD

Well sorted TD; older restoration; five-speed conversion; warmed-up engine; driven 60+ miles to the sale; full weather equipment; from long-term ownership and ready to enjoy

This smart TD returned to the UK in 1990 having lived in the US since it was first delivered in 1952. As is often the case with cars imported from the US, little if anything is known of its time abroad, the known history of the car starting when it was first UK registered.

Its first UK owner only kept the car for six weeks, the vendor acquiring it from him in July 1990 - an ownership period of more than 31 years.

There are bills on file dating from that time, with signs of significant engine work early on, and subsequent restoration work including a new wiring loom and trim work. It was also converted to RHD.

Twenty five old MOTs indicate regular use, its most recent test expiring in August 2019 which showed no advisories and that around 15,000 miles have been covered on UK roads.

The current specification inlcudes a warmed-over engine, with a stage II head converted to take unleaded petrol. It has two 1 1/2" SUs and a four-branch performance exhaust which certainly sounds the part. Driving the car around for photography, it has plenty of 'zip'. Enhancements under the bonnet also include a modified Cooper S distributor, an electronic fuel pump, spin-off oil filter conversion and a new, uprated waterpump.

The engine is mated to a Ford Type-9 five-speed gearbox with overdrive fifth. The diff has also been swapped for a 4.55:1 unit which gives fast and relaxed cruising speeds - the speedometer has been recalibrated to suit.

The car includes full weather equipment - tonneau and side screens and sits on recent chromed wire wheels with good tyres. The vendor drove it into the saleroom, the roarty exhaust note announcing its arrival.

Ready for immediate enjoyment, this attractively estimated MG is more usable than most and is well worth close inspection.

Contact matthew.parkin@brightwells.com