1953 CALIFORNIA RESTORED MGTD - ONLY 7,200 MILES SINCE FRAME OFF - RED / BISCUIT
Price: -
Item location: Kingston, Pennsylvania, United States
Description:
1953 MG T-Series 2 DOOR ROADSTER
| High Quality Restoration / CA Car 1953 MG TD "Frame-Off" Restored "TD" Finished in Classic "MG Red" / Beige A Beautifully Restored, 100% Turn-key British Classic Ready to Drive, Show & Enjoy Owned by a British Car Enthusiast / Collector for Over 17 Years __________________________ DETAILS-THIS PARTICULAR 1953 MGTD During our 20+ years of specializing in European sports cars, we are proud to acknowledge that we have had more MG cars than we can count. This "TD" is one of the best driving, well maintained and nicely restored examples that we have had the pleasure of representing. The MGTD originally came to us as part of a collection of MG & Jaguar cars that come from a long time British enthusiast that was absolutely fanatical about his cars. They were maintained utilizing a "Cost no object" philosophy, used sparingly for shows and weekend drives and pampered in every respect. The "TD" was sold to a long time customer as a gift to his father who had the same vintage MGTD while in college. Recently, the father passed away after adding just a few hundred miles to the MG. The car remains in virtually the same condition as when we sold it and as described in this listing. It is now located in Pennsylvania and can be seen by appointment. It is a totally turn-key and needs absolutely nothing to be used as a regular British sports car ready to cruise and show. The MG's history of being used as a special parade car includes reference to it being an "immaculately restored 1953 MGTD." The MG has also received a first place award at a local car show. Perhaps most important, the MGTD is a reliable, totally "sorted" driver that can be enjoyed and depended upon for travels to shows or a long cruise on a beautiful day. Finally, the cars timeless styling turns heads everywhere you go. HISTORY, RESTORATION AND IMPROVEMENTS This car was purchased by the previous owner in 1998 and has been carefully driven and maintained in Northern California until approximately 1 year ago when it went to the current owner. It is now being sold by the estate. Documentation from the owners estate suggests that a total of under 1,500 miles were accumulated over the course of 17~ years. It is believed that the mileage showing of 7,200~ represents the total mileage on the MG since it received a total, comprehensive and high quality restoration. Although virtually 100% stock in appearance, some modifications/upgrades have been added to improve the cars appearance, reliability and drivability. Specifically, they include: - The addition of a professionally installed Datsun 5-speed manual transmission (and drive-shaft) replacing original TD gear box - A front chrome badge bar with classic British badges including: - MG Car Club - "H.M. Queen Elizabeth Crowned June 2, 1953" - The New England MG "T" Register - Sacramento Valley MG Car Club - For security purposes there is a hidden cut-off switch mounted in a strategic location THE NUMBERS The identifying numbers appear on two brass plates on the driver's side firewall tool box. These show: - Chassis #: 22381 - Body Number: 18882 / 93119 - Car #: TD 19531 - Using the data from the T Type Factory Production Records, car with #'s ranging from 19,346 to 20,433 were produced in September 1952. This MGTD is titled as a 1953 probably as a result of it being sold by the dealer in 1953 (the title also shows that the car was first sold in 1953 indicating that the car has been in California since new) - Engine #: XPAG / TD2 / 19803 (Correct to chassis / "Numbers Matching" Note: Engine Number XPAG / TD2 /1 9803-XPAG denotes the 1250 cc engine, TD2 indicates a later model and fitted with an 8 inch clutch The brass plate on the firewall shows that the MG was built with engine # 19803 and this number corresponds to the octagon brass plate # on the lower right side of the engine block supporting the fact that this MGTD is "Number Matching." Additionally, the following production changes support the cars manufacture in the September, 1952 time frame: - Passenger mounted windscreen motor (to body # 22314) - Rear tail lights are raised rectangular in the rear fenders (to production #19628) - 2-bow top - Scuttle mounted headlight dimmer - Shorter horn button MECHANICAL - MG XPAG engine, 4 cylinder in-line, Correct Factory Displacement Engine / 1250 cc (TD2) - Overhead valves, 2 per cylinder, push rod - Naturally aspirated w/ twin SU H2 semi-downdraught carburetors - Factory proper air cleaner - Semi-floating rear axle with hypoid gears - Direct rack and pinion steering - Stainless steel exhaust pipes - 12 volt conversion - Heavy duty battery - Stock manifold - Red painted block - Upgraded 5-Speed transmission (Rebuilt Datsun 5-Speed installed <1,000 miles ago) - Factory Lockheed hydraulic brakes with large area drums - Coil spring independent front suspension - Piston-type hydraulic shock absorbers - Stainless steel exhaust system - Restored 15" factory slotted steel wheels - Beautiful, restored MG logo hub caps - Excellent Veith radial tires in proper 165/ 15" size 7/32" tread remaining - New rear-mounted spare has never been on ground with 9/32" tread remaining - Stock 12 gallon fuel tank - Car does not have significant oil leaking and any minor leaks appear to be consistent with British machinery of the era - The passenger's side firewall toolbox contains a bottle jack and lug wrench and Dunlop tool EXTERIOR - "Frame Off" restoration of a solid, originally California MGTD - Excellent "MG Red" paint - Extremely straight body lines & door fitment / closure - Very tight, rattle free "TD" - All exterior chrome is exceptional and free from pitting or damage - Beautiful bumpers with factory correct over-riders - Older windscreen showing delamination on outer edges of glass and minor windshield wiper marks toward the center of the windscreen (not in the line of vision) - Excellent, like new beige canvas tonneau cover with functional center zipper to allow for "splitting" the driver's and passenger compartments or covering the entire car - Older very light colored vinyl convertible top (almost white in color) Note: Not currently installed but easily done with a few bolts) - Front & rear side curtains included (4) also fitted to chromed (originally painted0 frames & finished in matching light vinyl fabric with clear windows (refer to photographs) - Correct factory 2-bow top frame included (chromed vs. original factory painted frame - Both doors open and close and secure properly with solid hinges and no sagging - Personalized plates reading TD 8 52 (not included with the sale) - Currently registered and just renewed until July, 2016 (CA buyers only) - Beautifully restored front grill - Front chrome badge bar with the following badges (included): - MG Car Club - "H.M. Queen Elizabeth Crowned June 2, 1953" - The New England MG "T" Register - Sacramento Valley MG Car Club - No radio or antenna (the way it should be for a vintage British sports car) INTERIOR - Beautiful pleated beige leather seat upholstery - Beautiful original restored steering wheel - Beautiful original type vinyl covered dash & gauges - All original gauges and all work except for small clock below tachometer - Excellent tan door panels each w/ a storage pocket - Glove box in dash - Nice black floor carpet w/ MG logo rubber mat on driver's side - Ample space for luggage behind the front seats with separate felt lined compartment for side screens / windows (included per above description) - Factory correct center mounted rear view mirror - More "user friendly" turn signal switches added to left side of dash - Functional original electric wipers work - Hand brake works - Twin factory style horns (2) work (loud!) - Lights & electrical system is fully functional (with the exception of the clock) - Current odometer reading is 7,100 miles; was probably set to zero upon restoration; total miles are unknown as a result of the age of the vehicle COSMETIC CONDITION Many believe there is only one color for an MGTD..Red! This spectacular MGTD received high quality, complete paint work several years ago, and has seen little use since. It is truly in excellent condition and any imperfections require a close, critical inspection to be noticed. It is truly one of the nicest "TD's" that we have had in years. The beige canvas tonneau cover and top are in fine condition and the side curtains are as new, having never been used. All chrome is very good, particularly both bumpers. The interior, with beige seat and door panel upholstery, compliments the "MG Red" exterior nicely. The factory correct dash and steering wheel are very attractive and have not been altered using incorrect/inexpensive aftermarket components. The underside is California clean and supports that the car has not seen rain since restoration. The fender wells are painted matching red. The engine bay is very clean and attractive with a few chromed accents and the properly painted red painted block. DRIVEABILITY The car runs and drives very well. It starts immediately when cold and equally as well once it is fully warmed up. The engine does not hesitate and it runs smoothly as it is shifted up and down through the syncromesh gears of the fresh, upgraded transmission. Over the course of 21~ years, we have had a number of early MG's that have significant noise in the transmission (particularly in 1st & reverse, but any gear). This is not the case with this "TD." The improved 5 speed transmission, while visually transparent, makes a world of difference when it comes to the driveability of the "TD." It is quiet, does not pop out of gear and shifts easily. Perhaps most important, the 5 speeds provide for considerably increased low and top end along with the pleasure of having a fully syncromesh gearbox (including first gear). Additionally, there is no unusual noise in the drive-line including the rear end, engine, brakes, and other components. The MGTD does not pull to the left or right, or exhibit any drivability issues. MG enthusiasts will notice that the instrumentation is MG is period correct. The clock (located in the lower portion of the tachometer) is not working, but typically, they didn't work shortly after the cars were produced! The MG runs at normal operating temperature with no indication of overheating. The other gauges are fully functional (speedometer, tachometer, oil pressure, ammeter) as are the lights, horn and the turn signals. Engine oil pressure reads 50+ lbs. is well within the normal operating specifications and the MG runs cool even in warm Northern California temperatures partly as a result of the restored cooling system. The car is totally sorted, usable at highway speeds and, personally, we would not hesitate to take it on a long (and enjoyable) journey. The MG is perhaps the most mechanically solid example that we can remember owning showing no signs of unusual engine noises, smoking, or other issues. Uncharacteristically, the car sits for prolonged periods of time with only minor minimal oil drips characteristic of this vintage British vehicle. OTHER - Clear Pennsylvania title with current registration (long time CaLifornia car in PA since 2015) - First place car show plaque included - Original Operation (Owner's) Manual - Beautiful period "Safety MG Fast" brochure containing pertinent MGTD facts - Additional "flyer" with features of the MGTD (including mechanical specifications, interior features, etc.) - MG "T" Restoration Guide - Original Workshop Manual dated 1955 - Framed photos of the car featuring the High School prom queen riding in the MG - Original Best of Class Winning award from the prestigious All British Meet in Dixon, CA. - Original replaced parts: TD differential gears, fan blade, intake manifold, 2 oil bath air cleaners SPECIFICATIONS OF THE 1952 MGTD - Length 145 inches - Width 58.3 inches - Height 56 inches - Wheelbase 94 inches - Weight 1931 lb. - Drag coefficient (est.) 0.65 - Top speed 81 mph (w/ stock differential) HISTORY OF THE 1950-1953 MGTD MG's TC roadster sold well initially and proved American demand for an English sports car, but the car's right-hand-drive configuration and 1930s specifications meant it was ripe for a redesign by 1950. In response, Syd Enever and Alec Hounslow took two weeks in 1949 to strip a four-seat Y-Type Tourer and shorten the chassis five inches. Just like that, the MG TD roadster was born. The TD also carried a few modifications aimed at the U.S. market. Specifically, left-hand drive was offered, along with rack-and-pinion steering, smaller, 15-inch steel disc wheels (no wire wheels were offered), and larger bumpers. In turn, the car was wider and 200 pounds heavier than the TC. Keeping with its predecessor, the TD's weather protection was minimal. The MG TD still used the 54-hp, 1,250-cc XPAG inline-four motor to reach a top speed in the mid-70 mph range, which meant the second of MG's T-Series cars was a tad slower than the first. Even so, the TD's modifications conspired with a newly devalued British pound to make the TD an unqualified success and 29,664 were sold in four years - three times the TC production. More than 80% of the total production was imported to the U.S. In the middle of 1951, the TD received a new engine block and sump, as well as a larger clutch and a new flywheel, and this iteration is now commonly referred to as the TD2. In general, the MG T-Series delivers a pure 1940s / early 1950s pleasurable British driving experience and the TD is no exception. Its mechanicals are robust and mostly easy to source, which makes ownership relatively straightforward. PURCHASING A COLLECTOR VEHICLE - THINGS TO CONSIDER As always, we recommend that you carefully review the seller's background for any collector car being sold over the Internet. It is important to ask yourself a number of questions including, but not limited to: - How long have they been in business? - How much experience do they have with collector cars? - How many positive collector car vehicle sales have they completed (positive eBay feedback)? - How detailed/complete is the description of the vehicle? - Do the photos show details of the interior, exterior, top, chrome, etc. or are they simply "glamour shots" taken from a distance? - Does the seller have a Surety Bond to protect the financial transaction? - What about insurance, licensing by the state, and a local business license? - Does the seller (if a business) have any DMV (Motor Vehicle) complaints and/or other history of legal action, grievances? - Does the seller enjoy a favorable local and national/international reputation? - Can the seller assist with funding sources, transport and out of state/country sales? ABOUT CLASSIC CARS LTD. - Classic Cars Ltd. has been in the same, small, California town for over 24 years. We operate a small "brick & mortar", indoor showroom, and specialize in the sale, consignment, and purchase of sports, high performance and specialty vehicles of all types. We have a particular interest in sports cars and unique vehicles. - The majority of our vehicles come from local, private owners and collectors, and many were sold new in California. We appreciate that rust free cars, with excellent documentation and history are especially attractive to our buyers both locally, and around the country. As a result, we do not purchase our collectible cars from "distressed" sales, such as wholesale auctions, salvage sales, or lien sales. We do not sell vehicles with salvage titles, or those that have a history of significant accident damage or repair. We have sold hundreds of unique, classic and collectible vehicles and regularly deal with buyers that have not had the experience of purchasing a large (both physically and monetarily) item on eBay, or through an Internet source. Our eBay feedback is 100% positive on all vehicle sales from customers around the globe and is a reflection of our commitment to accurate, complete, and thorough vehicle descriptions. - We have been shipping vehicles for years and have established excellent contacts that are not only high quality but very price competitive. We do not use brokers, terminal shipping or other discount methods. Call us or email for a quote directly to your home or office. We are often able to obtain quality enclosed transportation (the kind of travel this car deserves) for the cost of open shipping. - Please review our feedback on eBay (user name Never22Many) representing over 950 positive transactions to buyers all over the United States / World. - We are fully insured, bonded, and licensed for collector car sales all over the United States/World. - Classic Cars Ltd. carries a $50,000 Surety bond to cover financial transactions - We frequently sell vehicles to out of State / out of country buyers, and will be glad to provide references for buyers in your area. MISCELLANEOUS GENERAL INFORMATION - As with virtually all collector/specialty vehicles, we find that parts and resources are readily available for this (and most every vehicle), thanks in large part to the Internet. - The MGTD is located in Pennsylvania and can be picked up, or shipped from that location. - While we encourage telephone calls to discuss this vehicle in greater detail and can be reached at 925-846-1451 during normal business hours. - We encourage inspections of this MGTD by serious, qualified individuals or professional inspectors. Please call at 925-846-1451 to arrange a convenient time. - As with any collectible vehicle of this vintage we are unable to provide a warranty or guarantee of condition. However, we make every effort to accurately represent our vehicles, and highlight both positive items as well as areas that require attention. We ask that prospective buyers consider our eBay history/feedback, standing in the community, length of time in business, and other factors when purchasing a collectible vehicle from Classic Cars Ltd. - Minor cosmetic issues/flaws may be present on every vehicle (regardless of cost) including small chips, nicks, scratches, etc. that can be seen on even the best restoration, or even a relatively new, used "pre-owned" vehicle. Also, ownership of a collectible / specialty vehicle is more enjoyable if the owner is familiar with the "realities" of these unique cars. Unlike more modern day vehicles, these cars require regular, ongoing care/maintenance and some mechanical knowledge, patience, and understanding can make the experience considerably more pleasant. That said, collector / "specialty" car owners will tell you (emphatically) that they love their cars and wouldn't trade them for anything!! - The information contained in this description is believed to be accurate but, in some instances, has been provided by the car's owner / owners or outside sources. As a result, we are unable to guarantee the accuracy of the information. We encourage verification of "numbers" and other significant data (including cosmetic and mechanical condition) prior to the purchase of any collector vehicle that you are considering. Thank you, Classic Cars Ltd. 925-846-1451
"Numbers Matching" Runs & Drives Beautifully British Badges Included! Excellent Panel Fit Terms & Conditions
Thank You & Happy Bidding Classic Cars Ltd. |
Vehicle Details:
- Make: MG
- Model: T-Series
- SubModel: "TD"
- Type: Convertible
- Trim: 2 DOOR ROADSTER
- Year: 1953
- Mileage: 7,204
- VIN: XPAGTD219803
- Color: RED
- Engine size: 1.3 Liter
- Number of cylinders: 4
- Fuel: Gasoline
- Transmission: Manual
- Drive type: RWD
- Interior color: BISCUIT
- Drive side: Left-hand drive
- Vehicle Title: Clear Want to buy? Contact seller!
