1250cc 4-Cylinder/Frame Off Restored/Excellent Paint/Canvas Top & Side Panels

1951 MG TD Roadster Description

1951 MG TD Roadster

In 1949 a small group of MG leaders, headed by John Thornley, got together to try to create a car that was acceptable to the North American marketplace while at the same time would limit the investment of the Nuffield Organization. Clearly it would be impossible to completely create a new car, not only from a financial point but from a timing standpoint as well. What was needed was a little of the old, sprinkled with a little of the new. Another key factor was to borrow or incorporate features found in other Nuffield cars of the time that were more up to date than the MG TC.

For consignment, an absolutely pristine example of an MG TD. Presented in Light Ivory, it is loaded with many wonderful options. For the early 50's British sports car enthusiast, and collector, this car is a serious bellwether for future cars to come out of the MG lineup, as well as the factory that built them moving on to design the Austin-Healey. A definite standout in our hallowed halls filled with over 550 consignment classics!

Exterior
Immaculate Light Ivory Cream covers all original sheet metal that is laser straight, gaps that you can measure with a micrometer (to a decimal point!) and a gorgeous paint job. From fenders to running boards, body panels to hood flaps, gas tank to rear bumper, there are few faults to be seen. The front grille with correct chromed vertical slats which are surrounded by unspoiled chrome and topped with the iconic factory octagonal chromed radiator cap will leave you gazing when the car comes and goes. A beige convertible top and canvas side panels are also included which are rarely seen, and all in very good condition. Dog dish MG badged wheel covers work with silver drilled steel wheels wrapped in thin white wall tires on all 4 corners, and an additional spare is mounted to the rear trunk deck area.

Interior
Insert the original key into the matching ignition switch and give it a turn, and the car will come to life immediately. While it warms up, gaze around at your passenger compartment where you'll see a wonderfully curved dual hump designed dash draped in walnut veneer with just a hint of padded textured green leather riding the wave of the top edge. A center mounted instrument and knob cluster are within a curved metal panel. Fronting the curvaceous dash is the original steering wheel in full banjo style, presenting in cream bakelite and chromed ribs, as well as sporting the iconic MG center mounted logo. Green leather covered tufted seats show little to no wear and have the convenience of a full back and individual bucket seats. Door panels are matching and in just as good of shape as the seats, all nice. Black carpet covers the floors, as well as a small storage area behind the seats and under the convertible top stowage. A note off 1950's British cool is the dash mounted rear view mirror...smashing baby!

Drivetrain
A lift of the bonnet and you will feast your eyes on an original red painted block 1250cc motor that could be worn to an expensive night out on the town. You'll be met with silver painted rocker covers, side tappet cover, black air cleaner cover, black fan, black painted horn covers, machine turned stainless sleeves for the starter and generator, and MG logos abound. Did I mention it's a 1250CC XPAG with dual Stromberg carburetors? Finally, you'll be ready to let the clutch out on the 4-speed manual transmission.

Undercarriage
A definite frame off restoration with pristine frame and undercarriage drive train parts in beautiful black. a stainless-steel polished exhaust is installed and clean floorpans in the cream of above are seen on this beautiful sound frame. All new wiring is noted, and drum brakes are on all 4 corners, along with independent coil springs for the front, and leaf springs for the rear. A 5.125 ratio rear axle has been installed.

Drive-Ability
Upon squeezing myself behind the large bakelite wheel, it fired up and I was off to the test track. Early British motoring could not have provided a nicer experience with the wind in my hair, and the nice throaty buzz of the 4 popper in front, burning petrol has never been so fun. Straight stopping with a good push of the pedal, and tight steering, takes a bit to become accustomed to the long front end from your low vantage point. All accessories were working as they should.

The beneficiary of a frame off restoration in 2004, we now have a great example from 1951 British motoring sports car style. No rust, just cream paint, fully resorted frame, 4-cylinder 1250cc engine and smooth 4 speed transmission, and let the wind mess up your hair! A cracking good time mate!

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.