Fantasy Junction

Description

1951 MG TD
s/n TD3381, engine no. XPAG TD LHX 3666
British Racing Green with Tan Leather Interior

The MG TD, and its predecessors, the TA, TB, and TC, are in many ways responsible for the American love affair with the sports car. American servicemen stationed in the United Kingdom during the Second World War saw, drove, and eventually owned these nimble and entertaining little cars, showing an entire generation that there was more to motoring than brute force and large scale. With this enlightened point of view, Americans returning from overseas brought their appreciation of small foreign sports cars with them, and cars like MGs and Triumphs found an audience here in the postwar years. As buyers became wealthier, they found their way to more expensive foreign sports cars, and so the success of cars like Jaguars and even Italian and German cars in the United States is in large part built upon the MG T series cars.

Technically, the MG T series cars were not extraordinarily complex or sophisticated, but they were easy to work on, inexpensive to buy, and above all, fun. The cars employed a robust four cylinder engine with 4-speed manual gearbox and hydraulic brakes, clothed in sporting open bodywork. The TC was introduced in 1945, and for the first time, officially imported to the United States, where, despite only being available in right hand drive, the cars sold well, laying the foundation for the TF, MGA, and MGB. They cost well under £1000 new and about 30,000 were built, though the survival rate is surprisingly low simply because the cars were not very expensive and performing a thorough restoration was economically irresponsible.

Thus, a well-restored TD is a rare find. This particular example is a nicely restored numbers-matching black plate California car. The restoration was mechanical and cosmetic, and included almost all aspects of the car. The body was disassembled and repainted, the interior redone, engine rebuilt, and the suspension and braking systems renewed. The differential was upgraded to a 4:3 ratio inside the standard axle housing. The engine was also machined to take a standard seal instead of the old style rope seal. The current owner has approximately $34,000 in the car.

Cosmetically, it is a very attractive example. The paintwork was done to high standards and is nearly unmarked. The chrome is very good, with light swirls and other marks, but is very nice overall. The glass and lights are excellent and the rubber was also replaced, including weatherstripping and tires. The car has an excellent tan canvas top, top boot, and side curtains.

The interior is equally nice, with excellent wood dashboard, high quality leather seats and door panels, and nice black carpet in excellent shape. The steering wheel is a lovely wood-rimmed Moto-Lita item. The gauges are in excellent shape, as are the switches and controls.

The engine compartment is very nice, and would respond well to some polishing but is otherwise quite nice. The firewall is beautifully restored, while the components are in good shape and metal items like the valve would brighten considerably after a polish and an afternoon of detailing.

The car runs and drives well, with properly tuned motor, excellent gearbox and synchromesh, and precise steering. The suspension and steering are unusually tight, with minimal play. The clutch grips positively and the brakes stop the car evenly. Even at low speeds, the car is entertaining and engaging, representing the true hallmark of the sports car.

This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a longtime California TD that has been restored to much nicer standards than is typical. A lovely example that cosmetically excellent, runs and drives well, the car is ready to enjoy and represents strong value.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608