MG TD Roadster, 1953
MG TD Midget I
MG TD Midget I•
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Chassis No.: TD23208
Auction: Monterey 2025
Auction date: August 16, 2025
Lot No.: S80
$16,500 | Sold
- Odometer: 46,533 miles
- Engine: Inline 4-cylinder
- Transmission: Manual
- Exterior: Cream Yellow
- Interior: Black
- Body: Roadster
- Comprehensive cosmetic and mechanical restoration
- 1250cc inline 4-cylinder engine
- Original MG intake
- 4-speed manual transmission
- Badge bar and Lucas-style halogen driving lamps have been added
- Cream Yellow with Black interior
- Leather seats
- Radial tires
The TC Midget of 1945 was the first MG model to be exported to the U.S. in significant numbers, with around 10,000 produced, numbers that were unprecedented for such a small company. Nearly half of those were either exported to the U.S. or brought home by returning U.S. servicemen. Consequently, with the new TD Midget of 1950, MG made a concerted effort to cater to American tastes without compromising character, and for the first time it produced a car in left-hand drive, as seen with this 1953 example.
The TD two-seater was also a whole 5 inches wider, greatly improving the formerly rather snug accommodation; it was considerably lower, too, riding on wider 15-inch wheels in place of the spindly 19-inch ones. The harsh ride was made more pliant with independent front suspension, softer springing and greater travel on the rear, steering was now rack and pinion with an adjustable steering column, and there were even front and rear bumpers.
Though the engine was still the same 1250cc inline-4 with twin SU carburetors and a top speed just over 70 MPH, the overall result, as described in a 1950 road test, amounted to a “transformation.” Testament to that is the fact that, of the 29,664 MG TDs built, an astonishing 23,488 went to the United States. This 1953 left-hand drive example in cream yellow with black leather upholstery to the split bench seat benefits from a comprehensive cosmetic and mechanical restoration. The body-color matched wheels are drilled steel discs with chrome center hubcaps.
The full weather equipment comprises the folding top, along with side screens, while the front end is enhanced with a badge bar, to which have been fitted Lucas-style halogen driving lamps. Under the hood, the 1250cc inline-4 features the original MG intake manifold. The fitment of radial tires makes for improved roadholding and ride comfort, compared with the original cross-plies, while the interior has the added flourish of a wood-rim steering wheel.
MG sales brochures justifiably claimed of the TD that “it brings the fun back to driving,” and with less plausibility that “it goes like a flash,” though with the fold-flat windshield it does feel an awful lot faster and is unarguably a great deal of fun.
Cost
60,597 AED
