1951 MGTD Known History Fresh Mechanical Recommission

The TD Midget, announced in January 1950, combined the TC's drivetrain, a modified hypoid-geared rear axle, the MG Y-type chassis, a familiar T-type style body and independent suspension on front axle using coil springs from the MG Y-type saloon: a 1950 road-test report described as "most striking" the resulting "transformation ... in the comfort of riding". The entire drivetrain was not lifted from the TC; along with the new hypoid differential, a completely different gearbox was used (albeit also a four-speed). Also lifted from the company's successful 1¼-litre saloon was the (still highly geared) rack and pinion steering. In addition the TD featured smaller 15-inch disc type road wheels, a left-hand drive option and standard equipment bumpers and over-riders. The car was also 5 inches wider with a track of 50 inches.

For the driver the "all-weather protection" was good by the standards of the time. For night driving, instrument illumination was "effective but not dazzling, by a pale green lighting effect". There was still no fuel gauge, but the 12 imp gal of tank capacity gave a range between refuelling stops of about 300 miles and a green light on the facia flashed a "warning" when the fuel level was down to about 2.5 imp gal.

In 1950 the TD MkII Competition Model was introduced, produced alongside the standard car, with a more highly tuned engine using an 8.1:1 compression ratio giving 57 bhp at 5,500 rpm. The higher compression ratio engine was offered with export markets in mind, and would not have been suitable for the UK, where carryover wartime restrictions limited fuel to 72 octane "pool petrol". The TD MkII also featured twin fuel pumps, additional Andrex dampers, and a higher ratio rear-axle.

Nearly 30,000 TDs had been produced, including about 1700 Mk II models, when the series ended in 1953 with all but 1656 exported, 23,488 of them to the US alone.

This TD was purchased by an MG collector in the late 60s and remained with him until his passing. The car was purchased by our client- a seasoned Collector and Restorer-out of his estate in 2019; and recommissioned mechanically. The Entire Brake system was overhauled with new lines. wheel cylinders, Shoes and more, the Fuel system was overhauled, the radiator serviced, and New Michelin Radials and a new battery were added. The car runs and drives very well. Cosmetically the car presents very well with great paint, interior, and chrome, with only very minor flaws noted. Finished in a striking Black over Red Livery, this TD is a perfect candidate for Summer Time Cruising and Tours, and really is a very nicely presented car that appears to have been well looked after its entire life.