1950 | MG TD

The 1950 MG TD 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 using coil springs from the MG Y-Type saloon. Also new was rack and pinion steering, smaller 15" disc type road wheels, a left hand drive option and standard equipment bumpers with overriders. The car was five inches wider with a track of 50". In 1950, the TD Mk. II was introduced alongside the standard car, featuring a more highly tuned engine with 8.0:1 compression ratio giving 57bhp at 5500rpm. It also featured twin fuel pumps, revised dampers and a higher rear axle ratio. Nearly 30,000 MG TD's were manufactured, including 1,700 Mk. II models. When the series ended in 1953, all but 1,656 were exported with 23,488 of them to the United States. An example tested by 'The Motor' magazine in 1952 had a top speed of 77mph and could accelerate from 0-60 mph in 18.2 seconds

Sold new from Abington to South Africa in 1950, the MG TD offered here presents beautifully. Repatriated to the UK in 1992, it underwent a full nut and bolt restoration that was finished to a high enough standard to demand a £33,995 asking price when later sold on by Martin Ingham in 2016. Indeed, the insurance valuations consistently support this and whilst the car shows some patina now, it still presents beautifully. Reported by the vendor to run and drive very well, the car is also reported to have had an interesting life before it made its way home to the UK. The story quoted in the supplied magazine article states that when the regime change began in South Africa, the owners were told to leave but weren't allowed to take any cash with them. They were, however, allowed to take a container full of belongings with them. They quickly sold as much as they could and bought gold Krugerrands and diamonds, then filling every cavity of the MG from the petrol tank to chassis box sections and put the car in the container which got them past the checks and allowed them to start a new life in the United States.

Supplied with V5 registration document, an abundance of paperwork, correspondence and magazine articles, this former show winner presents great value at a fraction of its prior purchase price and is only offered for sale due to the vendor no longer being able to drive it. Consigned by Will Penrose

Lot details
Year: 1950
Make: MG
Model: TD
Registration: WSK 126
Chassis No: 119549008
Engine No: XPAG/TD/1615
Mileage: 14,728


* Substantial history file

* Concours winner

* Older restoration