MG Narrative for 1953 TD
This 1953 MGTD was one of the over 5,000 imports that year. It has a build date of April 30, 1953.The octagonal plateon the engine block XPAG/TD2/27658. The North America Export No. is TD27233 EXLNA. It bares the emblem of "Imported by JA Woodhouse" , though further research has not been done to verify this point; the symbol suggests it could have been ordered through a USA PX in Germany after the war by an individual in the military and had it shipped to the USA. Source: www.mg-cars.org.uk/mgtd/ .
The exterior of this TD consists of a complete frame off restoration and total ground up including new body, tub and flooring. The door hinges were produced as solid brass vs. the factory steel being painted with the shell color during production. The finish color is Jaguar White. All chrome is new. The attached photos will reflect the high quality workmanship and professional detailing employed. All five tires are Dunlop SP20 with less than 800 miles.
The top, tonneau cover and double side curtains are new. Side curtains have a special storage compartment in the inside, back of the car.
The interior is all new; leather seats and door panels, carpets, mats, wood dash, seat belts and steering wheel(which will telescope in and out mechanically).
The gages are new and/or refurbished. The clock works perfectly.
From a mechanical view, the engine is 1250cc, 4 cylinder, original engine where numbers
match to the chasis and model type during production. The engine and 4 speed transmission were completely overhauled. All under carriage components were either refurbished or replaced new. Some TD engines(this one) were coded with a XPAG/TD2 which implies it has the larger 8" clutch vs. the 7 1/4". The exaust system is new. The factory did not offer wire wheels.
This TD has over $80,000 in receipts. It comes with all manuals, complete photo albums of all stages of professional restoration. The original ID plates are included. Accessories include extra parts, the jack, crank, trouble light, tire iron, hood prop stick and custom made cases or covers for all. It also comes with a Battery Manager(see photos) that plugs directly into the dash (red,black ports).
Classic car rating guides that best describe this TD are as follows:
> Restored to current maximum professional standards of quality in every area or perfect original with components operating or appearing as new; a 95-plus point show car that is not driven.
> Well restored or a combination of superior restoration and excellent original; also, an extremely well maintained original showing very minimal wear.
> A condition that bears no resemblance of what the average or even above average restorationist can hope to attain. Basically, it is restored to a condition that even the tightest factory conditions could not have been attained.
This restored TD is not a daily driver or meant to be. It has been a show winner. The increase in value after restoration will never equal the money and time invested.
Some of the best information available today on MGTD's can be found at the MG Car Club Ltd. or www.mg-cars.org.uk/mgtd/.
