Vehicle Description
In the wake of the TC's surprising success in the early post-war
years in America, MG needed a sure bet to build their momentum and
keep one step ahead of growing competition in the increasingly
lucrative sports car market. The TD, introduced in 1949 as a 1950
model, was the perfect formula for success. The styling retained
elements of the TC's old-world charm but was updated and modernized
- in the MG sense of "modern," at least. More significant changes
were afoot under the skin, including a heavily revised chassis
independent front suspension, rack-and-pinion steering, 15-inch
steel disc wheels, and a modified XPAG engine for improved
flexibility and performance. MG indeed found the magic formula
again, selling nearly 30,000 TDs between 1950 and 1953, with the
overwhelming majority of those cars coming to US shores. In 1950,
MG quietly added a special tuned model, hoping to boost the TD's
performance in the face of increased pressure from rivals Triumph
and newcomer Austin-Healey. The TD "Competition Model," later known
as the "Mark II," or TD/C, featured larger 1 �" SU H4 carburetors,
bigger valves, and increased compression (from 7.25 to 8.6:1) to
give approximately 60 horsepower. To cope with all of those wild
ponies, MG fitted twin fuel pumps, high-performance Andrex friction
dampers, and a higher final drive ratio. It was the ideal
foundation for club racers, many of whom used the hotted-up TD in
SCCA competition throughout the 1950s. It was more than enough to
maintain MGs street cred, and they went from success to success
through the 1960s and into the 1970s. This 1953 MG TD Mark II is
one of only 1,710 TD/C models produced between 1950 and 1953.
Presented in a lovely color scheme of Sequoia Cream over green
trim, it is an exceptionally well-restored TD, proudly displaying
AACA Senior National first prize and coveted Grand National first
prize awards. The professional restoration is highly detailed
inside and out, with finish levels well above that of the average
TD. It boasts excellent paintwork, well-restored chrome, and
authentic details like 15-inch steel disc wheels and period-correct
Excelsior cross-ply tires. The TD cabin offers a marked improvement
in passenger space compared to a TC, with comfortable
leather-trimmed seats and a good amount of legroom. True to its
award-winning restoration, correct materials feature on the seats,
door panels, and carpets, and the restorers resisted the urge to
stray from its authenticity. The dash is correctly trimmed in
matching green vinyl, and the proper banjo-style steering wheel
remains in its rightful place. The engine bay is similarly
well-detailed, with signature MG red paint finished to a high
standard on the engine block and head. It wears the proper SU
carburetors, intake manifold, and air cleaner, as well as
period-correct touches like a reproduction tar-top battery, cloth
wiring loom, and wire-type hose clamps. Note the twin fuel pumps on
the bulkhead, which are the correct fitment for a Mark II model.
While overall it is clean and tidy, the engine bay displays
evidence of occasional use, particularly on the exhaust manifold
and carb bodies. Few MG TDs are treated to this level of
restoration, and this rare Mark II stands out as one of the best
examples we've had the pleasure to offer. It is the quintessential
1950s sports car, with snappy performance, unmistakable
Britishness, and charm in spades. Offers welcome and trades
considered For additional details please view this listing directly
on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6829-1953-mg-td-mark-ii-roadster/
