Vehicle Description
In the late 1930s, MG adopted the robust and affordable XPAG engine
from Morris for the new T-series. The change wasn't necessarily
welcomed by traditional MG fans of the time, but the new management
at Morris forced them to abandon their high-strung, exotic overhead
cam engines in favor of the vastly less expensive, production-based
Morris unit. When motorcar production resumed post-war, MG's
charming pre-war styling and light, nimble handling struck a chord
with buyers, particularly among the many Americans serving
overseas. Soon, the little Abingdon-based sports car company found
a steady stream of Americans eager to get one of their spindly TC
"Midget" roadsters. The TC's success spurred on its replacement,
the TD in 1950. That car retained elements of the pre-war look but
with modernized details and a host of refinements, including
independent front suspension and a roomier cabin. The TD was the
best-selling MG, with sales totaling over 10,000 cars in two
versions. The MG TD built in the smallest numbers was not the Mark
II or the Bertone-bodied Arnolt MG but rather one of only twelve
Inskip four-seat touring models. J.S. Inskip got his start in the
car business as a salesman for the New York City Locomobile
franchise after the end of World War I. Later, he left to work at
the Rolls-Royce dealership located at the intersection of Eighth
Avenue and 58th Street, where he did well enough to eventually
start his own Rolls-Royce dealership in 1937. Additionally, J.S.
Inskip was the East Coast importer for MG and other European
automobiles based out of New York in the late 1940s. Inskip's
elegant design and coachwork were largely applied to Rolls-Royce
automobiles for well-heeled customers and are highly collectible
and sought-after by collectors today. MG competitors Morgan and
Singer created four-seat versions of their sports cars, and Inskip
believed there was a market for a four-seat tourer similar to the
earlier MG Y-Type. Inskip transformed a stock MG TD in America by
lengthening the frame by ten inches. The additional stretched
wheelbase necessitated the lengthening of the driveshaft, fuel and
brake lines, etc., as well as the fabrication of longer running
boards, doors, and a convertible top. The addition of a rear seat,
Rolls-Royce door hinges, rear fender stone-guards, knock-off wire
wheels (never offered as an option on the TD), and a chrome accent
on the sides of the hood curving down into the doors immediately
distinguished the Inskip version from a production MG TD. A full
backseat was added, as were individual front bucket seats (The
two-seater TDs were fitted with a factory bench seat). The stylish
sports car with room for a family (or perhaps small children) made
its debut at the 1953 New York International Motor Show at a price
of $2,925. An attractive alternative to the MG YT Tourer, it was
expensive to produce, and its purchase price proved prohibitive to
most prospective buyers. This beautiful 1953 Inskip MG is an older,
high-quality restoration showing minimal wear. The bright red
paintwork and contrasting black leather, carpets, and folding cloth
top all remain in excellent condition. The MG's brilliant
brightwork includes the famous Inskip Lion radiator mascot, a pair
of desirable Lucas road lamps, and Lucas Tripod headlamps.
Mechanically, this rare MG runs and drives great and is ready for
touring. The engine has been fully rebuilt and remains beautifully
detailed. Remarkably, this coachbuilt MG has had only two owners in
the last 38 years. The exceptional condition it is in today is not
only the result of careful maintenance and storage by its
thoughtful caretakers but also a testament to the quality of the
comprehensive restoration it received. Only twelve Inskip four-seat
tourers were constructed, and fewer than that survive today. Rare
and exotic, this very special coachbuilt sports car is one of the
rarest and most desirable MG cars produced in the postwar era. With
plenty of style and character, this beautiful example of Inskip
craftsmanship is ideally suited for touring or club events and
would make a stellar addition to any collection. Offers welcome and
trades considered For additional details please view this listing
directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7606-1953-mg-td-inskip-tourer/
