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
