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Sold

1951 MG TD Midget

Sold Price

£13,250

  • Mileage~69,278
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine1.2L
  • LocationTowcester

SOLD

1951 MG TD Midget

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Video #2

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy
Automotive Editor, Photographer and Consigner

The MG TD is the very definition of charm. We dare you not to smile when driving it!

After WWII, there was a prevalent adage that "export or die" with industrial countries preparing for exports as a means of survival. Fortunately for the Abingdon-on-Thames-based MG firm, it achieved just that, and the factory was able to resume production with the pre-war T-type Midget. The success of the 1945 TC was bettered by the extensively facelifted 1950 TD thanks to its LHD format, but also its superior mechanical improvements and chassis design which went some way into re-establishing the T-type as a competent sports car.

With around 90% of cars being exported, the majority to the States, this RHD example of the TD is one of a rare breed of TD’s. The car has several undiscovered secrets to its life, having been imported out to India early in its life, followed by a spell in America in the ‘80s and ‘90s. This remarkably straight and beautifully presented example now lives a life of leisure following a full body restoration in 2006. As a car that attracts nothing but goodwill and smiles, this has to be close to the ultimate feel-good car to treat yourself for this summer.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Darren Rungasamy after meeting Richard the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Video #2

Meet the owner

I bought the car as a project, but one that didn't need much more than stripping down and rebuilding.

Richard took on the car after it was repatriated back to the UK, originally he had his eye on an MGA, but circumstances with the dealer meant that the sale was never completed. Luckily, a specialist had obtained a complete MG TD, which was solid but essentially needed a makeover.

Richards intention was not to make it concourse but to focus on making it useable, and thanks to the cars positive mechanical and structural history, he ended up with something that's more than a respectable example. Health issues have sadly meant he has not used the car as much as he would have liked and feels it would better off in the hands of another enthusiast who will use it as intended. He'll be happy to answer any questions you have in the comments section below.

Richard
Vehicle Owner

Richard saved £2,340* when they
sold their MG with us.

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EXTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Exterior

From the start, the TD was a classic, and it quickly became the archetypal MG sports car

Wheels and Tyres

Fitted with classic steel wheels with chrome hubcaps, they present in good condition. The Michelin tyres are over 10 years old but retain a good level of tread with minor signs of ageing evident.

Bodywork

The bodywork is in very good condition, with no suggestion of distortion or damage observed. The panel gaps are as good as you could expect for a 70-year-old car like this, more so considering its 2006 restoration.

Externally, there are no noticeable signs of corrosion, dents or significant blemishes, the same to be said for the underside, engine bay, inner wings, chassis and panelwork looking good. The wood in between the A and B-posts is sound and the doors open well with no obstructions. A couple of minor blemishes to the body is evident on the dashboard bulkhead, but they appear to be superficial and may have been retained as they might well have told a story! The hood is in good condition and also comes with a tonneaux cover.

Paint

The Brooklands green paintwork was reapplied to the car shortly after Richard took ownership in 2006 and largely due to its lack of use, has shielded the elements well. As a fairweather car that has seen dry storage since he's had it, there are no significant issues with the quality of finish and the car displays a pleasing lustre.

Glass and Trim

The chrome work is in good condition, with a light skim of pitting reflecting the age of the car. Asides from a minor blemish on the radiator grill embellishment, it is free from significant damage. All of the trim is complete. The glass is in good condition, with no major issues. The door and body piping are in notably good condition.

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INTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Interior

The simple but cosy cockpit, fully. open to the elements adds to the appeal of the TD.

Seats and Carpets

The seats are in good condition, and retain their shape and are remarkably free from sun-bleach damage. There is a minor tear on the top of the driver's seat that has seen a minor repair. The carpets are also in good condition.

Dashboard

The padded dashboard is in good condition, with no damage to the vinyl finish. The chrome detailing and dials do show typical signs of age, arguably a pleasing patina which is very much part of the charm of the car. All of the dials and switches are said to be functional.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel is almost certainly original, with signs of minor cracking and wear, but again suiting the cabin ambience. The gear knob is in very good condition.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO
Video #2

Mechanics

The MG offers a primal, unadulterated driving experience, the vintage engine paired to the open top sports car format.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine fired up straight away, with no hesitation. The soundtrack was wonderfully authentic, with no unwanted issues or loud pops or bangs. The engine revs nicely but the owner has pointed that despite a recent tune-up the engine runs a little lean and might benefit from a carb rebuild.

The car has also received a new fuel pump. The gearbox and clutch are said to function well, with no significant impediment to their operation.

Suspension and Brakes

With its independent front suspension and steering rack, it's more advanced than one might expect. The brake cylinders have recently seen attention and the owner is happy with the way they perform. The car has also seen renewed spring seats and u bolts.

The Drive

With the roof down, and the 1.2L engine singing away up front, it's a proper vintage driving experience. These cars come from a different era where you're made to work the car to get the most out of it.

Electrics and Other

Richard reports that all the electrics on the car work as they should do to his knowledge.

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Video #2

History and Paperwork

The car comes with a fascinating history that is waiting to be re-discovered.

Believed to have been originally sold new in the UK, the car found its way over to India and presumably remained there for several decades until it was shipped over to the States in the early '80s by US service personnel.

The car was subject to a fair amount of attention while 'on holiday' in the southern states, with work carried out to the engine, fuel lines, and brakes. Later work on the car covered a starter conversion kit and carb kit. The car was then imported back to the UK and sold as a restoration project by Classic car specialist John Bladon from Cambs. What followed was body strip-down and restoration down to the bare metal, carried out by a well-established bodywork specialist. Since the car was finished it has also seen attention to the suspension and brakes. All of the mechanical and bodywork is backed up with receipts that stretch back to the early '80s, with invoices for sundry and maintenance items also included. The car also comes with its American import paperwork as well as period handbooks, documents and a selection of spare parts. The car was bought with an age-related plate, but the owner managed to obtain the original via the DLVA thanks to the cars original documentation. The distinctively apt registration plate will be part of the sale.

We've actioned checks on; Seller ID, V5C, HPi.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
17-05-2012 69,780
17-05-2011 69,248
17-05-2010 69,242
21-04-2009 69,238
16-04-2008 69,236
23-04-2007 69,220
02-05-2006 69,167
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Key Details
  • ModelTD
  • TransmissionManual
  • Reg. Date1951
  • CC1,250
  • Mileage69,278
  • HistorySome
  • ColourBrooklands Green
  • Interior ColourBlack
  • Interior TrimVinyl
  • Chassis #XPAGTD2127-26
  • Engine #TD12286
  • RestoredYes
  • MOT16-05-2013
  • MOT ExemptYes
  • Road Tax ExemptYes
  • Former Keepers0
  • Tyre BrandMichelin
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned15 Years
  • Key FeatureUK RHD
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Video #2

All Images

Exterior

Interior

Mechanics

History and Paperwork

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3 Comments
David Frost
David Frost
3 years ago

Hi Richard, just wondering if you have a reserve price on the car and if the current bid of £11,000 is anywhere near it? Many thanks, David

Kulraj Salh
Kulraj Salh
Admin
  David Frost
3 years ago

Hi David, reserves aren’t disclosed during the auction. If you like the look of the car, our recommendation is usually to get involved in the bidding, and when the auction closes we publish if the car has sold. Best, Kulraj – Trade Classics

Richard Shuker
Richard Shuker
  David Frost
3 years ago

Hi David, many thanks for your interest, the car does stand out and is always admired when it is out. I didn’t want to sell but health problems have forced me. It has an agreed insurance value of £20k.
Kind regards Richard

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Vehicle Location

Towcester, Northants

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