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Closed Auction- Unsold

1953 MG TD (TD2)

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  • Mileage~6,519 on clock
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine1.3L
  • LocationHerne Bay

AUCTION CLOSED

1953 MG TD (TD2)

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Introduction

Dom Ginn
Automotive Photographer and Videographer

The MG TD oozes traditional British motoring style and charm.

The MG T-Type is attributed to starting the post-war sports car boom and establishing MG as a worldwide brand. Its appeal lies in its simplicity, low running costs and excellent parts availability - virtues that still hold today. The 1936 design evolved over its 19-year production run, with the improved XPAG 1.3-litre engine arriving just before the war.

Compared to the original iteration of the T-Type, the TD offered a far superior ride, thanks to its redesigned chassis, independent coil suspension and rack-and-pinion steering. Striking a chord with the lucrative export market, over a third of the production found a home in the US during its three-year reign. Known for its sharp and lively driving experience, the TD2 version, now with an upgraded engine, combines pre-war styling with a comparatively modern driving set-up which will be familiar to current classic car owners. The only difference is that the TD2 is not overladen with frivolities or unneeded weight.

Coming to market after ~7.5 years ownership, this beautifully presented 1953 original RHD example was imported from the States in 2012, having spent its early life in Malaya. Before its return home, it underwent a thorough restoration. Beautifully painted in a very appealing "Clipper Blue" and furnished with tan leather seats with wood trim, it has also seen several mechanical upgrades including anti-roll bars, modern shocks and a 5-speed gearbox conversion. The current owner has cherished the car since buying it in 2016, diligently keeping on top of maintenance, new parts and ensuring it is serviced yearly.

This listing was written from information supplied by Dom after meeting Brian 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.

Meet the owner

A wonderful car to drive, it's also been a joy to work on.

Brian took on the car in late 2016 and has used and enjoyed the MG adding around 5,000 miles in the process, used as an occasional car in fair weather. His mobility isn't quite what it once was, so for this reason he has decided to sell the MG. Brian hopes the MG will go to someone who will enjoy ownership as much as he has.

He's enjoyed taking the car to local shows in Kent, a trip the Isle of Wight, and most notably drove the car on a road-trip to the Le Mans Classic in 2018. The car hasn't given him and trouble, and he has ensured the car has been kept running well through actions like carburettor rebuild in the recent past. Brian will be happy to answer any questions about the car in the comments section below.

Brian
Vehicle Owner

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Exterior

Superbly restored from the ground up, this example has been very well cared for ever since.

Wheels and Tyres

The steel rims were powder coated in 2020 and along with the chrome hubs, and so both elements of the wheels are neatly presented.

The tyres are all Continental brand, dating from 2019. They’re in excellent condition with even wear as pictured.

Bodywork

The car's structure is in excellent condition, the chassis, suspension mounts, door wells and riggers are solid throughout. Our exterior summary is as confident as the underside's condition, with no outstanding blemishes or damage observed. The panel fit is great, with the doors opening and closing without obstruction.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

The attractive and period MG colour of "Clipper Blue" for the paint is of a high standard, with an even colour match and decent lustre. There are mild signs of swirling under the sunlight, but overall the car is free from significant road wear.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The windscreen has been replaced and expertly fitted in 2018. All of the lights, lenses and chrome fittings are in pleasing condition. The body beading is neatly mounted, with no significant issues with the condition of the trim.

Interior

A snug and beautifully finished cabin, a ride in a MG TD feels genuinely special.

Seats and Carpets

The seats are neatly trimmed in tan leather and are in excellent condition.

The black carpets are free from any damage, with no reports of dampness.

Dashboard

As with the whole of the appealingly finished cabin, there’s very little to criticise regarding the dashboard, switches and controls, with just the odd mark noted on the facia and instruments.

The door cards are free from scuffs and well-mounted.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel was refurnished in 2020 and still looks great. The gear lever assembly and handbrake handle are from a more modern car, with the gearbox having been upgraded as mentioned.

Mechanics

Eager and spritely, the MG offers an old-world charm with engaging driving dynamics.

Engine and Gearbox

Brian started the car without a choke, and it fired up immediately with the engine running well with no suggestions of cutting out. Once the revs were increased, the engine sounded smooth without knocks or other noises. There were no excessive exhaust fumes throughout the test drive. The engine is very cleanly presented with plenty of evidence of regular maintenance, the carbs were rebuilt and tuned in 2022 by Andrew Turner SU Carbs.

The car was fitted with a 5-speed gearbox in 2015, which was demonstrated to function without issues. A tachometer reduction function for the gearbox was fitted in 2021. It engages gears smoothly with no reported problems with the clutch.

Suspension and Brakes

The MG was demonstrated to drive smoothly with no significant issues flagged up regarding the ride, the handling has been helped by the installation of a front anti-roll bar and rear Koni shocks.

There are no extreme vibrations or undesirable noises, and the car brakes effectively for a car of its era.

The Drive

The TD2 is a throwback to the golden age of motoring, where the character of the drive is more important than finesse. That said it drives smoothly, aided by those useful suspension upgrades. It has a conventional pedal layout and is remarkably similar to the MGB in many respects.

Brian demonstrated the directness of the steering, with no notable vibrations or unwanted noises in action. The engine sounded strong upon acceleration, not missing a beat with no hesitancy or misfires. There are no reports of oil pressure or engine temperature problems.

Electrics and Other

Brian tells us all electrics in the car are working as expected to his knowledge, with a new battery being fitted in 2023. The only exception is the time clock doesn't work.

The hood, and accompanying full tonneau cover, are both in excellent condition, with no damage to the canvas or rear screen. It raises and lowers without any reported problems, and offers a decent fit when upright.

History and Paperwork

Coming to market from ~7.5 year ownership, this original RHD has seen annual servicing and maintenance as required, it is easily the best MG TD we have auctioned.

The car left the Abingdon factory in August 1953 and has been confirmed by the T Register as being an original RHD, retaining its original engine, body and chassis. The car was imported into the UK in 2012, having been owned in the 1960s by a US employee working in the consulate in then Malaya, and imported to the States at the end of the decade. It was kept in storage and then completely rebuilt in the intervening years.

Meticulously maintained, Brian has documented all of the work carried on the car in a journal since he acquired the car in December 2016, which helpfully documents service and maintenance records. Shortly after buying the car it was fully serviced, fitted with a set of new radiator hoses and a complete set of brake shoes and wheel cylinders. The car then saw a new windscreen, engine gaskets, steering rack gaiters and a new stainless steel exhaust. It comes with over £2,000 worth of invoices to back up Brian's dedication to his car. Before his ownership, there is also an invoice for the 5-speed gearbox conversion.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned an HPI check on the vehicle.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment of the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bids, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
23-03-2024 Full Service 6,400
25-03-2023 Oil Service and Grease points 5,932
05-2022 Carbs rebuild
26-03-2022 Full Service 5,346
02-2021 Visual Check 4,872
18-01-2020 Full Service 4,638
10-08-2019 Stainless Steel Exhaust
16-03-2019 Oil Service 3,705
16-10-2018 New Windscreen
10-02-2018 Oil Service 2,533
25-03-2017 Brake shoes and wheel cylinders
14-02-2017 Full service 1,599
25-10-2016 MOT 1,400
12-08-2015 5-Speed Conversion
03-06-2015 MOT 1,224
30-10-2012 MOT 796
Key Details
  • ModelMG TD (TD2)
  • Transmission5-Speed Manual
  • Reg. Date15-11-2012
  • CC1250
  • Mileage~6,519 on clock
  • HistoryRecent
  • ColourClipper Blue
  • Interior ColourTan
  • Interior TrimLeather/Wood
  • Chassis #TD/29788
  • Engine #XPAG/TD2/30122
  • Last Service23-03-2024
  • RestoredYes
  • MOT25-10-2016
  • MOT ExemptYes
  • Road Tax ExemptYes
  • HPi ClearYes - All clear
  • Former Keepers1
  • Tyre BrandContinental
  • Tyre Age2019
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned~7.5 years
  • Key FeatureStunningly presented, original RHD
  • Auction ID1910






Auction Closed

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This car didn't meet its reserve price and may soon be available as a private sale - please contact us for more information.

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3 Comments
joecars2003
joecars2003
5 months ago

Hi, I’m interested in your car I was wondering if you’d be interested in a trade for a 2005 Land Rover Defender 130 Double Cab county edition 2.5 TD5 Manual diesel. It has a newly refurbished gear box, an upgraded speaker system, updated interior, apple car play, reverse cameras and heavy duty alloys

Kulraj Salh
Admin
  joecars2003
5 months ago

Hi joecars2003, no PX deals with our auctions, as per our terms all bids are final and to be paid in the currency stated. Good luck if you decide to get involved in the bidding and please feel free to submit your car for valuation and auction consideration with us. Best, Kulraj – Trade Classics

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Herne Bay

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