Lot 32: MG TD

Although, instantly recognisable as a T-series model thanks to its perpendicular radiator shell, flowing wings and rear-mounted spare wheel, the TD broke important new ground for the Abingdon marque. The first MG sportscar to feature either independent double-wishbone front suspension or rack and pinion steering, the newcomer also boasted a hypoid-bevel back axle, hidden scuttle reinforcement hoop (save for the first few cars) and twin leading-shoe front brakes. Powered by the proven 1250cc XPAG engine allied to four-speed manual transmission, it was reputedly capable of 82mph and 26mpg. Riding on fifteen-inch steel wheels as standard, the TD also sported a mirror-image dashboard (thus facilitating either LHD or RHD production) and chrome-plated bumpers. A great success story, the vast majority of the 29,665 cars produced between 1949 and 1953 were sold overseas.

According to the T Register's online Factory Production Record facility (www.tregister.org), this particular example - chassis number TD28185 - was built as a home market model on 4th June 1953. Finished in ivory with beige upholstery, the handsome two-seater is variously described by the vendor as being in "very good" (bodywork, engine, electrical equipment), "good" (interior trim) or "excellent" (four-speed manual gearbox) condition. While, he notes that the paintwork is very presentable except for "minor blemishes to the wings". Reportedly, the subject of a local newspaper article in April 1993 due to its reacquisition by enthusiast Frank Tinker (who had part-exchanged it against an AC some twenty-nine years earlier), the MG is further understood to have covered just 4,000 miles since emerging from a thorough restoration during 1981. Boasting "a stainless steel exhaust" as well as "a hood, tonneau and sidescreens all in excellent order", this charming TD is offered for sale with "a large folder of history and bills", copy newspaper article, MOT certificate valid until June 2010 and historic class (free) road tax.