1951 MG TD Roadster
"Make no mistake: these cars are fun, even in 2022. The TD was in some respects already a relic when it debuted in 1950, what with its prewar styling and a 54 hp engine carried over from the earlier TC. To drive one, though, is to realize that the joys of lively steering and a tight manual gearbox were not invented by the likes of Honda and Mazda in the 1980s. Indeed, as much as the Miata is touted as a modern day Lotus Elan, its simplicity and accessibility really owes more to MG. These qualities, along with a relatively low price, made the MG TD the most popular sports car of its era-MG sold 29,664 of them in four years." Hagerty.com March 2022 "There Will Always be an MG TD"
For consignment, a 1951 MG TD showing 2,689 miles, but the true miles are unknown as the title reads Mileage Exempt. It's got a few upgrades that bring it into the 21st century while maintaining its historic appeal. These were some of the earliest sports cars in the United States and some professional racers cut their teeth on dirt tracks driving open TD's.
Exterior
Black was a common color and this one presents with gleaming inkinesss and the rounded fenders reflect light almost as well as the chrome accents that include the radiator shell, the headlight housing, and the bumpers. The headlights have been upgraded to Lucas halogen. Red grille slats provide an alternate color and the bar badges give even more. In profile, the long, narrow nose is flanked by fenders that extend like wings and flow back to a running board which terminates at the rear fender under a compact cabin and small, back hinged door. A luggage rack folds just beyond a spare tire and wheel and diminutive tail lights flank them. The louvered engine cover is perhaps one of the more iconic design features and would be a consistent characteristic of MG's from the TC to the TF, and from 1936 to 1955. The metal work is a mix of fine condition and others that would benefit from restoration, but at a distance, looks great. The paint is quite good, and we note a scuff on one of the front fenders. There's also some unevenness to the paint on the 15-inch wheels. The canvas top shows some wear, and the plastic window is hazy but the side windows are clear.
Interior
Lovely Saddle leather greets occupants when the doors are open with robust coverage on the doors and a bit of smudging on the driver's side. The seat lowers are split like buckets but the upper is bench like, all in that saddle leather, and showing some patina, especially on the driver's side. It's a fine contrast to the black paint and the driver is greeted with a wood rimmed steering wheel with lovely flat metal spokes. Ahead of it, a wood dashboard contours into a double humped shape, housing gauges and an instrument panel is the center metal back plate. There's plenty of patina on the dash as well and we find this inviting in terms of being a driver, not a pristine concours car. There's a Bluetooth speaker in the glovebox and seatbelts have been added.
Drivetrain
Behind the engine cover, a clean and patina'd 1250cc inline 4 cylinder rated at 54 horsepower and fueled by 2 SU H2 semi-downdraft carburetors. A T5 5-speed manual transmission, which our consignor states is new, rows this car into motion and sends power to the rear wheels and 4.33 gears in an upgraded differential. The consignor also says the ignition has been upgraded. Drum brakes are found front and rear.
Undercarriage
Driver quality underneath with minimal surface rust and oil present on the pan, transmission and more residually, on the rear differential. Suspension here is coil springs in front and leaf springs in the rear. The single exhaust carries a stock style muffler then proceeds through a straight pipe to the back. While on the lift, we note some wear on the bottom of the driver's door panel where some leather has worn away.
Drive-Ability
Hard to believe that anyone would race this car. It's very low and very open, and not all that fast, but that's how it was done in the 50's! Today, it's better suited for cruising and enjoying country roads and Sunday drives. And this car allows it as the straight four comes to life with that distinctive British sound and great tracking across our test loop. Despite the 165/80R15 tires, these cars handle well and being so close to the ground gives a gokart feeling that is exhilarating, to say the least! We're happy to report that all functions on this well maintained car work as they should. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
Whenever we represent an MG from this era, our thoughts go to Thompson Raceway in Connecticut or the Cumberland Airport in Maryland where these cars would run SCCA events and of the dozens of drivers, some would emerge as naturals and move on to faster cars and professional races. These MG's are legendary, have a huge enthusiastic following, and are exciting to see at car shows where they get lots of attention. But you don't have to show it to have fun with it. A trip around the block will do that for you.
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
