1953 MG TD

Description

The traditional MG: Light, quick, with cut-down doors and flowing fenders, and that upright MG grille up front. Evolution was slow at Morris Garage, but there's a reason why cars like this 1953 TD were brought home by the hundreds by GIs returning from Europe, and why they remain wildly popular today. 1953 was also the final year of the TD, and for many enthusiasts, the separate headlights and fenders define the vintage MG look.

The look is pure pre-war, with separate fenders and a long hood, but the energetic handling and performance were quite contemporary. This MG was completely and expertly restored in 2008, but it wasn't over-restored to the point where you're afraid to drive it, which misses the point entirely. The body construction was traditional, but that also means that it's light and easy to repair, and this one shows no signs of serious damage or the MG's arch-nemesis, rust. Hood and door fit are quite good, and the creamy English White paint is a very authentic-looking finish that's neither too shiny nor full of metallic, both of which are instant giveaways to incorrect choices. It shows only a few light signs of use, of course, but the overall presentation is what endears MGs to their legions of fans. Of course, things like the chrome grille, stand-alone headlights, and simple bumpers give it an old-fashioned look, and they're all in excellent shape.

Inside the diminutive cabin, there's adequate room for two, and once you settle into the low-slung bucket seats and assume the proper driving position, you'll find it's easy to spend hours behind the wheel without fatigue. Well, maybe your cheeks will be hurting from grinning so much, but the driving experience is involving without being exhausting. The leather seats have been properly reupholstered in pleated tan leather, which matches the door panels that offer useful storage pockets. The lovely dashboard is genuine wood, not a veneer, and houses a full array of Jaeger instruments that have been fully restored and sparkle with a truly British look. The three spoke steering wheel is still the universal symbol for sports car, and has been completely restored to a high level like the rest of the interior. And since MG lovers are serious about their cars, this one offers a matching tan canvas convertible top as weather protection, which quickly separates the men from the boys, although it does include a full set of side curtains for truly inclement weather.

The whole point of an MG isn't brute power, but they're plenty peppy with the 1250cc inline-four, and it has a wonderful baritone exhaust note that's half the experience. It was rebuilt during the 2008 restoration and this one really is a wonderful runner, firing up easily through dual side-draft carburetors with chrome air cleaners. The whole engine is scarcely bigger than a briefcase, but all the parts are easy to get at and maintain, which is why MGs are so beloved today. The engine's linked to a slick-shifting 4-speed manual transmission whose light action and progressive clutch are the cornerstone of performance driving and make it a joy to run at 8/10s. The chassis is a simple ladder frame, and as I mentioned before, there's zero rust or rot underneath, just a neatly detailed undercarriage that shows how thorough that restoration really was, because it's very, very clean. Stock steel wheels with chrome hubcaps look right and wear appropriately tall 165R15 radial tires.

One drive and you'll see why it's so easy to love an MG, and this TD delivers that old-world fun with the benefits of a quality restoration behind it. Call us today!