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1951 MG TD

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  • Mileage~86,999 on clock
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine1,250cc
  • LocationPulborough, West Sussex

AUCTION CLOSED

1951 MG TD

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Video #2

Introduction

Alan Stuart
Professional Consigner

The epitome of the '50s British sports car - stunningly pretty and huge fun to drive.

Since its inception the MG name has always been synonymous with accessible, affordable and dependable sports cars. MG helped bring exhilarating, top-down motoring to British motorists and also helped secure much needed exports after the second world war, particularly to the all-important USA market.

The T range was pivotal in strengthening the company’s post war reputation and the TD, introduced in 1950, offered some real innovations to the series including rack and pinion steering and coil-spring independent front suspension.

This achingly pretty TD comes to market after ~3 years with its current owner. It presents beautifully in black with complementary green leather interior, pressed steel wheels and chrome hub caps. The car has been fitted with a Ford 5 speed gearbox and indicators which help to make it comfortable on modern roads. It drives superbly and without hesitation.

This delightful convertible comes complete with buff logbook, soft top, tonneau cover and original toolkit, together with some wonderfully endearing history. This is a car that has clearly been cherished by its owners yet remains a useable classic, ready to drive and enjoy.

We’ve taken plenty of high-resolution images and videos and we think you’ll agree this is a great example of these sought after MGs – take a look for yourself.

This listing was written from information supplied by Alan after meeting Arnold 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

We just love this car – it never fails to put a smile on your face.

Arnold is a car enthusiast, and he loves an MG, although it seems his wife is the driving force behind this particular car. He tells us: “My wife absolutely fell in love with the car. As soon as she saw this TD we just had to own it”

Arnold goes on to say: “It’s an absolutely wonderful example. It’s great to drive, the Ford gearbox is smooth, and the 5th gear is great for cruising, just like an overdrive really. It pulls well, holds the road soundly and the brakes are surprisingly good. Having had the pleasure of the MG for three summers, Arnold now feels it’s time for someone else to enjoy it. It’s been great fun, it really turns heads and we’ll miss it terribly”.

Arnold will be happy to answer any questions about this lovely TD in the comments section below.

Arnold
Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER
EXTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Exterior

Iconic MG lines and beautiful black paintwork with real period charm - irresistible.

Wheels and Tyres

The 15" steel wheels, finished in silver paint appear in great shape with little sign of marks or kerb damage. Likewise, the chrome hubcaps have only very slight tarnishing and the MG centre caps still stand out well.

The wheels are fitted with Vredestein Classic tyres all round. The tyres, including the boot mounted Michelin spare, appear in sound condition with good tread remaining. We could see no obvious evidence of cracking, splits or damage to the outside sidewalls.

Please take time to review the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior, wheels, and tyres so you can make your own assessment of their condition. Tyres are a key safety item, and you should consider replacing any that are cracked, perished, unevenly worn, or over 10 years old.

Bodywork

This delightful MG presents very well overall. The car stands straight and panel alignment looks good while doors and hinged bonnet panels open and shut as they should, although the driver's door could use a little adjustment to close smoothly. The canvas hood fits well and is in great condition with no rips, tears or other damage that we could see.

The MG comes complete with an original toolkit and tonneau cover, both of which look complete and in good condition.

Bearing in mind this car is ~75 years old it looks fantastic.

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

Paint

The black paint retains a deep, even shine with excellent coverage right across the car. Inevitably there are a few minor chips and marks here and there, as shown in the images, but we had to work hard to find them.

Overall, the paint quality is very good and the colour suits the car perfectly.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there yourself. Please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car to form your own opinion about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

Windscreen, mirrors and lenses all appear in good condition with no cracks, significant scratching or notable discolouration that we could see while seals appear intact. The canvas hood appears in good condition, and the rear window looks clear and unmarked.

Overall, the chrome fittings present very well, and we noted no significant dents or peeling. The chrome shows some minor pitting in a few places as would be expected on a car of this period. Generally speaking, the condition of the chromework and badging is good and contributes to the lovely overall appearance of this car.

We've taken you around the car in greater detail in our exterior review video, please take the time to look over the video and see how the glass and trim look from different perspectives.

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INTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Interior

Stunning green upholstery with iconic domed Jaeger dials.

Seats and Carpets

The green leather trimmed seats look in lovely condition with a truly period feel. We could see no sign of rips, tears or indentations in the seat coverings and stitching appeared sound. Similarly, the door coverings are in very good shape with only minor signs of wear.

The black carpets fit well and only show more wear around the gear stick mount and in the drivers footwell.

We've captured high-resolution photos and a full interior video tour through the car. This covers off the angles inside the car for you to review and appreciate the condition of what's on offer here in our interior review section.

Dashboard

The beautiful, period dashboard looks fantastic! Jaeger instruments are in very good condition with both the vintage white background and black digits easily visible. The stunning domed glass and chrome bezels look superb set against the green panel. The centre section, switches, dials and gauges, along with the charming Ferodo “brake efficiency indicator” all look good albeit with the chrome bezels and the switches showing a few signs of wear.

Arnold assured us that all work exactly as they should.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The three spoked, bakelite steering wheel presents very well and matches the interior trim perfectly. The chrome spokes are in good shape, and the MG branded horn centre section shows only slight fading. The original steering wheel is included in the sale too.

The gear stick and black gear knob are both in good condition and marked to reflect the pattern for the Ford 5-speed gearbox installed in this car.

We've captured high-resolution photos for you to review and check over the condition of the interior in our gallery section.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO
Video #2

Mechanics

Taught and revvy, the ~54BHP engine offers lively and engaging performance.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine bay is tidy, clean, well-organised and looks superb with the MG red painted block and alloy rocker cover. The was no evidence of leaks or damage that we could see.

During our cold start video, the car fired up well and idled steadily - oil pressure was steady and emissions appeared clear .

Take a look at the mechanical review video to see the car starting from cold, driving around some local roads, and for a closer look underneath the MG and the engine bay.

Suspension and Brakes

With coil springs at the front and cart springs at the rear the car benefits from a suspension system that stood the test of time and lasted right through to the last MGB in 1980. It gives the car a responsive, compliant feel and really adds to its period charm. As with the rest of the car, the suspension system, and indeed the whole underside of the car, looks well cared for.

Brakes are typically '50s and require a degree of forethought. However, on our brief drive out with Arnold the car seemed to pull up well.

Please take a look over the mechanical videos and photographs to see close-up images from under the car.

The Drive

This is a car that you can’t help enjoying. It looks great, drives superbly and transports you back to a simpler time. Although of '50s vintage this stunning little MG felt surprisingly sporty and responsive, it accelerated well and stopped with ease when needed.

Helped by the aftermarket Ford 5 speed gearbox the journey through the gears was smooth and precise, the car was comfortable, felt planted and we could hear no untoward knocks, bangs or rattles.

Overall, wonderfully charming and thoroughly enjoyable – thank you Arnold.

Electrics and Other

Electrics on cars of this period are straightforward and simple. The switchgear, gauges and dials all appear in good condition and Arnold assures us that, to the best of his knowledge, everything works exactly as it should.

To assist with use on modern roads this MG is fitted with indicators operated by a non self-cancelling switch in the cabin.

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Video #2

History and Paperwork

A delightful piece of motoring history – everyone loves a proper MG.

This in an opportunity to own a properly sorted, sound TD – it looks fantastic, sounds great and is an absolute joy to drive.

Having only had 3 previous owners and clearly been well looked after by all of them this car comes with some fascinating history. Complete with its buff logbook, detailed handwritten notes on maintenance history from 1967 to 2008, original and new copies of the operating manual together with a September 1955 copy of the CSMA Gazette with this car on the cover!

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and 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 on 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 bid/s, 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
16.08.2011 MOT 86,142
18.06.2010 MOT 86,051
25.06.2009 MOT 85,766
20.06.2008 MOT 85,587
28.06.2009 MOT 84,525
05.06.2006 MOT 82,474
21.06.2005 MOT 82,192
30.06.2004 MOT 81,263
01.10.2002 MOT 78,508
25.04.2001 MOT 76,866
02.03.1999 MOT 75,975
26.02.1998 MOT 74,363
27.02.1997 MOT 73,075
04.03.1996 MOT 71,144
06.03.1995 MOT 69,972
08.03.1994 MOT 00008
VIEW ALL
Key Details
  • ModelTD
  • TransmissionManual
  • Reg. Date01.10.1951
  • CC1,250
  • Mileage~86,999 on clock
  • HistoryGood
  • ColourBlack
  • Interior ColourGreen
  • Interior TrimLeather
  • Chassis #TD10170
  • Engine #XPAGTD210425
  • MOTExempt
  • MOT ExemptYes
  • Road Tax ExemptYes
  • HPi ClearYes
  • Former Keepers3
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned~3 Years
  • Key FeatureOriginal Car
  • Vehicle RegistrationUMG 456
  • Driver’s SideRight
  • Fuel TypePetrol
  • Body TypeConvertible
  • Auction ID3337
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VIEW ALL
Video #2

All Images

Exterior

Interior

Mechanics

History and Paperwork

All Videos



Vehicle Location

Pulborough, West Sussex

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Auction Closed

Let us know if you're interested

This car didn't meet its reserve price and may soon be available as a private sale - please contact us for more information or let us know if you want to be notified when a similar car comes to market.

I'M INTERESTED
Ask Questions
Post a comment or ask the owner a question about the car.
4 Comments
chrisjw
chrisjw
1 month ago

Hi Arnold
2 questions
1 Do you think the vehicle could be driven from your address to Bristol?
2 Has the reserve been met?
ATB Chris

ArnoldM
ArnoldM
Seller
  chrisjw
1 month ago

Well I suppose it could but that’s a long trip. I had it transported from Cambridge when I bought it. And it’s never been out in the rain
Not met reserve yet

CCJones
CCJones
1 month ago

Good evening. I have looked at your car on a previous auction. It looks great. Especially with the original wheels and the 5 speed box.
The description does not mention woodwork but does describe the need for adjusting the drivers door. Do you know anything about the condition of the wooden frame?
Thankyou.

ColinB
ColinB
Admin
  CCJones
1 month ago

Hi,

Arnold has asked has asked me to pass on his reply:

“As far as I am aware there is no problem with the wood framework and at servicing no-one has raised any queries to me about the timberwork and no mention on last MOT at 86K miles (August 2011)
Regards
Arnold”

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Vehicle Location

Pulborough, West Sussex

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