for sale 1951 MG TD Mark II SOLD

Matt Harwood · April 19, 2019

*SOLD* This is a very pretty little car--I've always thought that the TD was the most elegantly styled small car and the look cleverly disguises its diminutive size. This is a later Mark II version, which apparently was for "competition" and offered an extra 3 horsepower (57 instead of 54!) and a few other upgrades to go with the already fairly well-developed TD chassis. This particular car features a recent body-off restoration (with receipts) in traditional British Racing Green with Biscuit (tan) leather interior and matching canvas top. Full weather equipment is included. Finish work is quite good, although this is not intended to be a show car--it was restored to drive. The paint shines quite well, the chrome has all been restored, and it carries accessories like the Boyce Moto-Meter on the radiator and a side mirror. It's a really handsome little car.

Once you're inside it's easy to get comfortable if you're under 6-feet tall and the unusual bucket/bench seat allows some access to storage under the folding top. The thin-rimmed banjo steering wheel guides the little MG with just your fingertips and you'll be surprised by how much information is telegraphed by the rack-and-pinion steering. The gauges are lovely Jaeger dials with light blue faces, and they're all fully operational, as are the other controls. Basic, simple, elemental. Seat belts have been added for safety and you'll enjoy rowing the 4-speed, which feels surprisingly robust in your hand and finds the next gear easily. Wear little shoes when you drive it, not big boots, and you'll find this TD is a fantastic dance partner when the road starts to twist.

The Mark II had a bit more compression and a revised cam, which accounts for the extra horsepower. In truth, the "one and a quarter liter" engine feels pretty gutsy, with a nice hit of torque, and since it's only pulling around about 1800 pounds it's a decent performer. It proves the old adage that it's always more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow, and running at, say, 8/10ths this TD is an absolute joy. You really feel like you're working the car, yet you're not endangering everyone on the road. The engine is nicely detailed and includes the polished aluminum Mark II air cleaner manifold for the twin SU carbs. Dual fuel pumps were also part of the Mark II spec. MG Maroon paint looks right and most of the engine bay is correctly detailed, although it needs proper wire-style hose clamps to be right. The finned aluminum side cover is an accessory and an oil filter has been added. The wiring harness is new, the radiator is re-cored, and while it's a bit tough to start the first time each day, the remainder of the starts are almost instant. It's clean and detailed underneath, the brakes are reasonably good, and the steel wheels with hubcaps were standard equipment on the TD--wires aren't correct! There's also a set of rebuilt shocks, a fresh stainless exhaust system, and new wood floors and rocker supports. 165R15 Firestone radials look suitably skinny and ride great.

The original tool kit, jack, lots of receipts, spare parts, and manuals are included.

We've seen prices on cars like TR3/TR4/TR250s and the Austin Healey 3000 shoot up in recent years, and the MG TC is on its way. The TD remains affordable fun that's a bit more contemporary feeling and offers performance that works well with modern traffic. It still feels like a traditional British roadster, and delivers the no-worries, no-hassles kind of fun that you'd want from a fully restored car like this. Nevertheless, restoring a car like this is a BIG money-loser, so buying one already done makes a lot of sense. At $34,900, this is a lot of vintage fun that fits in at just about any event. Thanks for looking!