Description
MG TD | 1953
Highlights:
– Family-owned in California for over 70 years
– Matching numbers with MG Heritage Certificate
– Documented restoration with photos and invoices
– Original parts preserved wherever possible
– French registered and restored with attention to originality
The seller offers for sale a 1953 MG TD cabriolet, a classic British roadster with a 1275cc four-cylinder petrol engine and manual transmission. This car spent the majority of its life in California, where it remained in the same family’s possession for over 70 years. Following its time in the United States, the car underwent a sympathetic restoration in Europe. The work included careful preservation of original parts where feasible, and is supported by a full photographic record, invoices, and a factory-issued Heritage Certificate confirming the numbers match throughout.
The MG TD is presented with brightwork and paint described by the seller as being in excellent condition, with the exterior showing no signs of rust or previous accident damage. The interior maintains its original character, with careful retention of factory components. While the seats and trim are in restored condition, some very minor blemishes have been preserved to retain authenticity. Mechanically, the car is described as solid with no known faults. The engine starts easily, runs cleanly, and the gearbox operates without noise or hesitation. There are no leaks or mechanical concerns currently noted.
The MG TD was introduced in 1950 and built until 1953, replacing the TC with a more modern and practical chassis. The TD combined traditional MG styling with advancements like independent front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering. Powered by a 1.25-litre XPAG engine, it produced modest horsepower but was praised for its agility and driver engagement. Unlike many British sports cars of the time, the TD offered left-hand drive options early on, which helped its success in the growing American market. The TD became particularly popular in the US, and its blend of pre-war looks with updated driving dynamics secured its place as a defining model of post-war MG production.
The car’s body-on-frame construction and simple mechanical layout make it a favourite among vintage car enthusiasts who value serviceability and character. MG TDs were a common sight in amateur racing in the 1950s and remain a favourite for classic touring and concours events today. Thanks to the extensive parts availability and active owners’ clubs, ownership of a TD remains practical, and values have remained stable for well-kept, matching-numbers examples.
There are no major defects reported. The seller notes that the car does not require a modern technical inspection due to its age and recent full restoration. All lights and indicators are functioning. The interior shows very slight ageing in spots where original materials have been retained for authenticity, but there are no damaged components or missing items. No rust, accident history, or structural damage is present.
Condition of the Bodywork and Paint
4. Very Good: Small dents or scratches; may require minimal bodywork or paint correction.
Condition of the Interior
4. Very Good: Clean with minimal wear; may need minor replacements for small missing or broken parts.
Technical Condition
4. Very Good: Mechanically solid, with possible minor maintenance required.
Overall Condition
4. Very Good Condition: Shows only minimal wear and is ready to drive at any time.
This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.
We encourage all potential bidders to inspect the vehicle before placing a bid. Please contact us by phone or email to schedule an appointment.
All auction cars offered have a reserve price. You have only won the item if the seller accepts your bid.
Price changes and errors reserved. The 14-day right of withdrawal does not apply to this auction.
This car is currently located in Centre-Val de Loire, France.
This car drives, brakes and shifts.
The car has a French registration. The buyer is responsible for registration in his own country and responsible for delivery and collection of any vehicle purchased at the auction.
The description of this car is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Route 66 Auctions requests a range of detail about the car from the seller and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. We strongly advise potential buyers to view or arrange inspections as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy.
Please note that it is not uncommon for classic or collectible cars to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be hard to see even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork. Photographs may not reflect the exact true colour or exact full condition of the vehicle. It is a bidder’s responsibility to assure themselves of the colour and condition of a vehicle, including its interior and the existence of any remedial bodywork or paintwork, before committing to bid or buy.
