Photos
About the Car
1952 MG TD for sale. Very good condition. Visually, mechanically and electrically maintained to the original specification. 6000 miles in the last 15 years. Autumn Red factory colour, with red leather upholstery.
Body. The body is in premium condition. No evident rust or bodywork. A couple of paint bubbles on the rear fenders. Some 1/16” stone chips filled with touch-up paint. Underside has been treated with Waxoyl for last 15 years. Car stored in dry conditions and has not seen rain for 10 years at least.
Original chromed items in fine condition. Seats show some age but have responded well to semi-annual Lexoil treatments and are stored in a heated basement and covered when the car is parked in the sun.
The soft top is in great condition. The vehicle is stored in a covered trailer in winter with the top up, and spends the summer with the top down. The side curtains are stored in their box in fabric bags. There is a Sunbrella tonneau used when vehicle is left outside temporarily and dust cover for garage storage. There was an issue with the fit of the soft top stays, which was resolved by cutting them and rejoining them in a better position. The windshield glass is probably original.
Mechanical The car has the original 1250 cc Xpag engine, 4 speed gearbox and 7 ½” clutch. The head was skimmed, valves replaced, and ports polished 3000 miles ago. The clutch and starter ring gear were replaced 2000 miles ago. Gearbox synchros were replaced 1000 miles ago. Oils changes, grease and other maintenance exceeds factory recommendations due to low mileage and annual servicing. Brakes receive regular attention. Equipped with the original 4 blade cooling fan, so the car would be prone to overheating in traffic jams on hot days unless replaced with the 5 blade. (but I don't drive in traffic jams on hot days) Stainless steel exhaust.
Suspension Dampers replaced 4000 miles ago. Tyres replaced 5000 miles ago. Very little exposure to sunlight, they still seem very good. The spare tyre is definitely vintage. Wheels balanced - it wasn't easy.
Brakes Drum brakes without any servo assist. Don't tailgate. The brakes have definitely improved with rebuilding and overhauls in the past 15 years, but need regular maintenance to maintain this performance.
Fuel Twin 1 ½” SU carbs were rebuilt 6000 miles ago. The original intake manifold was replaced with individual filters (original parts retained). The SU fuel pump has been replaced with an identical electronic model. Gas tank interior appears to have been coated.
Engine electrical. I am using spark plugs 1 level hotter than original specification to keep plugs clean in low RPM driving. My unofficial rev limit is 4000 RPM, maybe 4200 if you really want to go 60mph. The engine has plenty of torque and it makes no sense to overload everything. The distributor is the original Lucas type and seems to be fine. The dynamo was replaced 2000 miles ago.
Body electrical. Original positive ground system with generator and regulator. Wiring appears to be newer than 60 years, but with original cloth covered wires of the correct colour adhering to the original harness layout. Relays have been added to protect the dashboard switches from the high currents in the original wiring configuration. Headlights are replica Lucas tripod type in the original chrome bodies. Period correct auxiliary driving and fog lights (Marchal) . Centre LED brake light and emergency flashers (removable).
Interior. A walnut dashboard and aftermarket steering wheel from the 1960’s. All gauges appear to be original, their faces are clean and the chrome is in very good condition. Speedometer was likely rebuilt 6000 miles ago, hence the low mileage indicated (11,780). Tachometer was rebuilt 3000 miles ago. All switches all work. The “low fuel” light does not work; there is no transducer in the fuel tank. The windshield wiper motor needs regular oiling, but has never actually been used in the rain. The leather seats have already been discussed earlier, other interior upholstery is in very good condition. The carpets have recently been replaced, but could be of higher quality. I have also considered adding insulation to the firewall and drive shaft tunnel.
Miscellaneous. A collection of spares and items that were replaced over the course of ownership. Hand starter crank, front anti-sway bar, dynamo core, various Whitworth spanners, SU carburetor spanners, workshop manual.
Optional Trailer. Aluma model 7814 aluminium flat bed double axle trailer (2016) with electric brakes, ramps, manual winch and custom plywood box. All up weight with the MG is approx 3500 lbs., so you don't need a truck to tow it around. The trailer was stored indoors, either with the car in it or empty. $4,400.
Location. Winnipeg, Manitoba
For more information e-mail julianhatherell(at)hotmail.com