West Coast Classics are proud to present an absolutely exceptional example of this original southern California owner LHD 1953 MG TD Roadster with its original matching #'s 1250cc 4 cylinder engine and 4 speed transmission and presented in it's original 'Red' color paint with a matching 'Red' interior and a rare all stock example with one repaint and a new soft top and boasting original front and rear windows, original Banjo style celluloid steering wheel, factory heater, crank, owner's manual and spare wheel!
The car was purchased new in 1953 by it's original and only southern California owner and the car has has no rust and no history of any accidents or damage. The car is an original EXL (Left Hand Drive) built car for export and has spent it's whole life with only one careful and mature owner in southern California and still boasts it's original matching #'s XPAG 1250cc engine, with the engine prefix number TD2 which signifies one of the later TD's fitted with the 1250 cc 4 cylinder with the larger 8" clutch instead of the earlier models 7 1/4" clutch. Several other changes were introduced between August and November 1952 including circular rear lamps incorporating flashing turn signals and a three bow frame replaced the two bow frame for the hood. Also the wiper motor was moved to the center of the windshield
This particular car is a very desirable and eminently collectible example being as it is mostly all stock with one repaint in it's original color and as stated, quite remarkably with only one southern California owner since new! The engine is strong and has had a recent tune up and the car has a good clutch with the 4 speed manual transmission shifts smoothly through the gears, although please note that these cars had no synchro rings in the transmission and therefore it is recommended for all models to come to a complete stop before downshifting back to first gear or into reverse.
As the MG marque's renown expert Richard Knudson observed "If the TC started the sports car revolution, it was the TD that fought the battle". It did so by improving the TC without losing the charm. Styling continued with bolt-upright radiator, cutaway doors, flowing separate fenders, fold-flat windshield, a convertible top with side curtains but with a slightly wider body that was therefore roomier than the TC model. The TD also had 15" steel wheels instead of the TC's 19" wheels and these new sized wheels were attached to a stronger frame with the startling advantage of newly designed independent front suspension. That combined with softer damping, wider tires and the reduced height from the smaller wheels and new coil-spring front made for a smoother ride and even tauter handling than its legendary racing predecessor.
This is a great opportunity to purchase a unique one owner since new and great daily driving example of a 1953 MG TD Roadster with its original matching #'s engine in absolutely fabulous and indisputably charming condition throughout; a very desirable piece of British motoring history!
