Pick of the Day: 1953 MG TD

If you love British sports cars then you are likely to recognize the iconic MG TD.

The MG TD was an update of the outgoing MG TC, which was not really a new model but more of a continuation model from the pre-war era MG cars. The TC was charming and the styling with its 19 inch wire wheels and swoopy fender and cut down door look was a classic even when new. The TC is thought of as one of the most important cars in the history of the sports car. It’s also thought of as the car that made sports cars a hit in the U.S., but this is only partially true. Those elegant 19 inch wheels had tires with a contact patch of about an inch, and the solid front and rear axles did nothing to assist the cars ride or handling. Yes, serviceman brought the TCs home and people saw them on the street but most people did not usually buy TCs, instead they opted for the new and improved MG, the MG TD.

While the TD shared a basic look with the TC, the car was much improved over the old TC. Instead of a standard steering box on the TC, the TD had rack and pinion steering. The smaller 15 inch wheels allowed the new car to also use more modern tires with more grip. Finally the TD had independent front suspension, something that makes the TD a better driving car and a much better handling sports car.

The result of all these changes was that MG sold many more MG TDs than TCs. Where the TC total production was 10,000 cars, MG built and sold a total of 29,664 MG CDs.

The Pick of the Day is one of these cars for sale on ClassicCars.com, a 1953 MG TD offered by a dealer located in St. Louis, Missouri.

The seller describes this MG TD as being finished in the correct color of British Racing Green over a correct Tan leather interior. The details on this TD are correct with the dash covered in Beige Rexine and not replaced with a wood dash. Other details I noticed were the wheels painted in the correct silver and not in body color, something many MG owners do to their cars. Many people also paint the grille body color or go with chrome, both of which are incorrect details.

The seller adds that this TD received a 20 year old frame-off restoration by its previous owner, and the level of accuracy and detail of this restoration makes me think it is likely an excellent example. The only change from original I saw were the unpainted brass door hinges. Originally these would have been painted to match the body color but they do look great in brass. The seller calls this 1953 MG TD is a wonderful driver that can be used and enjoyed. They state that they have put 15 test miles on the car. 

Driving an MG TD is like being in a time machine. During early morning drives you can imagine you are a Spitfire pilot rushing to an airbase for dawn patrol. The entire experience is being immersed in the history of the British sports car. There is simply nothing else like driving an MG TD.

It is powered by its correct 54 HP 1250cc X-PAG MG engine which features twin SU carburetors and backed by a 4-speed manual transmission.

If you are looking for a truly classic British roadster that is fun to drive, easy to own, and a car that will draw a crowd whenever you park it, this 1953 MG TD is just the ticket. At an asking price of only $21,900 it is likely priced at less than half of what it cost to restore. There are few better deals available on the market for classic British sports cars.

To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.