1952 MG TD

Description

The pre-war MG TA served as the catalyst for the iconic T-Series, laying the foundation for MG's instantly recognizable design elements such as the swept fenders, running boards, and a folding windscreen. Despite only a limited number being produced before the outbreak of World War II, the TA left an indelible mark on automotive history. In 1949, a visionary group of MG leaders, led by John Thornley, embarked on a mission to create a car tailored for the North American market, drawing inspiration from the TA model and incorporating lessons learned during the war years. The culmination of their efforts resulted in the MG TD, following the progressive improvements seen in the TB and TC models. The MG TD boasted updated styling, enhanced turning and handling capabilities, a smoother ride, and added creature comforts such as a heater core. By July 1951, the 1250 cc XPAG four-cylinder engine received significant upgrades to accommodate a larger clutch, ensuring optimal performance. The MG TD quickly gained acclaim as the quintessential post-war English sports car, revered for its authentic sporting characteristics and timeless appeal. 

A lesser-known variant of the MG TD story involves the construction of a handful of examples in Germany. The chassis were dispatched from England to Zeppelin Motorcars of Stuttgart, Germany in a bare state, with the miscellaneous parts box doubling as a makeshift seat during transportation. After the assembly of a prototype car for series approval, the remaining chassis arrived in two separate batches. However, after the completion of just 25 cars, the MG factory canceled the project. 

Highlights 

• One of just 25 cars produced in Germany, resulting in unique features including: 

  • Flatter humps on the dashboard cowl 

  • Slightly differently shaped rear fenders 

  • Polished plates on the ends of the gas tank 

  • Screw-on style gas cap 

  • Consistent louver length on the engine side panels 

  • A hood constructed with steel tops and aluminum side panels 

  • Leather door check strap 

  • Narrower running boards with solid aluminum strips 

  • 22 German-style fuses 

  • Metric bolts for mounting the body 

• Retained by the current owner for the past 63 years 

• Finished in MG Red with a Beige leather interior 

• Powered by 1,250 cc XPAG four-cylinder engine producing 44 horsepower 

• Restored in the mid 1980s 

• Painted steel wheels with chrome hubcaps 

• Black folding soft top 

• The was recently brought back to running and driving condition, having remained in prolonged climate-controlled storage by a long-time engineer, enthusiast, mechanic, and collector specializing in British, antique, and special interest cars 

• Please note that while the odometer reads just over 97,000 kilometers or the equivalent of 60,000 miles at the time of listing, the true mileage is unknown 

Features 

• Original left-hand-drive example 

• Dual chrome side view mirrors 

• Cowl-mounted adjustable spotlight 

• Luggage rack 

• Chrome bumpers 

• Four-speed synchromesh gearbox 

• Wishbone-type independent front succession 

• Chrome headlights 

• Finned aluminum oil sump 

• Twin SU needle carburetors 

• Folding windscreen 

• Direct rack-and-pinion steering 

• Center-mounted yellow fog light 

• Bumper over riders 

Known Imperfections 

• Minor fluid leaks 

• Minor paint imperfections 

• Additional work is likely needed to make these vehicles roadworthy 

Included 

• Operation manual 

• Black tonneau cover 

• Book covering the details of the German made MG TDs 

• Fuel tank and cap 

• Side curtains and storage bag 

Ownership History 

This 1952 MG TD is offered from the collection of Robert W. “Kermit” Wilson, a remarkable group of motorcars associated with Bob Wilson, race car driver, columnist for numerous automotive magazines, and lifelong collector of British cars. The car was acquired by Bob from a neighbor in the winter of 1961 and he has thoroughly enjoyed the car prior to and since completing a full restoration in the 1980s.