1952 MG TD

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

Blending British charm with American appeal, the 1952 MG TD was part of the iconic MG T-series that began with the TA in 1936 and ran through the 1955 TF. The TD model featured a robust XPAG 1250cc inline-four engine and independent front suspension — an upgrade over its predecessor. By 1952, MG had refined the TD’s design, offering improved handling and comfort, making it a favorite among postwar sports car enthusiasts.

This 1952 MG TD is a North American left-hand drive example reportedly refreshed by a previous owner, who refinished it in red paint with a tan top over black vinyl upholstery. Numerous upgrades include four exterior mirrors (on the fenders and both sides of the windshield), chrome knock-off wire wheels with Vredestein tires, a luggage rack, grille badge bar with U.S. and England badges, running lights, wind deflectors, and seat belts.

This MG is now offered at no reserve on behalf of the current owner with maintenance documents since 2024, a boot cover, side curtains, full tonneau cover, rear-mounted spare tire, repair and maintenance documents under current ownership, and a clean Georgia title in the current owner’s name.

Highlights

• Previously refreshed example

• Refinished in red with a tan soft top and black vinyl upholstery

• XPAG 1250cc inline-four engine rated at 58 hp

• Four-speed manual transmission

Factory Equipment

• Four-spoke “banjo style” steering wheel

• Jaeger 100-mph speedometer, 6,000-rpm tachometer, and gauges for water temperature and amps

• The chassis number (TD16209EXLNA) decodes as:

  • TD – MG TD model

  • 16209 – Serial number (1952 production)

  • EXL – Export, Left-hand drive

  • NA – North America

Modifications

• Refresh by a previous owner reportedly included:

  • Refinished in correct MG Red paint over black vinyl upholstery

  • Chrome luggage rack

  • Chrome grille badge bar

  • Dual fender mirrors plus rearview and dual side mirrors on the windshield

  • New wind deflectors

  • Installed seat belts

  • New tan soft top and boot cover, side curtains, full tonneau cover

  • New chrome knock-off wire wheels

Servicing

• September 2024 (in Georgia):

  • Replaced oil filter adaptor

  • Replaced air filter assembly

  • Replaced front suspension

  • Refurbished brake drums

  • Replaced valve cover gasket

  • Adjusted valves

  • Rebuilt carburetors

  • Fabricated heat shield for intake manifold

  • Replaced three bolts on engine block and rethreaded holes

  • Ceramic coat on exhaust manifold

  • Repaired cooling system

  • Replaced lower control arms and rear leaf spring shackle bushings

• July 2023 (in California):

  • Replaced thermostat

  • Replaced radiator

  • Replaced water pump

• Vredestein Sprint Classic 155SR15 tubeless tires

• Replaced running lights

Known Imperfections

• Some paint chips, scuffs, and scratches

• Paint mismatch on the passenger-side running board

• Nicks and scuffs on headlights

• Scratches on the driver's side hood

• One boot cover fastener missing

Ownership History

The current owner of this 1952 MG TD purchased it from California in May 2023.

The current owner’s representative states: “This MG TD has long been a dream for the owner. Unfortunately, due to his age and medical issues, it is time for the car to have a new owner who will drive and care for it. The current owner purchased the car in May 2023 out of California, and before it was shipped to Georgia, he hired a professional shop in California go through the car, evaluate its condition, and identify and correct anything that needed updating to make it safe and ready for trouble-free driving. While the car was being driven in Atlanta in 2024, some issues arose and were immediately addressed. Aside from a few paint issues, this MG is in excellent condition, both body and mechanically. It starts quickly and is fun to drive and show.”

Included Items

• Carpeted MG floor mats

• Rear-mounted spare tire

• Boot cover, side curtains, full tonneau cover

• U.S. and England grille badges

• Repair/maintenance documents since 2024