SOLD to Connecticut.  This is a beautifully original 1951 MG TD roadster that is a California car from new with an original 30,000 miles and a terrific provenance.  It is increasingly rare to find a true 70-year-old survivor; with its original paint, chrome, leather interior, and even the convertible top and some of its tires are at least 50 years old!  We fell in love with this MG the second we saw it.  This would do incredibly well in Preservation Class competition and even better driving it around town or through the countryside.

The original black livery is in excellent condition.  The paint is deep and rich and contrasts beautifully with the green grill slats.  Nearly all of the paint is original with very few scratches or other issues.  It is in incredible condition for its 70 years, but consistent for a well-loved 30,000-mile example.  The chrome and stainless are also in overall very nice condition and nothing has been rechromed or refinished.  The correct Lucas lights are all in very nice condition.

The convertible top is in great shape given its age.  We replaced the rear window plastic to make it useable for the next several decades.  We have no idea how old the canvas is, but it is likely from the 1950’s through 1970’s (we are assuming it is not original).

The apple green leather is also original and in terrific original condition, especially for an open roadster.  There are the normal creases and two very small tears in the leather from use and age over the years.  The leather is very soft and supple.  The instruments are also in very nice condition and the original green leather dashboard and door panels are in excellent original condition.

The longtime owner of this MG was Robert B. Maine of Santa Clara, California.  Robert was a long-time active member and racer with the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA).  Mr. Maine enjoyed this MG for decades.  Included in the sale are his SCCA Competition Guidelines book, Engine Tuning Workbook and Shop Manual. There are a multitude of notes made in the SCCA Guidelines book as he was trying to make the MG fit the production category (non-modified) as well as he could.  To this day, this MG TD bears its straight through exhaust which was allowed under the guidelines.  And it sounds terrific!!

Mr. Maine added a California blue personalized plate “MYTD51” by 1987.  More than 20 years ago, Mr. Maine sold the MG to become part of the David Morrison Collection.  This enabled it to remain untouched for the past couple decades.

Mechanically, this MG is in excellent condition.  The XPAG 1,250 cc OHV four cylinder is the correct original numbers matching engine, TD 7965.  We have completed a thorough recommissioning service, including a full tune up with all new parts from Moss Motors, new wheel cylinders and a fluids flush.  The MG TD is a blast to drive and exhibits great power and it doesn’t emit smoke.  As mentioned, the tires are very old, but ride fine.  We think they are perfect for preservation showing and around town use.  We love the vintage Hellings Air Filters.

The MG TD benefitted from a more robust chassis design, independent front suspension and rack and pinion steering.  Even at 6’3” and 225 pounds, the driving position is comfortable and sporty.  Also included in the sale are the engine crank, jack, books mentioned previously, documentation, and a tonneau cover.

The Hagerty No. 2 Value is $25,700 and the NADA Retail Value is $30,600.  Increasingly, original surviving examples such as this are worth more than if they were fully restored.

For more information and details, please call, text or email Harry Clark at +1.602.245.7200 or harry@classicpromenade.com.  This MG TD is available in our Phoenix showroom.