1953 MGTD - RESTORED<500 MI. - 2 OWN. CA. BLK. PLATE CAR / LAST OWN. 40~ YEARS!!

1953 MG TD


RESTORATION COMPLETED WITHIN 500 MILES - ONE OWNER FOR 40+ YEARS

TRULY LOVELY "NUMBERS MATCHING" NORTHERN CALIFORNIA EXAMPLE

ABSOLUTELY STRIKING COLOR COMBINATION!
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INTRODUCTION TO CLASSIC CARS LTD. EBAY AUCTIONS

Thank you for visiting our eBay auction. We appreciate your interest in this special MGTD and feel that it is important that we provide some basic information relative to our business philosophy and utilization of eBay to market our collectible & Classic vehicles.

For close to 20 years. Classic Cars Ltd. has operated a "brick & mortar" showroom located in Pleasanton. CA. just outside of San Francisco California. We have sold hundreds of unique. classic and collectible vehicles to buyer's all over the USA/world and regularly deal with buyer's that have not had the experience of purchasing a large (both physically. and monetarily!) item on eBay. or through an Internet source. Our eBay feedback is 100% positive on vehicle sales from customers around the world. and is a reflection of our commitment to accurate. complete. and thorough vehicle descriptions.

While we have had comments about the length of our narrative on each vehicle. most serious buyers appreciate the detailed photographs and description and believe that "more is better. " However. if you are looking for a brief summary of the vehicle. please view the photographs and scroll to the very bottom of the listing where you will find a summary of the car for sale including; make. model. mileage. specifications. etc.

Please keep in mind that we will gladly.

 Answer any questions over the telephone and take the time to guide prospective customers through the buying process over the telephone (925-846-1451)

 Assist with locating a quality. suitable transporter at competitive prices

 Provide proof (upon request) that we are licensed. bonded (for the financial transaction). fully insured. and operate from an established showroom environment (not a warehouse or as an unlicensed dealer)

 Provide feedback from previous buyers. and specific references for vehicle purchases in your area (we also ask that you view our detailed eBay feedback by clicking on the number to the right of the eBay user name)

 Provide additional information including specific photographs or clarification of any part of our description of the vehicle.

Thank you again. please let us know if we can be of assistance.

Cheers and Happy "eBaying"!

Paul R. Wankle. Pres.
Classic Cars Ltd.
Pleasanton. CA

1953 MGTD - HISTORY - THIS PARTICULAR CAR

This absolutely lovely. recently restored MG TD was owned by a S. F. Bay area British car enthusiast for over to 40 years. Mr. V. was the reportedly the cars second owner and the title reflects original delivery in California with "Date Sold" as 1952 (actually titled as a 1953 but apparently sold in 1952 as was often times the case). Mr. V. owned the car for 40~ years and at the time of his passing in the late 1980's the car was inherited by his son. While the oldest registration slip in our file dates the change of ownership back to 1978. the current owner of the car. the son of the original owner has indicated that his father purchased the MG during the late 1960's / early 1970's. The car was stored for many years and recently underwent a sympathetic restoration by the family in memory of their father.

As is true with most of the vehicles that we represent. the "TD" comes to us from a local customer who was referred to Classic Cars Ltd. due to our passion and history of selling British sports cars for over 20 years from our enclosed "brick & mortar" showroom.

This MG. in addition to his other specialty vehicles. has been painstakingly restored to its beautiful. original condition with the involvement of a number of restoration professionals. The car has seen minimal use and has accumulated fewer than 500 miles since the restoration in mid-2013. The MGTD made its debut appearance at this year's All British Meet in the San Francisco Bay area receiving considerable attention for its overall appearance and fascinating history as a true California "survivor. " Photos reflect the "Before & After" and wonderful restoration of a very solid. rust free / straight example of the desirable MGTD.

Regrettably. at this time the MG TD is being offered for sale as a result of the owner's need to reduce the size of his collection of motorized vehicles. It is the owner's hope that the MG will go to a new owner that will appreciate the car as much as he and his family did for so many years. This MG TD is an example that is ready to be entered into shows. used for parades. or simply enjoyed for weekend or even regular use. It is dependable; fun to drive and to say that it attracts attention is a dramatic understatement.

1953 MGTD - THIS PARTICULAR CAR # VIN# 199442

Frankly. the photographs tell the story regarding the condition of the MGTD. The car has undergone a complete restoration. The MG's owner is not only a perfectionist. but also a knowledgeable British car collector that did much of the "dirty work" himself but engaged professionals to complete the restoration and ensure that the car met his high standards. It is apparent that the finished restoration project met his goal of creating a spectacular. restored MG TD that retains original components in order achieve the delicate balance between original "patina" and an over-restored full blown show car.

During the restoration. virtually every component was inspected and replaced/refurbished as needed. but every effort was made to utilize factory original components. The use of aftermarket parts on this car was minimized and the re-plating and refurbishing of component parts is very high quality. This car is. in many respects. better than when it left the factory.

THE "NUMBERS"

It is important to "decode" the various numbers on any vehicle in order to determine if the vehicle is fitted with its original engine. chassis and body. The following numbers are significant when it comes to determining these factors on an MGTD:

VIN # (19442) - The production sequence number ("TD's carried production numbers from 0251 through 29915 making this MGTD a later production car NOTE: The VIN number is shown on the brass plate on driver's side under the hood ((mounted to the tool storage box)

Brass Plate carries the following numbers / letters: XPAG (Coding for all T. TC. TD & TF 1250 cars); TD2 (An indication that the car is a later model and fitted with 8" clutch

Brass plate (mounted on passenger side engine block below the manifold): Reads #19442 (note: also stamped on block if you look closely) and XPAG - TD2 (Consistent with brass ID tag

VERY IMPORTANT: The chassis and engine numbers for the "TD" are correct and "Matching"

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MG:

* Original S. F. Bay area car

* Original "Black Plate" car with the same plates as issued and shown on early registration slips (not reproduction plates. the real deal)

* Every effort was made to retain original components that were in very nice to excellent condition including: the windshield (original glass(. windshield frame. wheels. gauges. engine components including numbers matching engine / chassis. generator and much more

* Panels removed and the majority of components professionally stripped. repaired as needed and repainted / restored (including engine bay. chassis. etc. ) Note: the car began as a very solid. original example

* Complete re-paint & body work (minimal work required on a very straight original California car. refer to photos of "Before") completed by a highly respected. Northern California company (No orange peel. cracking. crazing. etc. in paint)

*Original rust free car with no damage to frame / body

* Mechanical components evaluated. refurbished and repairs completed as needed

* Re-chromed exterior components including windshield. frame. brackets. bumpers and other trim

* New rubber trim. fender beading (black). exterior bits

* All new interior professionally custom installed - VERY high quality workmanship with
New canvas top & completely refinished convertible top bows and related components

* All original gauges

* Body panels appear to be original and correct to the MGTD

* One of the prettiest period MotoLita steering wheels we have seen including what appears to be a custom made wood center hub complete with MG logo - Note: The owner says this wheel has been on the car since the late 1960's / 1970's and was just recently restored

* All new side panels carpet and trim. refer to photos (Simply spectacular!) Please refer to detailed photos

* Stock dash. gauges & fully functional electrical system - All gauges cleaned. checked and fully functional

* Front fender mirror (Period example)

* New high quality canvas top

UNIQUE FEATURES / OPTIONAL ITEMS ON THE MG INCLUDE

* Period LuMax chrome driving light (right front bumper)

* Beautiful. period MotoLita wooden (Completely restored) steering wheel

CURRENT CONDITION

The car is in absolutely beautiful condition and reflects not only the considerable investment in the restoration. but perhaps more important the attention to detail that it has received from its owner during the restoration. The owner spent countless hours every evening after work and on the weekends cleaning. sanding and preparing paints for

Cosmetically. the car is beautiful and the owner's efforts certainly paid dividends. The body is very straight. the paint is a beautiful shade of red that is very befitting the MG and the contrasting tan interior (completely professionally crafted) was an excellent choice. The car is free from any signs of damage (topside and underneath as well) even including the vulnerable front of the car (along with the sides/fenders) that are typically riddled with road / rock chips. and / or damage.

The exterior trim is in equally excellent condition and. as expected with a car of this caliber. there are absolutely no signs of rust or pitting on the exterior surfaces. This MG TD is truly "turnkey" and needs nothing to be enjoyed for the upcoming Spring/Summer seasons.

This is a very special MGTD. indeed. The combination of superb restoration. lovely color combination and limited use since the restoration make this a desirable MG TD. to be sure. While we have provided extensive photos and scanned copies of some of the documentation. we ask that you call or email if we can provide additional detailed photographs. or information about the MG.

DRIVING THE MG TD

Each time we have the pleasure of representing an older MG. we are reminded why these cars why they left their owner's with such fond memories of the cars. Not only were they incredible to look at. but they epitomized what true sports cars were all about in the early/mid 1950's.

This particular MG TD's runs and drives very well. It starts immediately. even after sitting for several days/weeks with the use of the choke and runs smoothly when cold. or warm. The engine does not hesitate and it runs smoothly as it is shifted up through the gears. The transmission shifts well and for this era vehicle. there is no excessive noise in the forward gears. or rear end. We should note that first gear in this particular MG is very low and. as a result. 1st gear is necessary only to get the car rolling. In fact. the MG can be driven using 2nd gear the gear to get the car moving since 1st is so low. The transmission does not slip. and is 100% functional in all gears. forward and reverse.

The MG steers straight. does not pull to the left. or right or exhibit any drivability issues. MG enthusiasts will notice that most (perhaps all) of the instrumentation is MG authentic including the rare MotoLita steering wheel (details above). The clock. located in the lower portion of the tachometer) is not working. but then they didn't work shortly after the cars were produced!

The MG runs cool on even the warmest California day with no history of overheating or excessive temperatures. The other gauges are fully functional (speedometer. tachometer and oil pressure) as are the lights and even the turn signals (note turn signal switch on the dash).

The MG TD does not smoke. leak. or have any unusual engine noises or problems. Of course. as is characteristic with virtually all of the British cars of this era. it does leave a few (literally) drops of oil to "Mark its turf" but does not have any significant oil/transmission leaks that suggest major problems. or needs. As the old adage goes; "If your British car STOPS leaking oil. you might want to check to be sure it HAS oil"!!

THE HISTORY OF THE OF MG

For those who have an interest in learning more information about the history of the MG and "TD". the following may provide more than you wanted to know!

Let's start with the meaning of the famous MG logo. MG stands for Morris Garages. These cars being named after William Morris. The MG marque was first used in 1924 in a bull nosed sports car; now affectionately name Old Number One. This formed the basis of the MG Car Company. with Lord Nuffield at its head. In 1922 management of the MG Car Company was taken over by Cecil Kimber. Kimber was an avid motor sports enthusiast and is also credited for introducing the classic radiator style recognizable on so many cars such as the T-Series MG's.

The Nuffield Organization not only owned the MG Car Company but a number of other marques as well. often competing with MG over the years. These included Morris and Riley. At times it seemed that MG could never get the resources they needed to become world leaders in the marketplace. Not only were they competing with the likes of Triumph and Austin. but the real battle seemed to go on internally in the Nuffield Organization. This continued right through the merger of Nuffield and Austin in 1953 which formed the British Motor Company (BMC). MG's were produced in Abingdon. England from the early 1930's until production ceased in 1980. Other cars from the Nuffield organization were also produced at Abingdon during the years and vied for precious resources.

The MG T-SERIES

In 1936 the MG Car Company made a dramatic change in the design of their sports cars. In this year they introduced the MGTA Midget. The MGTA originated the familiar T-Series design element and to the casual observer. it is hard to distinguish from the MGTC. The MGTA sported the famous radiator design. the swept wings. running boards. folding windscreen. and large accessible bonnet. It was a two-seater sports car with a foldable hood and side curtains. Just over 3. 00 MGTA's were produced in three years of production. The MGTA suffered from a poor performing engine and in 1939 the MGTB was introduced with the now famous XPAG engine. Only a few were produced as in a few months World War II broke out.

During World War II production of MG's ceased as the MG Car Company was put into service for the war effort making tanks and airplane parts. and other military items. When the war ended the MG Car Company was anxious to get back to making sports cars. They revisited the MGTB and made a few subtle changes. These were in the form of a wider body and shackles replacing sliding trunnions for the spring mounts. The Nuffield Organization also made another drastic change. They started taking an active interest in selling their sports cars in North America. It appears that during the War a number of American GI's had an opportunity to experience the T-Series MG's. When the War ended a number of these cars were imported and then formally sold into North America. especially the United States. The MGTC was produced from 1945 to 1949 with a total production of about 10. 00 cars.

Due to the fact that the United States had much more cash available to spend on entertainment and sports than did war torn Britain. the Nuffield Organization made a drastic change in their marketing. focusing on North America. In 1949 the MGTC was fitted with many elements to make it more North American such as front and rear bumpers. twin horns. and dual tail lamps. Even by making these changes only a fraction of the MGTC's were imported into North America. There were still too many issues with a car of this type for different North America conditions. Amongst those were driving on the right hand side of the road rather than the left. more high speed maneuvers such as freeways. a softer ride. and some additional creature comforts. What was needed was a total redesign of the MGTC if the MG Car Company was to capture a significant portion of the North American market. What was missing was a total commitment from the Nuffield Organization to do so.

THE LEGACY OF THE MGTD

In 1949 a small group of MG leaders. headed by John Thornley. got together to try to create a car that was acceptable to the North American marketplace while at the same time would limit the investment of the Nuffield Organization. Clearly it would be impossible to completely create a new car. not only from a financial point but from a timing standpoint as well. What was needed was a little of the old. sprinkled with a little of the new. Another key factor was to borrow or incorporate features found in other Nuffield cars of the time that were more up to date than the MGTC.

First it was decided to start with the MGTC. It was felt that the MGTC still provided a favorable brand image to the North American marketplace. Many elements of the MGTC were still believed to be important such as:

- The Styling
- Safety Fast Engineering
- The Power Train
- The Familiarity of Design

What was missing was:

- More Futuristic Styling
- Better Turning and Handling
- A Smoother Ride
- Left Hand Drive
- More Creature Comforts Such as an Optional Heater and Radio

Quickly a team of MG personnel took inventory of the components of the Nuffield Organization that they had to work with. They discarded the TC's frame because it was to light and not rigid enough. They found what they wanted in the Y types. A small modification to the frame was to have it sweep over the rear axle rather than under. This gave them more travel in the rear springs so they could increase the damping. In addition they adopted rack and pinion steering and front coil springs and wishbones. This and the change in rear end suspension allowed for a smoother ride and better handling than the MGTC. One of the major changes was to reduce the wheel size from 19 inches to 15 inches and increase the tire width to 5. 50. All of these changes made the MGTD a superior riding car over the MGTC.

Because of the use of the larger frame the body became 5 inches wider. Although the body increased by 5 inches. only one inch actually found its way into the cockpit so there is an indiscernible difference in the seating width. The biggest change that people notice about the MGTD from the MGTC is the lack of wire wheels. As part of the Nuffield cost cutting challenge the more expensive wire wheels of former T-Series cars were replaced by solid steel wheels. For the entire production run of the MGTD the factory took heat for this decision. They constantly tried to create implausible technical reasons why wire wheels would not work. but the marketplace never accepted their reasons. In fact wire wheels were one of the most popular aftermarket accessories at the time. Nuffield itself had to offer an upgrade kit to wire wheels during 1953 because the essentially identical 1954 MGTF chassis sported wire wheels as an option.

Other changes between the MGTC and the MGTD were more stylized fenders. partially due to the smaller wheels. A dual production capable LHD or RHD model. better brakes. adjustable steering column. and an interchangeable dashboard for left or right hand driving were also incorporated. An optional radio and heater. as well as many accessories designed to improve the performance of the car were made available.

THE MG TD MODELS

The MGTD was produced from 1949 to August of 1953. During that period the MGTD saw many subtle changes. but nothing drastic. The MGTD was offered in three basic models although no more than two were ever available at one time.

TD

The original MGTD was first produced in late 1949 and had its formal introduction in January of 1950. There were a total of four model years; 1950. 1953. 1953. and 1953. The first model set the stage for what the MGTD was. Because of the short amount of time from the inception of the MGTD to the delivery of the first cars. not everything was quite as the MG Car Company would have liked it. In fact they were still making MGTC's on the production line when the first MGTD's were produced. Other models were also being made on the same assembly line at the same time. This says something of the flexibility of the Abingdon work crews and factory.

Most changes to these early MGTD's were unnoticeable from the untrained eye. One exception to this was the change from solid wheels to slotted wheels. still steel and not wire. but a change if nothing else. Most of this seems to be precipitated from the fact that the brakes were fading due to poor cooling. Another change was to stiffen the body by adding an internal under firewall tubular frame. It helped but the MGTD body bucket still seems to flex quite a bit when pressed into corners.

MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION

We have been shipping vehicles for years and have established excellent contacts that are not only high quality but very price competitive. We do not use brokers. terminal shipping or other discount. low quality carriers. Call us or email for a quote directly to your home or office. We are often able to obtain quality enclosed transportation (the kind of travel this car deserves) for the cost of open shipping.
As a specialty car. parts and resources are readily available for this (and most every vehicle). thanks in large part to the Internet!
In addition to the purchase price of the vehicle. California buyers will be subject to sales tax. documentation fee. DMV transfer fees and license/registration. Out-of-state buyers will be responsible for the purchase price of the vehicle and any local taxes/fees will be the purchaser's responsibility to pay in their respective state. IMPORTANT NOTE: If the vehicle is delivered or driven in California and driven on California roads. sales-tax. license registration and transfer fees will be assessed per California law.
While we encourage telephone calls to discuss this vehicle in greater detail and will be glad to discuss the pricing over the telephone. Should you prefer that we call you to answer any questions about the vehicle; shipping alternatives. etc. please e-mail us with your telephone number and will gladly get back in touch with you.
As with any collectible vehicle of this vintage we are unable to provide a warranty or guarantee of condition. However. we make every effort to accurately represent our vehicles. and highlight both positive items as well as areas that require attention. We ask that prospective buyers consider our eBay history/feedback. standing in the community. length of time in business. and other factors when purchasing a collectible vehicle from Classic Cars Ltd.
Please keep in mind that minor cosmetic issues/flaws may be present on every vehicle (regardless of cost) including small chips. nicks. scratches. etc. that can be seen on even the best restoration. or even a relatively new. used "pre-owned" vehicle. Also. ownership of a collectible / specialty vehicle is more enjoyable if the owner is familiar with the "realities" of these unique cars. Unlike more modern day vehicles. these cars require regular. ongoing care/maintenance and some mechanical knowledge. patience. and understanding can make the experience considerably more pleasant. That said. collector / "specialty" car owners will tell you (emphatically) that they love their cars and wouldn't trade them for anything!!
The information contained in this description is believed to be accurate but. in some instances. has been provided by the car's owner / owners or outside sources. As a result. we are unable to guarantee the accuracy of the information. We encourage verification of "numbers" and significant data prior to the purchase of any collector vehicle that you are considering.
PURCHASING A COLLECTOR VEHICLE - THINGS TO CONSIDER
As always. we recommend that you carefully review the seller's background of any collector car being sold over the Internet. We believe that it is important to ask yourself a number of questions including. but not limited to:
- How long have they been in business?

- How much experience do they have with collector cars?

- How many positive collector car vehicle sales have completed (positive eBay feedback)?

- How detailed/complete is the description of the vehicle?

- Do the photos show details of the interior. exterior. top. chrome. etc. or are they simply "Glamour Shots" taken from a distance?

- Does the seller have a Surety Bond to protect the financial transaction?

- What about insurance. licensing by the state. and a local business license?

- Does the seller (if a business) have any DMV (Motor Vehicle) complaints and/or other history of legal action. grievances?

- Does the seller enjoy a favorable local and national/international reputation?

- Can the seller assist with funding sources. transport and out of state/country sales?

ABOUT CLASSIC CARS LTD.

Classic Cars Ltd. has been in the same. small. California town for over 20 years. We operate a small "brick & mortar". indoor showroom. and specialize in the sale. consignment. and purchase of sports. high performance and specialty vehicles of all types. We have a particular interest in sports cars and unique vehicles.

- The majority of our vehicles come from local. private owners and collectors. and many were sold new in California. We appreciate that rust free cars. with excellent documentation and history are especially attractive to our buyers both locally. and around the country. As a result. we do not purchase our collectible cars from "distressed" sales. such as wholesale auctions. salvage sales. or lien sales. We do not sell vehicles with salvage titles. or those that have a history of significant accident damage or repair.

- Please review our feedback on eBay (user name Never22Many) representing over 740+ positive transactions to buyers all over the United States / World.

- We are fully insured. bonded. and licensed for collector car sales all over the United States/World.

- Classic Cars Ltd. carries a $50. 00 Surety bond to cover financial transactions

- We enjoy excellent relationships with a number of transport companies and. as a result. can often times obtain preferred pricing for vehicle shipping. Please give us a call and we will be glad to refer you to suitable transport companies. Needless to say. we would recommend a quality. enclosed transporter that is experience with moving high quality. collectible cars.

- We frequently sell vehicles to out of State / out of country buyers. and will be glad to provide references for buyers in your area.

Thank you. br />
Classic Cars Ltd.
925-846-1451



Specifications:

Body Type / Style:Convertible Exterior Color:Red Interior Color:Biscuit Engine:4 Cylinder Transmission:   4 Speed Manual Mileage:45993 Drive:Rear Doors:2

Equipment:

"Black Plate" California Car
Exempt From Smog in California
Factory Gauges
Factory Spare
Full Instrumentation
Functional Horn
Heater
Local California "Survivor"
  New Carpet
New Interior
No Previous Damage Body
No Rust CA. Body
Repair History
Repair Receipts
SEE DESCRIPTION.
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Terms & Conditions
Buyers outside of California will be responsible for a $195. 00 fee for processing/administration. The charge will apply if the vehicle is purchased through ebay or before or after the auction. directly through Classic Cars Ltd.

The vehicle is listed for sale elsewhere. We reserve the right to end the auction at anytime. We will be glad to discuss details of a "pre-auction" purchase (925) 846 1451.

Inspections of vehicles are encouraged but (by appointment only) must be completed within 24 hours of the end of the auction.

Out of state buyers are responsible for the high bid and any shipping costs. California buyers are subject to the appropriate sales tax. DMV transfer. and fees associated with the purchase of any used vehicle sale in the state of California.

We mail. via Priority Mail. transferable documents within 48 hours of the transfer of funds to out of State buyers.

While shipping and transportation costs (if appropriate) are the responsibility of the winning bidder. we can assist with locating a suitable transporter. We regularly ship cars all over the USA/World. and can often times locate very competitive rates for transporting vehicles door to door. to a local terminal. enclosed. open. etc. Please call us for specific information/rates to your location.

We meet some great people and fellow enthusiasts. and only rarely do we have problems with non-paying bidders. Please be certain that you are prepared to buy the car if you bid. or call us at 925-846-1451 before the end of the auction if we can answer any questions. If you have a "sunglass" rating or fewer than 10 feedback ratings on eBay. please call us before you bid so that we can discuss the bidding process. etc. If we do not hear from you. we reserve the right to delete your bid.


Thank You & Happy Bidding
Classic Cars Ltd.

Also published at eBay.com

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