1951 MG TD Roadster

For many enthusiasts, the MG T-series is the archetypal British sports car - the traditional appearance and lively performance combining to provide a driving experience unmatched at the price. The original TA was launched in 1936, with the engine and gearbox derived from Wolseley components, but the Abingdon company replaced this was a new XPAG unit in the TB of 1939, whose production was curtailed by the outbreak of war. The post-war TC differed in name only but proved a huge success in America, where the MG's handling, speed and ability to entertain were hitherto unheard of. Following a meeting of MG's executives, a decision was made to civilise the rather rough and ready TC into a more comfortable proposition by combining the TC's engine and transmission with the box-section chassis derived from the Y-type saloon. With wider track, rack and pinion steering plus coil spring independent front suspension, the new TD was certainly a more pleasant car to drive without losing the essential character that made MG famous. Other changes included a switch from wire wheels to solid discs and bumpers were now standard equipment. The TD was built with export markets in mind and the majority came equipped with left-hand drive for the Americans. Indeed, few of the 30,000 built were sold anywhere else and finding a good example outside of the USA is still relatively uncommon.