1951 - not 1953! MG TD Midget Review and Test Drive by Bill - Auto Europa Naples

Note: It was discovered after this video was made that this car is a 1951 model, and not a 1953.
Offered for sale is this absolutely stunning example of the final generation T-Series Midget from MG, a 1951 TD Roadster in beautiful bright red over red leather, and with an older documented restoration. This gorgeous car has a deep glossy finish in excellent condition, with immaculate chrome and brightwork, and exceptional build quality. All the weatherstrip and seals were replaced when restored, and the body fully disassembled for refinishing. The engine was also rebuilt and refinished, with new carburetors, alternator, starter, and accessories. A quick pull of the starter switch fires the 1250cc XPAG engine immediately to life, and it runs very smoothly through the 4-speed manual "Synchromesh" transmission. The interior trim is beautifully finished, with a restored wooden dashboard and original Jaeger mechanical gauges. It has a new Stayfast Beige soft top, though there are no side windows. It comes with a full (zippered) tonneau cover, original workshop manuals, wiring diagram, owner's manual, spare alternator, the two original carbs, many receipts and photos of the restoration. There is no rust anywhere on this vehicle, and it is a fantastic driver. Ready to show! Please see the video for more information and a test drive.

[@IainGalli]

My Woodwork teacher had one of these when i was a kid in England in the 70s. He kept it perfect and drove it to work every day. It's great to see one in such lovely condition.

[@digilyd]

Cranking a couple of times before a winter coldstart in case of extreme cold can be a sensible thing to do :)

[@drphelps9017]

35 mile round trip and you were worried? We have a '52 and a '53. We'll take one out for a 100+ mile day trip.

[@gavcentral7943]

We all can tell that, you’ve had a lot of English vehicles in your driveway. (LOL) You know because, of all the oil stains. Very neat car, thanks for sharing it with us.

[@WillyBill64]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@ronnronn55]

My understanding was that the soldiers from WW II brought back MG-TCs. Which developed the desire for the TD. The hand operated E-brake was set by lifting the lever, then pushing the end button IN (against a spring) to engage. This was designed for quick release back in the day when race drivers would run to their cars and start them. A slight lift on the lever released the brake. It was a very novel feature and fun to use. They had 4 speeds but no syncro on first, which was standard procedure for the time on British cars. Ronn

[@howardrewald9817]

I would love to have one of these lovely little cars

[@UBD6L]

Beautiful car, just perfect By the way, back compartment is for the windows, the tool compartment is under the hood of the car

[@andretv2308]

See you provide a rich history of the cars a cool monologue.

[@augustuscaesar4976]

I just love these cars and this Summer here in the UK ihas been perfect weather for them, ten weeks, no rain and 30c. Such style, modern cars have little interest for me, all look the same and you can't work on them.

[@Williamgarity]

I drove a 51 TD to high school in 1967 thru 1969. Camp Pendleton to Fallbrook, California.

[@michaelconverse5127]

Such a neat car. All cars from that era leaked. I don’t care it’s an MG, a VW, a Mercedes, or a Chevy. That just how it was. All cars from this era required maintenance but as long as you kept up with it, reliability was fine

[@converdj]

Parents owned one and they put me 7 years old in the back when they went touring

[@kenjohnson3174]

Great little car the TD. The later ones, late 52 to 53 had a few mods like the rear lights were round on chrome cylindrical mounts and the wiper motor was moved to the middle of the screen. Front grill was always the same colour as the trim and wire wheels became optional. From memory there was not much unusual about the hand brake. You pulled it up and push the button on the end to release and push down. Horn push was on the S/wheel. Gearbox was 4 speed but no synchro on first.

[@ruk2023--]

We have long since realised here in the UK that you can only get so miserable, wet and cold before it plateau's which is why we have convertibles here.

[@blackvulcan100]

Would this car have ever have been produced with chrome radiator grills ? I thought the grills were produced in the same colour as the seats, in this car red not chrome. Beautiful car, I had a TA.

[@Peterwright99]

No, The vertical grille bars were painted silver. Some have subsequently been painted various colours or even plated by owners, but this version has sought to emulate the original finish - I'm sure they have been repainted silver, just as I did when rebuilding my TD in 1969/70

[@andreseduardorodriguezortu4778]

Very descriptive video awesome car

[@stevevaness4816]

What a fantastic car. This car has been on my bucket list for a long time. I'm getting to the age of selling my motorcycle and buying one of these. Moving from Wisconsin to Florida in the near future, so debating if I should wait to buy one in Florida. I love the idea of an older restoration if done correctly. I have one question. How difficult is it to find a mechanic to maintain an MGTD correctly?

[@WillyBill64]

Which part of Florida I’m near Jacksonville

[@deep6thisdeep6this92]

not only can the MG TDs be crank started but the next generation, the MGA's, could be too (the crank's mounted in the trunk). not surprising really. they knew, oh yes, that that lucas electrical system was still a POS as of 1961.

[@go60wm]

I just drove one today :)

[@larrylindquist2032]

You state that this is an example of the final generation of the “T Series MG's”. Perhaps you’ve forgotten about the TF's

[@WillyBill64]

I would buy a tf if I could find one😭

[@jenesisjp91]

​@@WillyBill64 o

[@edwardfestor8726]

What a lovely TD! Is your wiper motor on the wrong side of the windshield? The grille has been chrome plated rather than painted, which owners often did to prevent the inevitable paint chips. The original dash of aTD was plywood, covered by the same Rexene (not leather) material that the upholstery was made of, but a pretty wooden dash was also commonly added. Gorgeous car, and it must be a real pleasure to drive!

[@billeudy8481]

My dad owned Eudy Motors in Hendersonville NC in the late 40’s and the early 50s - a Lincoln Mercury franchise. He took on the MG line and sold TDs. Ford tried to make him give it up but he refused because his franchise agreement lacked Ford’s standard exclusive single-line clause since Lincoln and Mercury were technically (and actually) two separate lines. They were also relatively poor sellers creating the need for him to expand his offerings with the MGs and in no way did they compete head-to-head with the “Fomoco” products.

[@chuckwpg]

Awesome video

[@warplanner8852]

Marvelously witty narration!

[@jeffhildreth9244]

Final series... 1954 TF 1250 and the 1955 TF 1500.

[@scottbartlett4853]

Great car, I would however recommend a steady-cam

[@ralphscott5901]

I always crank started mine in sub zero weather always started and no kick back

[@bogdandjuric5282]

Your voice is so cool.Your fan from the balkans

[@andretv2308]

Now that’s a first wind noise malfunction.

[@ulflei]

This car is awesome I have to checkout the price for it, I would give my SL up for that thing and buy it

[@richolson3264]

Wiper motor belongs on passenger side of windshield not driver side.

[@kevinbannaghan9942]

Nope that on the proper side

[@WillyBill64]

No it goes on the passenger side look it up

[@kenjohnson3174]

Late 52 and 53 in the middle (wiper motor)

[@axiomist4488]

The GIs brought back the TC, not the TD. They would have had to stay in Europe until 1950 (war ended in 1945) ! These came out in late 1949 and only a very few were made. So it was the TC that introduced Americans to these beautiful cars . I also dont appreciate all your cracks about this car. If you think it's so goofy, why'd you buy it? Just to make a buck? Did you really think you werent going to make it on a 35 mile trip? Re: Cold winters and these cars, I bring you the VW Bug, which has no heating to speak of, while Germany is cold enough to keep a polar bear happy . BTW, there's enough space behind the seats to throw a couple of duffel bags. You can also get a luggage rack . That's all !

[@andretv2308]

For the love of sport👍

[@jettrink7510]

O

[@jeffhildreth9244]

NEVER called Morris Garage.. that is a myth.

[@DM-kf1bt]

Sorry Jeff, you are wrong😩

[@jeffhildreth9244]

@@DM-kf1bt We'll let that be your little secret.