1953 MG TD 1250

Built on the 17th June 1953 and first registered on the 14th July 1953 with the number NCD 123, little is known about this lovely little MG TD prior to its restoration. However, there are a number of photographs of the work to reassure potential bidders that the quality of the work undertaken was first-rate, which is no surprise as the chap that did it was a proper, time-served engineer who took the time to the job properly. The fact that the car still looks as good as it does after thirteen years of (albeit gentle) use is further testament to his expertise.

The current owner bought the car from Chelsea Cars in 2007. Having driven an identical model as a teenager, he spared no expense in finding and buying his dream car. Once safely home, he had the car thoroughly examined, splashing out a four-figure sum on a complete service in order to ensure it was in tip-top condition.

He’s continued to service and MOT it every year, storing it in a Carcoon inside a heated garage when it isn’t being driven. Only used during the warmer summer months, he has covered fewer than 10,000 miles in the eleven years he has owned it. As a result, the condition is, as you might expect, fabulous.

The car was the subject of a comprehensive restoration in 2005/06, and we have included a number of photographs of the work being undertaken. The quality is evident, with the paintwork remaining glossy and showing a good depth of shine.

Overall, the condition is very good indeed and we are probably being unnecessarily pernickety with comments below; the vehicle could be used and shown anywhere without causing its new owner even the slightest embarrassment. The owner did have some minor remedial work undertaken last year but despite this, some of the chromework is slightly pitted in places, and there is the odd inevitable dink and chip in the coachwork. 

The MG comes with a black hood and frame plus black side-screens and door tops and a tan tonneau. The five chromed wire wheels, complete with knock-off centre spinners, are in very good condition and come with matching Avon ZT5 tyres, all of which have very good tread. (We think one of the signs of a very good car - as opposed to one that is merely good - is whether or not it is fitted with a set of matching tyres; that this is, including the spare, is a Very Good Sign indeed.)

The leather seats and door trims look to have been retrimmed during the restoration as they are still in almost-new condition, showing only a very few scuffs and minor marks.

The rest of the interior is in fabulous patinated condition; the previous owner clearly accounted for the fact that part of the charm of owning and driving a car like this is enjoying and embracing its earlier life; while it is very easy to replace fixtures and fittings with brand-new items, it takes time and effort to refurbish each component individually to maintain its provenance, integrity and charm – and this is what appears to have been done here as it wears its years with a nonchalant confidence that we think is charming.

So, it’s not perfect: areas of chromework are slightly worn in places, the veneer has the odd crack in it, and the steering wheel shows the sort of wear that only comes with 65 years of use but to have replaced them wholesale to eradicate any evidence of previous use would have been wrong in our opinion.

However, the vendor has suggested that the new owner might like to invest in a clock repair kit; the current one only tells the time accurately twice a day...

The 1250cc engine might not be the last word in performance (contemporary road tests show it takes well about 20 seconds to reach 60mph, on its way to a top speed of 77mph…) but the little four-cylinder engine is a real gem, running sweetly and cleanly. The owner tells us that it has never let him down, always starting faithfully hot or cold. In fact, he tells us that the car is free of mechanical faults.

The engine bay has been nicely detailed, being clean and fresh; care has obviously been taken to ensure that it hasn’t been over-done or ‘improved’ with the fitment of extra chrome and anodized accessories. Again, we salute the good taste show by the current and the previous owners.

The fuel tank was replaced in 2007 as it had a few small pinprick holes in it. The old tank was retained and will be included with the vehicle; repair techniques have come on in leaps-and-bounds in the intervening years and the owner thinks the old one could now be economically repaired.

Thanks to a strict regimen of annual servicing, this TD has never let its owner down in the decade he has enjoyed it. Receipts in the Gallery’s Documents section show that whatever the car wished for, its wish was granted; they make happy reading. The owner and garage obviously believe in old-style, thorough, servicing, not the ‘new oil & filter and out in 10 minutes’ method!

The car has been serviced & MOT’d every year by the owner’s local garage. The receipts for this work have been retained along with the confirmation that this car still has its original engine. The owner has also always been led to believe that this car is an original UK market car. All the available old MOT certificates, invoices and receipts can be found in the ‘Gallery’ section of this listing.

Pore yourself into the Gallery; there are over 100 photos of the car, including a comprehensive batch showing the solid underneath as well as all the details discussed above.

This MG TD looks utterly exquisite to us; all the hard work has been done and there is little for the new owner to do other than potter about the car with an oily rag in one hand, a well-thumbed copy of Enjoying MG in the other and a trip to The King’s Head planned for the afternoon. It also proves that if a car is expertly restored, then used regularly and stored & serviced properly, it can outlast the best of us. The only significant fault is the lack of history prior to 2005.

We expect this car to sell for £22 - 25,000, at which price point it represents good value and should be a safe place to keep your money; with bank interest rates remaining low, owning and running a car like this offers a very cost-effective way to own the classic car of your dreams as prices have remained firm over the years.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this car can be seen in NW Essex; to arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.

If needed, please remember we have a network of trusted suppliers we work with regularly and can recommend: Thames Valley Car Storage for storing your car, AnyVan for transporting it, and Footman James for classic car insurance.