1950 MG TD Midget

The MG TD Midget owes much of its origins to the successful Y series saloons of the post war period, namely the chassis and the independent front suspension and rack and pinion steering. Although announced in January 1950, the first TDs were built in 1949 and many were shipped to America.

Today the TD is much prized for its usability. It has reasonable performance, is comfortable to travel in and has good weather equipment, yet it still retains the delightful pre-war shape of the earlier cars.

Almost 30,000 TDs were built when production ended in 1953. Top speed was around 77mph and fuel consumption was quoted at 26.7mpg.

This particular Midget is a right hand drive example and is finished in green with tan trim and wire wheels. It was dispatched in the spring of 1950 as one of a batch of ten in CKD form (Completely Knocked Down), to South Africa, where it was assembled at the Motor Assemblies plant at Jacobs (Durban) Natal. It remained in South Africa, possibly in a Johannesburg museum for  some of the time, until August 1990 when it was imported into the U.K. by L. C Investments Ltd, acquiring the age related registration number KFF 804.

After passing through several hands it was eventually acquired in 1999 by Andrew Murfin of Blyth, Nottinghamshire. A thorough restoration on the bodywork followed and an engine rebuild to 1340cc  by MG specialist Naylor Brothers of Shipley, which included the fitment of twin 1.5” carburettors, pancake air filters plus a high lift camshaft and Aldon distributor. A high ratio back axle was also added.

With this much improved performance, the motor car was used for touring and some mild competition (Autotests and Navigational Rallies). It attended various European events such as The Circuit des Ramparts Angouleme, The Circuit des Ardennes, Classic Le Mans and MG Car Club events. A modest list of competition successes may be found in the file.

KFF 804 comes with a V5C registration certificate, detailed photographs of the restoration work, with invoices,  a workshop manual and various MG publications.

A rather special TD and even more enjoyable than the standard model.

Auction Date: 24 October 2019