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1953 MGTD (classic car, convertible, excellent condition) - $14,000 (clemmons)
1953
MGTD
VIN:
21961319506
condition:
excellent
cylinders:
4 cylinders
drive:
rwd
fuel:
gas
odometer:
61,946
paint color:
red
title status:
clean
transmission:
manual
type:
convertible
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Prior owner bought the car in Oct. 2000, advertised in Hemmings Motor News.
According to him, he dismantled the car to evaluate its condition; bought a replacement frame in excellent condition and transplanted the parts on the inside and out. The replacement frame was manufactured in the same year as the original.
The engine is original, but did not include the carburetors. The transmission and clutch were rebuilt. The clutch cable was replaced. The tires used on late TD’s. The rear axle assembly was replaced by one in excellent condition. The axle ratio is 5.125.
Many new parts were bought including:
1. Stainless steel exhaust
2. Wiring harness with turn signal wiring
3. Fuel pump rebuilt
4. Battery, voltage regulator, fuse block
5. Horns, not currently installed
6. Tachometer rebuilt by Abingdon Spares
7. Tachometer gearbox
8. Oil filter kit
9. Steel brake lines and flexible hoses
10. New wheel brake cylinders. Master cylinder had brass sleeve installed by Apple Hydraulics in NY
11. Fuel tank reconditioned by specialty company. They also reconditioned the Radiator.
12. New vinyl top not yet installed.
13. Two “pancake” type air filters. An original oil bath type filter did not come with the car.
14. New copper carburetor overflow pipes.
15. New turn signal control box.
He also stated:
“When I bought the 53 MG there were no ID plates attached to the firewall so I bought a blank plate to be engraved later. There was a plate attached to the engine with the engine serial number, and a serial number stamped in the frame or chassis. I have read that there were no formal standards on cars before 1954. They were used on cars between 1954 and 1981 but with no standard format.
A VIN number was created for the MG by combining the engine and chassis numbers.
Engine Type — XPAG - TD2 Engine Number — 19613 Chassis Number — 19506
The VIN created was — 219613 19506”
Now, since my purchase in 2020, oil leaks have been repaired. The car has a new distributor cap, ignition rotor, Pertronix ignition wire, rear oil pan gasket, plug boots, ignition coil, spark plugs, and coil wire. These improvements were completed on 8/21/25.
I installed the convertible top, but it should be professionally fitted as it doesn’t clamp properly.
I have personally invested several thousand dollars into the car. The MG starts right up, shifts smoothly, and has plenty of pep. Unfortunately, someone stole the front side curtains. I never installed them, as I always drove the car with the top down. Replacement curtains can be purchased online for a few hundred dollars, for example from Moss Motors.
Also note: RPM cable has been ordered (back order) and will be installed once received (in a few weeks). Currently, RPM gauge not operational but will be once new cable is in. Easy fix.
61,946 miles