MGTD II

The TD was MG’s main sports car from 1950 to 1953. It was an evolution of the TC and, although it lost the lovely wire wheels, it gained independent front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering, a design that lasted into the MGB production and only ceased in 1980. This particular TC is a Mk II, a rare variant sold for club competition use. It has a more powerful engine, twin fuel pump, larger carburettors and an extra air of front shock absorbers. This photo shows the initial strip down of the car.

The ash frame was in quite poor condition with wet rot and loose joints. The frame is braced by metal brackets that we were able to reuse by shot blasting and repainting. Most of the ash was renewed.

The chassis needed shot blasting checking, repairing and painting. This photo shows it being re-assembled with reconditioned suspension and brakes. The large hoop sticking up from the chassis was introduced on the TD as a strengthener to reduce scuttle shake.

Now the body reconstruction starts using the chassis as a support jig. The repaired scuttle top is being trial fitted here.

The whole body now takes shape. The external panels are held onto the ash frame with thousands of little panel pins.

Here is the engine and gearbox prior to rebuild. The 1250cc XPAG unit is very robust and was used in various other models, so parts availability is pretty good.

Now the car is ready for spraying. The body is completely re-assembled with all the chrome work, lights etc. to check that everything fits ok – any modifications or adjustments are far easier to make before spraying than afterwards!

Another view of the finished body prior to spraying.

After spraying and re-assembly, here’s the end result, looking very beautiful.

New chrome work and a new hood finish the rear end properly.

The rebuilt engine graces the ‘as new’ engine bay.

The interior was refurbished with new leather throughout. The non-standard steering wheel is the owner’s preference.

One last look at a very fine MGTD Mk II.