Sold for £9,844
(including buyers premium)
Registration No: 781 XUA
Chassis No: TD21165
MOT: Exempt
Although instantly recognisable as a T-series model thanks to its upright radiator shell, flowing wings and rear-mounted spare wheel, the TD broke important new ground for the Abingdon marque. The first MG sports car to feature independent double-wishbone front suspension and rack and pinion steering, the TD also boasted a hypoid-bevel back axle, a hidden scuttle reinforcement hoop (except on the earliest cars), and twin leading-shoe front brakes. Powered by the proven 1,250cc XPAG engine allied to a four-speed manual transmission, it was reputedly capable of 82mph and 26mpg. Riding on 15-inch steel wheels as standard, the TD also sported a mirror-image dashboard (facilitating both LHD and RHD production) and chrome-plated bumpers. A major success story, the vast majority of the 29,665 examples produced were sold overseas.
Manufactured on 21st October 1952 and bound for North America, chassis TD21165 spent the majority of its life in the United States, though little is known of its early history. It was repatriated to the UK in the early 2000s, presumably restored by the gentleman who imported it—including conversion to right-hand drive and refinishing in an attractive Red with a contrasting Tan leather interior. Registered as ‘781 XUA’ on 4th April 2007, the car was shortly thereafter sold to the current owner’s late husband, on 31st March 2008.
In current family ownership for the past 17 years, ‘781 XUA’ has been used and enjoyed sparingly as part of a two-car garage. It has made regular appearances at local shows and events, most notably the local steam shows, and comes complete with a tonneau cover. The hood is said to be in good working condition. Now unused for two years and offered for sale following the recent passing of its owner, ‘781 XUA’ presents a lovely opportunity for a well-presented TD that would benefit from some light recommissioning.
Included with the vehicle is a small history file containing photographs of the car at the time of restoration, sundry documents, and the current V5C document which records two former keepers.
For more information, please contact:
Andreas Hicks
andreas.hicks@handh.co.uk
07929 363573
Auction: The Millbrook Sale | Milton Keynes, Bedfordshire, 25th Jun, 2025
An auction of classic, collector and performance motorcars to be held at the iconic and visually stunning Millbrook Proving Ground, Milton Keynes.
To enquire about entering your classic or performance car into the auction please call our sales office on 01925 210035, email sales@HandH.co.uk or click here: Enter Your Classic Motorcar
All our professional valuations are complimentary and without obligation.
To join the auction in person or via the telephone, please click here for more information How to BidTo take part in online bidding please click 'Register to Bid | Sign In' at the top of the page or bid through our auction partners Saleroom.com Saleroom
Viewing
Tues 24th June from 12pm
Wed 25th June from 9am
All successful bids must be paid in full by midday the day after the auction at the latest.
You can collect your new pride and joy from our venue until 1pm the day following the sale or our partners are on hand to help arrange safe transportation:
Do you have an item to sell?
If so, contact one of our friendly specialists for your free valuation by completing the form below and someone will get back to you as quickly as possible.
If you prefer to speak to humans, don't hesitate to call our office on +44 (0)1925 210035