The MG TD to TF Sports Car

1951 MG TD

from Classic to Modern

The MG TD

In 1950, the MG TD Midget sports car was introduced. Like its predecessors, it was a two door, two seater roadster and, in many ways, it was similar to the MG TC.

Specifications included:

The same XPAG, 1.2 litre engine as in the TC
Four speed gearbox with synchromesh on the top three gears
Hydraulic nine inch drum brakes all round
Modified back axle
Same chassis as used on the MG Y-Type saloon
Independent front suspension using coil springs
Rack and pinion steering
Dry clutch
Option to convert to a left hand drive
Five inches wider so providing greater room on the bench seat

A somewhat strange omission was the fact that the TD did not have a fuel gauge. Instead, there was a green light on the dashboard which flashed a "warning" message when the fuel tank contained only 2.5 gallons.

Later, in 1950, the MG TD Midget Mark 2 sports car, also called the TD Competition Model, was introduced with additional factory accessories together with tuning equipment.

This roadster was fitted with two fuel pumps, modified steering dampers, wider wheels, two larger SU carburettors, and a higher back axle ratio to improve long distance driving.

MG TD Technical data
Production: 1950-1953
Output 29,664
Engine: cc 1250
Cylinder, bhp 4, 54
Speed mph 78
0-50 mph, secs 13.5
0-60 mph, secs 18.2
Standing Qtr Mile secs 21.3
Average Fuel Consumption mpg 27

1953 MG TD Mark 2

1953 MG TD

1953 MG TD

1953 MG TD

MG TD

Interior

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The MG TD Mark 2 was manufactured alongside the TD Mark 1, and used an XPAG engine with the compression ratio increased from 7.25 to 8.1:1 so marginally increasing the power output.

This model was aimed at the export market.

Since, in the UK, a lower octane fuel was still only available due to post war restrictions, the TD Mark 2 would not have been suitable for that market.

When production ended in 1953, almost 30,000 MG TD Midgets were built, which also included about 1,700 of the Mark 2 model.

Production of the TD peaked in 1952, and by 1953 when manufacturing ended, sales were distinctly tailing off. What was needed was a new roadster.

Apart from 1,656 units destined, presumably, for the UK market, all the production was exported, with 23,488 units sent specifically to the US.

The main complaints from US owners were the absence of water and fuel gauges, and the adoption of a 12 volt electrical system unique to the UK.

The MG TF

In 1953, the MG TF Midget sports car was launched. It was offered as a two door, two seater convertible.

The TF was, essentially, a facelift of the previous MG TD. The chassis, suspension, brakes, steering, engine and transmission remained unchanged.

It used the TD's Mark 2 XPAG engine in which the compression ratio had been increased to 8.1:1, the valves had been enlarged with stronger valve springs, and two larger SU carburettors had been added.

Since management would not sanction a redesign of the TD, then MG simply made some cosmetic changes to the body styling, and renamed it the MG TF.

Following the launch of the TF, it was immediately rejected by the market who could see through the companies' intentions.

Technical Data TF Mark 1 TF Mark 2
Production: 1953-1954 1954-1955
Output: 6,200 3,400
Engine cc: 1250 1466
Cylinders, bhp 4, 57 4, 63
Speed mph 80 85
0-60 mph, secs 18.90 16.30

1954 MG TF This smart classic was seen at a track meting at Crystal Palace in 2015

1955 MG TF 1500 A really well cared for example of this classic roadster

1954 MG TF and 1953 MG TD Entered in the MG Regency Run, this distinctive duo was spotted, with an impressive backdrop, at the Brooklands Museum

1955 MG TF 1500

1954 MG TF

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In 1954, the MG TF was fitted with a revised version of the XPAG engine, which was designated the XPEG.

This involved the former unit being bored out to 1.5 litres, the compression ratio increased from 8.1 to 8.3:1, and the torque increased by 17%.

The updated roadster was now renamed the MG TF 1500, and was identified, externally, by an enamel nameplate on the side of the bonnet.

Addition of the XPEG engine definitely improved performance but, by 1955, it was obvious that a more up-to-date sports car was needed.

Therefore, after only eighteen months in production, the MG TF Midget was finally retired.

The market awaited the introduction of its successor, the MG MGA.

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SPORTS CARS FOR SALE

Depending on condition: A 1950-53 MG TD would sell for between £7,000/$11,000 and £24,000/$38,000. A 1953-55 MG TF would sell for between £8,000/$13,000 and £28,000/$45,000.