The Story of this Classic, Original 1953 MG TD

The Colonel's Car

VIN/Motor No:  XPAG/TD2/24913. Matching engine and frame numbers.

This car is an ORIGINAL, “one-registered owner” vehicle.  It exceeds all published BLOOMINGTON GOLD BENCHMARK STANDARDS for Preservation Category, historical value automobiles. 

This car is only for the discriminating buyer who understands the value of a true ORIGINAL car

All provenance papers come with the car from the day it was purchased in Europe in 1953 from J.A. Woodhouse (Woodhouse Import Badge) by Colonel Fred McManaway to its importation to California to our ownership.

The car has a rich history.  Col. McManaway was the Headquarters Commandant in Europe after World War II.  He landed at Omaha Beach on D Day and fought his way through Europe.  Colonel McManaway is featured in several books and histories of D-Day and Omaha Beach.

After the war, he and his wife drove the car in rallies throughout California (a rally badge is on the dashboard).

As an ORIGINAL, the car has the inscribed shop manuals for Col. McManaway (note picture).  Car has the original tools (some are wood) and lubrication kit that came with it.

This car is a true ORIGINAL exceeding the Bloomington Gold BENCHMARK standard:  at least 50% of the car must be original in 3 of the following 4 categories—exterior, interior, engine compartment and chassis.  This MG TD has a 95% - 100% original exterior, 75% original interior, 100% original engine compartment and 100% original chassis.

The car is an excellent driver with good pick up and smooth shifting.  The body is in perfect shape with no dents and no accidents.  A couple of small scratches on the paint.  The paint is original or mostly so.  Has beautiful patina that shows well in the photos.

Interior is mostly original with seats that were probably replaced in the 60’s.  Very clean interior and excellent shape.  Seats are excellent.

The doors are tight and the chrome is outstanding.  Since the car has always been in California or Texas, there is no rust anywhere and the wood frame is excellent.

Gauges are very good as shown in the pictures and they work.  Brakes rebuilt this month including master cylinder.  Replaced fuel pump this month as well.  Wheels are in fine shape with excellent chrome on the hubcaps.  All chrome is ORIGINAL with no rechroming.  Horn and all accessories work fine.  Windshield wiper motor gets juice but needs a rebuild.  Headlights are LUCAS original lights and the work perfectly as do the blinkers.  Even the dash dimming switch works perfectly.

Engine has had recent cleaning with fuel line and petrol tank cleaned.  Engine runs great and sounds just beautiful.  Strong compression and no leaks or electronics problems.  Car starts right up every time.  No smoke when it drives.  Engine oil pressure at 80 psi upon startup and 55-60 when hot.  Thus outstanding engine!

The car is a “must see” and conveniently located in Central Texas, near Austin.

The roof is also original showing far less wear than one would expect from a 50+ year old top.  There is one rip in the roof that we have photographed.  We did not replace anything due to the historical value of an ORIGINAL California car.  Side curtains included---also ORIGINAL and in good shape.

There is not a more ORIGINAL MG TD anywhere in this kind of great shape.

Original cars hold their value over others assembled from parts of multiple vehicles.  Having all the original papers—bills of sale, import documents, registrations, inscribed shop manuals—only adds to the value and appreciation.  And since it is such a great driver, you can enjoy it while it appreciates.

Sportscar Magazine notes that MG TD's have appreciated over 48% from 2006 to 2007.  Original cars appreciate at the top of the pack.