Hemmings Find of the Day – 1953 MG T Series

Published by Mike on April 14, 2015

According to the New York DMV, the MG roadster hand-built by Bob Ensign, for sale on Hemmings.com, is a 1953 MG TD, since that’s the chassis it rides upon. As David LaChance explained in the January 2007 issue of Hemmings Sports & Exotic Car, the black and silver MG is really far more complex than that, blending the best bits of the TD, TF, MGA and MGB into one man’s interpretation of what a British sports car should be. Power comes from an MG 1.8-liter four-cylinder, rated at an estimated 150 horsepower and mated to a four-speed manual gearbox. Top speed is said to be in the neighborhood of 140 MPH, though the custom roadster is probably happiest cruising at speeds more favorable to license retention. The MG that could have been may not be for everyone (including, perhaps, MG purists), but it certainly is one of a kind. From the seller’s description:

We proudly offer this exceptional 1953 MG Contemporary Special for sale. Its one-off design was coach-built as an interpretation of the transitional period between the MG TD and TF models. Powered by a 3 main 1,800-cc MG motor, its performance is as exhilarating as it is atheistically pleasing.
This is a proven one off motorcar. “Quality that rivals that of the finest coachbuilders.”