This 1953 TD has the original drive train matching the body and chassis, and has had a beautiful restoration. No rust, and all wood is sound. Car was disassembled, body parts sandblasted and professionally painted. Paint is smooth and shiny. No dents, scratches, tears, etc. As you can see by the photos, this car is ready to show. If you are looking for a TD that needs only a minor cosmetic addition or two and no mechanical work to make it a sure show winner and reliable driver, this may be your car.
The minor cosmetic items needed include a piping bead matching the upholstery inserted at the upper edge of the dash (available from Moss), a relocation of the two bonnet attachment screws to slightly re-align the bonnet front and rear edge with the radiator and cowl, and covering of the rear side curtains (kit available, or could probably be done by a local upholsterer cheaper). The bonnet fit issue is slight and not noticeable in the photo and most people wouldn’t bother; I just wanted to cover everything that I thought might be important to some. The windscreen side posts could be re-chromed if you are really particular, otherwise the chrome is very good to excellent. That’s about all that would be needed to make the car spectacular. Car has been garaged since restoration.
MECHANICS: The engine, clutch and transmission have been completely professionally rebuilt with ALL new internal parts. The engine runs smoothly and strongly, just like new. The gearbox shifts smoothly and quietly, and even first gear is quiet if used only to get the car moving. Car moves off easily in second. Reverse is a little noisy, just like all TD’s, even when new. The carburetors have been cleaned and adjusted by a long-time British car mechanic with new jets and other needed parts. They are perfectly synchronized; engine starts easily with choke when cold, immediately when warm, then settles down to a smooth 1,000 RPM idle. Find many XPAG’s with twin SU carbs that do that! When warmed up, temperature stays a steady 65 degrees F. Oil pressure is a steady 60 lbs. at 3,000 RPM. Engine, gearbox and rear end have fresh, proper oil and lubricants. Master cylinder, wheel cylinders and other brake parts are excellent. Most all T Series drip fluids but this one is unusual. After a run that warms up everything, a very few small drops come from the rear end, then that stops and that’s all. I haven’t noticed even that lately. Underside is clean, black painted.
INTERIOR: Upholstery, door panels and other trim from Moss were part of the restoration, as was new carpet.
GENERAL: I have resisted the temptation to chrome a lot of things in order to leave the car as original as possible. The intake setup is original as you can see, with all the original parts, as is the valve cover. Aftermarket items included are a wood dash panel, wood steering wheel, leather handbrake mechanism cover, acrylic wind deflectors, genuine Lucas style fog lamps and badge bar, and those very expensive quick attaching rear view mirrors on both sides. I resisted the cheaper wing mirrors to avoid drilling the wings.
Top is new Moss Stayfast tan, also half tonneau and spare cover. Spare is new, other tires practically new. Side curtains included as shown.
This model did not come from the factory with turn signals, but the car is equipped with modern electronic relays that flash front sidelights and rear taillights and allow normal brake light operation.
All instruments are original and function properly except, of course, the little clock at the bottom of the tachometer. The ammeter needle is slightly jittery.
The windshield wiper motor is fully functional and the wipers work fine, something rarely found on a TD.
Body Type: 22381
Body No.: 14369/83704
Car No.: TD 15537
Engine No.: XPAG/TD215537
Color is the typical British Racing Green which looks bright in direct sunlight and dark in shadow; see photos for the difference. Actually, the sunlight photos came out looking lighter than the car looks in person. It is a beautiful medium green. Everybody has their own idea of BRG, and there appears to be no official standard, except what the manufacturer called it originally. You be the judge. Interior is Biscuit Tan. Note that the radiator grille slats match the interior; that is the way these cars were typically shipped from the factory.
Original mileage is under 57,000 and odometer was not changed at restoration. Probably about 2,000 miles since restoration.
It would be difficult to find a better example of this model. My reserve is low for a TD in this condition, and it will of course continue to appreciate in value.
DEPOSIT, PAYMENT AND SHIPPING: A $500.00 deposit is required from the successful bidder, within 3 days of close of bidding. Final payment is due 7 days after close of bidding. Deposit and final payment may be by cashiers check or wire transfer between banks. Transportation arrangements and cost of same are the responsibility of the buyer. I will be glad to help with local loading and coordinate with the transportation company you use.
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