1953 MG TD Roadster

With a possible racing background this car was rescued from a field in West Virginia in the late 60's by an earlier owner and was acquired by the current owners in running condition in 1972. Some maintenance work was subsequently performed but the car was not used much. Full restoration and upgrading started late in 1999 with the goal - in the spirit of the fifties - of ending up with a period-correct touring vehicle that could be driven to the track and, with headlights taped and tires pumped up, give a decent account of itself on the race course.

Aside from routine chassis straightening, panel and parts replacement and all new woodwork and upholstery, the engine was re-worked with an emphasis on longevity as well as more power. Tuning is per a 1956 manual, just short of 'Stage 2' out of five stages, with compression raised to 8.6:1, larger inlet and exhaust valves, strong valve springs, a center branch exhaust header and a 2-inch exhaust pipe. Horsepower is estimated in the low 60s at 5500 RPM to 70 lb. ft. A heavy front anti-sway bar lessens body lean. The original drum brakes are unchanged but the differential has the optional 4.875 ratio.

The result of the above tuning work is that the car not only can keep up with freeway traffic, but also has respectable lap times at the Laguna Seca and Infineon race tracks. It is great fun to drive and corners as well as much fancier sports-racers of the time. 60 mph is reached at the bottom of the Infineon esses on a good day, but, by more modern standards, braking is marginal.

Since 2000 the car competes in club races and is a regular at the Wine Country Classic at Infineon. It has been invited three times to the Monterey Historic Automobile Races at Laguna Seca.