1954 Arnolt-Bristol MG Bertone Cabriolet

Nuccio Bertone used a pair of MG TD frames and clothed them with a coupe body designed by designer Franco Scaglione. The cars made their debut in Turin in 1952 where they caught the attention of American industrialist S.H. 'Wacky' Arnolt. A deal was struck for production versions, and the first examples were on display in New York in 1953.

In a similar fashion to Bertone's cars, the Arnolt versions utilized the MG TD chassis and an XPAG engine that developed nearly 55 horsepower. Arnolt planned on producing 200 examples with a price tag of $3,145, but MG phased out the TD chassis and engines in favor of the new TF. In total, just 103 Arnolt MGs were produced, with 67 being coupes and 36 convertibles. Just 13 examples of the cabriolet are known to exist.

Original features on this example include all-alloy coachwork and wire-spoke wheels. It left the factory finished in Peacock Blue over red and shipped to the United States on the SS Morosini, arriving at New Orleans, Louisiana, on December 11th of 1953 and delivered to British Motors on December 19th where it was sold to D. Reed. The next documented owner is J. Silva, followed in 1968 by Paula and George Tipton of Carmel-by-the-Sea, in California.

Under Tipton's care, the MG Arnolt was completely restored, with the work initiated during the early 1980s and completed in 1987. The car was refinished in black lacquer in 1982 and the upholstery was completed in 1986, in tan MB Tex upholstery, Wilton wool carpeting, and a Haartz cloth top.

After the passing of Mr. Tipton around 2000, the vehicle was retained and stored by the Tipton family and then in 2011, the current owner acquired it. Only 6,000 miles have been traveled in the 26 years since the restoration was finished.

The MG Arnolt is equipped with upgraded front disc brakes and rear drum brakes. Power is from a 1750cc engine from an MGB. The original XPAG engine is freshly rebuilt, sealed, crated, and is with the vehicle.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2014