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1954 Arnolt-Bristol MG Bertone background image

1954 Arnolt-Bristol MG Bertone Cabriolet

  • Coachwork by Bertone
  • Designed by Franco Scaglione
  • Chassis Number: TD 26721
  • Engine Number: 217321
  • Body Number: 4423
  • Registration Number: Arnolt Car #: 286
1954 Arnolt-Bristol MG Bertone Navigation
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

2014 Gooding & Company - The Scottsdale Auction

Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $130,000-USD $150,000 
Sale Price :
USD $110,000

1954 Arnolt-Bristol MG Bertone Auction Sales

Recent Sales of the Arnolt-Bristol MG Bertone

(Data based on Model Year 1954 sales)
1954 Arnolt-MG Drophead Coupe
Sold for USD$247,500
  2023 Mecum : Kissimmee
 
1954 Arnolt-MG Coupe by Bertone
Chassis#: 26873
Sold for USD$60,500
  2022 RM Sothebys : Gene Ponder Collection
 
1954 MG Arnolt Cabriolet
Chassis#: TD 26721
Sold for USD$110,000
  2014 Gooding & Company - The Scottsdale Auction
1954 Arnolt-Bristol MG Bertone image  
1954 Arnolt-MG Drop Head Coupe
Chassis#: 26332
Sold for USD$143,000
  2010 Gooding and Company - Scottsdale Auction
 
1954 MG Arnolt Drophead Coupe
Chassis#: 26332
Sold for USD$88,000
  2007 RM Auctions The Ponder Collection
 

Arnolt-Bristol MG Bertones That Failed To Sell At Auction

1954 Arnolt-Bristol MG Bertone's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
VehicleChassisEventHigh BidEst. LowEst. High

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1954 Arnolt-Bristol MG Bertone vehicle thumbnail image  

1954 Arnolt-Bristol MG Bertone

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1954 Arnolt-Bristol MG Bertone Vehicle Profiles

1954 Arnolt-Bristol MG Bertone vehicle information
Cabriolet
Coachwork: Bertone
Designer: Franco Scaglione
Chassis #: TD 26721
Engine #: 217321

Vehicle information, history, and specifications from concept to production.