1953 Uihlein MG Special Roadster

This MG began life as an MGTD. Owner David V. Uihlein's wife drove it to the body shop of Joe Silnas. The MGTD was stripped down to the chassis and suspension. The chassis was then boxed and the driver's side chassis rail was lowered. The body is just over 14 feet long but the MGTD wheelbase is unchanged. Chrome moly tubing provided body support while covered with an aluminum body with an abundance of louvers. All body panels are removable by Dzus-style fasteners. The block of the MGTD 1250cc pushrod XPAG four-cylinder engine was converted into a DOHC Hemi-head.

The goal was to create an American-made alternative to the OSCAs and Porsches in the 1500cc class. The car participated in six races during the 1953-54 racing season and finished 1st on two occasions.

The svelte body is a cigar-shaped aluminum shell created by Indy Car builder Joe Silnas. The car was 600 pounds lighter than the stock MGTD but no faster than other MG specials of the period. Driven by Karl Brockon with moderate success, the racing special was not as fast or competitive as planned. Nevertheless, it remains an example of an elegant and efficient design with a rather impressive mechanical setup.

The car was retired and the twin-cam motor was placed into a Bandini chassis. The current engine is an Alfa Romeo Giulia 1600. Creative Workshop completed the restoration.