MG TD Tyres
1951 MG TD
MG TD 1950–1953
- Longstone's tyre recommendation for the MG TD is the 165 HR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67.
- The MG TD was equipped originally with 550 - 15 Dunlop E.L.P crossply tyres. This tyre is no longer made, and the 550 - 15 size that currently does not have any appropriate tyres available.
- Today we recommend fitting a radial tyre. 165 R15 or 155 R15 Tyres are the most appropriate sizes for the MG TD.
- 155 R15 tyres have the same width as the original crossply, generally allowing for better handling and lighter steering. 165 R15 tyres are the same diameter as the original crossply, which will keep the gearing and ground clearance the same as it was when designed and run on crossply tyres.
1950 MG TD Brochure Art - See MG TD Brochure Below
- Our recommended 155 tyre is the 155HR15 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67. The 155 TR 15 Michelin X is great value alternative.
- The period PIRELLI CINTURATO ™ CA67 is recommended because it is tall and thin, and specifically designed for the geometry of cars like the TD.
- The 165-15 Michelin XAS is another high quality sporting option.
- The 165 SR 15 Michelin XZX is a great value non sporting comfort tyre for a TD.
- The TD fitted tube-type wheels and innertubes throughout its production. For these tyres the Michelin 15E is the ideal innertube.
MG TD Recommended Tyres
Other Options for MG TD Tyres
MG TD on Dunlop Racing Tyres
History of the MG TD
The MG TD was designed to meet the demands of the American market, as it was importing a large number of MG TC cars, but Americans wanted a more modern and sophisticated car. The TD Midget, introduced in January 1950, combined the TC's motor, a modified hypoid-geared rear axle, the MG Y-type chassis, a familiar T-type form body, and independent front suspension utilising coil springs from the MG Y-type saloon. The TD also had smaller 15-inch disc type road wheels, a left-hand drive option, and standard bumpers and over-riders. The automobile was also 5 inches wider and had a 50-inch track.
MG TD on 165-15 Michelin XAS Tyres at Longstone HQ
The TD MkII Competition Model was debuted in 1950, with the regular vehicle, and had a more finely tuned engine with an 8.1:1 compression ratio, producing 57 bhp at 5,500 rpm. The higher compression ratio engine was designed for export markets and would not have been accepted for the UK, where consumers were still limited to 72 octane "pool petrol" due to the prolonged enforcement of wartime fuel restrictions. The TD MkII also included dual fuel pumps, extra Andrex dampers, and a higher ratio rear axle.
The MG TD stands out as the most commercially successful model within the T series lineup. When the series concluded in 1953, about 30,000 TDs had been manufactured, including around 1700 Mk II versions, with all but 1656 exported, 23,488 of them to the United States alone. In 1952, The Motor magazine evaluated an example that had a top speed of 77 mph and could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 18.2 seconds. Fuel usage was calculated to be 26.7 miles per imperial gallon.
1950 MG TD Midget Brochure
MG TD Borrani Wire Wheels
Borrani wheels are available for your MG TD. As agents for the iconic Ruote Borrani Milano company we are able to supply all wheels from their extensive range.
Wire wheels made by Ruote Borrani Milano are, without doubt, the best wire wheels available. Borrani wheels utilise aluminium rims, steel spokes and steel wheel centres.
If your Borrani wheels require rebuilding then please contact us at [email protected]
Click the link for MG TD Borrani wheels.
Wheels made by Borrani are available in the following styles:
- Painted silver finish, as per the racing wheels of the period
- Polished and chrome finish, highly polished rim, chrome spokes & wheel centre
- Painted finish with polished outer edge