Monday, July 4, 2022

T-Type MG Roadsters

MG T series sports cars were popular in the USA in the late 1940s and early '50s despite their 1930s origin.  Today's post presents images comparing roadsters from each iteration TA to TD, then TF (there was no TE).

TA to TC MGs had a spindly look, whereas TDs and TFs were given more solidity.  Length was increased from 140 inches (3556 mm) to 145 inches (3683 mm) and, more importantly, width from 56 inches (1422 mm) to 59 inches (1499 mm).  Wheelbase remained the same for all versions.  MG T-types were attractive in their way, regardless.

Gallery

1937 MG TA - Hyman Ltd photo

1939 MG TB - HandH Auctions photo

1945 MG TC - Premier Auctions Group photo
This was the MG that first made an impact in the USA.

1952 MG TD - Mecum Auction photo
TDs (1950-53) were more common.

1955 MG TF - Mecum
An effort was made to modernize the styling while the new MGA was under development.  The hood now slants downward and headlight assemblies are attached to the fenders.  Some people criticized this at the time, but I didn't mind the change then, and don't now.

1937 MG TA - Hyman

1938 MG TB - for sale photo

1945 MG TC - Premier
There was little difference over the three initial series roadsters.

1952 MG TD - Mecum
The TD's added length seems to result in a less-vertical trunk and spare tire mounting.

1955 MG TF - Mecum
The front fender has a wider, flatter top to accommodate the integrated headlight assemblies.

1937 MG TA - for sale

1939 MG TB - HandH

1945 MG TC - Premier

1952 MG TD - for sale
Compare to the image above.  The added length is in part between the aft door cutline and the rear fender.  The rest appears to have to do with the angle of the trunk and spare tire noted earlier.

1955 MG TF - Mecum
The hood slope can be seen here: compare hoods at the point of maximum front fender height.

1 comment:

emjayay said...

Interesting analysis of the design changes over the years. The last one finally almost catches up to the mid 1930's.