MG T-type

Infobox Automobile
name = MG T-type


manufacturer = MG Car Company,
BMC from 1952
production = 1936-1955
predecessor = MG PB
successor = MGA
class = Sports car
layout = FR layout
wheelbase = 94 inches (2388 mm)

The MG T series of cars (including the TA, TB, TC, TD, and TF) was a basic body-on-frame convertible sports car produced from 1936 through to 1955. It was replaced by the MGA.

TA

Infobox Automobile generation
name = MG TA


production = 1936-1939
3000
engine = 1292 cc MPJG type Straight-4
body_style = 2-door roadster
Airline coupé
Tickford drophead coupé.
width = 56 inches (1422 mm)
length = 140 inches (3556 mm)The MG TA replaced the PB in 1936. It was an evolution of the previous car and was convert|3|in|mm wider in its track at 45 inches and convert|7|in|mm longer in its wheelbase at 94 inches. The previous advanced overhead cam engine was now not in use by any other production car so it was replaced by a more typical MPJG OHV unit from the Wolseley 10 but with twin SU carburettors, modified camshaft and manifolding. The engine displaced just 1292 cc, with a stroke of 102 mm and a bore of 63.5 mm and power output was 50 hp (40.3 kW) at 4500 rpm. The four speed gearbox now had synchromesh on the two top ratios. Like the PB, most were two seat open cars with a steel body on an ash frame but it could also be had from 1938 as a Tickford drophead coupé with body by Salmsons of Newport Pagnell or closed "airline" coupé as fitted to the P type but only one of these is thought to have been made. It was capable of reaching nearly convert|80|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on in standard tune with a 0-60 mph time of 23.1 seconds. Unlike the PB, hydraulic brakes were fitted. Just over 3000 were made and in 1936 it cost £222 on the home market.

TB

Infobox Automobile generation
name = MG TB


production = 1939-1940
379
engine = 1250 cc XPAG type Straight-4
body_style = 2-door roadster
Tickford drophead coupé
width = 56 inches (1422 mm)
length = 140 inches (3556 mm)The TA was replaced by the TB in May 1939 with the fitting of a smaller but more modern XPAG engine as fitted to the Morris 10 but in a higher tuned state and like the TA with twin SU carburettors. This 1250 cc unit featured a slightly less-undersquare 66.6 mm bore and 90 mm stroke and had a maximum power output of convert|54|hp|abbr=on at 5200 rpm. Available as either an open 2 seater or more luxurious Tickford drophead coupé, this is the rarest of the T type cars with only 379 made.

TC

Infobox Automobile generation
name = MG TC


production = 1945-1950
10,000
engine = 1250 cc XPAG type Straight-4
body_style = 2-door roadster
width = 56 inches (1422 mm)
length = 140 inches (3556 mm)

The TC was the first postwar MG, launched in 1945. It was quite similar to the pre-war TB, sharing the same engine with a slightly higher compression ratio of 7.4:1 giving convert|54.5|bhp|abbr=on at 5200 rpm but using more modern interior elements allowing a wider cockpit. It was exported to the United States, even though only ever built in right hand drive. The export version had slightly smaller US specification sealed beam head lights and larger twin rear lights, as well as turn signals and chrome-plated front and rear bumpers. Over 10,000 were produced, a large number by MG standards. It cost £527 on the home market in 1947.

TD

Infobox Automobile generation
name = MG TD


production = 1950-1953
30,000
engine = 1250 cc XPAG type Straight-4
body_style = 2-door roadster
width = Auto in|59|0
length = Auto in|145|0
height = Auto in|53|0
wheelbase = Auto in|94|0The 1950 TD combined the TC's drivetrain but with modified hypoid geared rear axle with the MG Y-type chassis and a familiar T-type style body. An independent suspension using coil springs in front was new, based on that fitted to the MG Y-type saloons, as were rack and pinion steering, smaller convert|15|in|mm|sing=on disc type road wheels and a left-hand drive option. Bumpers and over-riders became standard for the first time. The car was also convert|5|in|mm wider with a track of convert|50|in|mm.

In 1950 the TD MkII was introduced, produced alongside the standard car, with a more highly tuned engine with 8.0:1 compression ratio giving convert|57|bhp|abbr=on at 5500 rpm. It also featured twin fuel pumps revised dampers and a higher rear axle ratio

Nearly 30,000 TDs had been produced, including about 1700 Mk II models , when the series ended in 1953 with all but 1656 exported. 23,488 were exported to the United States.cite book |last=Green |first=Malcolm |title=MG Sports cars. |year=1997 |publisher=CLB International. |location=London |id=ISBN 1-85833-606-6]

An example tested by The Motor magazine in 1952 had a top speed of convert|77|mph|km/h|abbr=on and could accelerate from 0-convert|60|mph|km/h|abbr=on in 18.2 seconds. A fuel consumption of convert|26.7|mpgimp|L/100 km mpgus was recorded.cite journal | authorlink = Unsigned | title = The M.G. Midget Series TD Road Test | journal = The Motor | volume = | pages = | date = October 8 1952]

In 1998, the rights, intellectual properties and trade marks associated with the production of MG TD is acquired by TD Cars Sdn Bhd in Malaysia to reproduce the TD series as TD2000.

TF and TF 1500

Infobox Automobile generation
name = MG TF


production = 1953-1955
9600
engine = 1250 cc XPAG type Straight-4
1466 cc XPEG type Straight-4
body_style = 2-door roadster
width = 60 inches (1518 mm)
length = 147 inches (3734 mm)The TF was essentially a stop gap car to keep production going until the new MGA would be approved for production by the BMC hierarchy which did not want a car that would compete with the Austin-Healey. The TF launched in 1953 was a facelifted TD with a sloping grille and the headlights in the wings. The external radiator cap was now a dummy as a pressurised system was fitted to better cope with hot climates.

In 1954 the engine was re-designated XPEG and enlarged to 1466 cc by increasing the bore to 72 mm giving convert|63|bhp|abbr=on at 5500 rpm and the car designated the TF 1500.

The last cars were made in 1955 when it was replaced by the MGA after approximately 9600 were made including 3400 of the TF 1500.

The TF name was reused in 2002 on the mid-engined MG TF sports car.

Gallery

ee also

*MG F

References

* MG Sportscars. Malcolm Green. CLB International. 1997 ISBN 1-85833-606-6
* A-Z of Cars of the 1930's. Michael Sedgwick and Mark Gillies. Bay View Books. 1989. ISBN 1-870979-38-9

External links

* [http://thedocsonline.com/MiamiBritish.html MG T Resources page]
* [http://www.tregister.org The MG Car Club T Register]
* [http://www.themgcarshop.com/testimonials.htm The story of "Winston" Dr. Jim Brown's 1954 MGTF]