MG T-Type

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Ranging from A to F (with no E model for some strange reason!), T Type continued a long line of MG sports cars, which started with the M back in 1928. Today these wind-in-the-hair wonders are loved for their war-time image, style and a driving experience you get with a Morgan.

Driving

T Types are real sports cars, which progressively became better to drive, the final TF being close to the MGA in its driveability (subject of a separate inclusion). What’s the best T? It depends what you are after. Experts say pre-TDs have a more vintage feel with the TA being a better handler than a TC due to a superior rear axle location (it was cheapened after the war using rubber not sliding bronze inserts) although the TC offers compensations, such as 12 volt electrics. The TD with its rack and pinion steering appeals to those after a sharper more ‘modern’ feel up front and the best compromise as it has the most modern feel yet retains the MG’s pre-war looks and charm.

Values

There isn’t a massive spread of values between the different models, but they do vary; for a decent runner you’ll need to spend £20-£25,000 while the best examples will now change hands for £35-£40,000 – cheap Ts usually mean trouble ahead. The best TAs are worth a little less – about £30-35,000 – while the TF1250 tops out at between £28,000 and £35,000; the TC is somewhere between the two.

The best value for money is the TD, which fetches between £18,000 and £25,000 if in really superb condition. One of the things that keeps TA and TB prices buoyant is the fact they’re eligible for VSCC competition, whereas the TC isn’t. Left-hand drive cars are worth significantly less than equivalent right-hand drivers.

Timeline

1936 TA launched with traditional chassis but the previous tubular cross members are replaced by channel sections and the front of the side rails were box were sectioned for added stiffness. For the first time for an MG, hydraulic brakes were fitted although the adoption of a tuned Morris engine displeased MG diehards…

1939 Looking identical, the TB benefited from a new 1250cc XPAG engine, allied to a closer ratio synchromesh gearbox

1945 TC has slightly wider body plus the running boards were smaller

1949 TD retains pre-war look but with a new stiffer chassis featuring rack and pinion steering and fully independent front suspension

1949 TD 11 sported a works ‘Special Tuning’ engine producing 60bhp, twin fuel pumps, and uprated suspension but is notto be confused with TD Mk 11 or the Competition model

Top five faults

Body

Rust is rampant. Chief worry areas include wings, doors and bulkheads, particularly the rear one due to water leaks and traps by the fuel tank CHASSIS Lasts pretty well with the pre-TD the toughest due to channelled design. Later cars used Y saloon chassis which while stiffer has more rot traps plus is harder to repair

Engine

TA units the weakest and uses white metal crankshaft and bearings which is specialist and expensive to repair – ditto con rods. TA engines are prone to cracking as well

Steering

The car’s Achilles Heel, suffering from poor geometry, heavy operation and play at the wheel even after adjustment. TD’s rack and pinion steering should be much sharper – if not there’s a problem with it

Suspension

Front served right up to MGB. Check for usual king pin and trunnion wear. Old phosphor bronze trunnion inserts previously used have been replaced by cheaper yet as effective steel types found on MGAs; nothing wrong with this

Best models

TA/TB

Mainly for the diehards because of their closer association with the pre-war Midgets but enthusiasts claim these are the best handling Ts of them all

TD

Without doubt the best all rounders with pre-war character but with a slither of modernity and the easiest to drive thanks to rack and pinion steer

Modified

A fair percentage are modified for modern roads without risking character and future values; prices similar but speak to a T specialist for advice

In brief

• Character and charm to spare
• Specialist support
• Good choice
• Easy and fun to own