The TC and the TD share an engine and a shape, but underneath they are different cars. The TC is the last of the vintage T-Types; the TD is the one built for modern roads and the world market. Here is how they compare.
At a glance
| Item | MG TC | MG TD |
|---|---|---|
| Years | 1945–1949 | 1950–1953 |
| Built | 10,001 | ≈29,664 |
| Engine | XPAG 1,250 cc, 54.5 bhp at 5,200 rpm, twin 1¼ in SUs | XPAG 1,250 cc, around 54 bhp, twin 1½ in SUs |
| Front suspension | Beam axle on half-elliptic leaf springs | Independent, coil spring and wishbone (Y-type derived) |
| Steering | Bishop cam steering box | Rack and pinion |
| Wheels | 19 in centre-lock wire wheels | 15 in bolt-on pressed-steel disc wheels |
| Overall width | 56 in (1,422 mm) | 58.5 in (1,489 mm) |
| Drive | Right-hand drive only | Right- and left-hand drive |
| Bumpers | None | Chromed, front and rear |
| UK value, good car | £20,000–£30,000* | £15,000–£22,000* |
| US market benchmark | $29,048 | $17,689 |
UK values are the archive's indicative bands from the values guide; the US figures are single CLASSIC.COM Market Benchmarks read in October 2026, not condition ranges.
How they drive
The TC's beam axle, leaf springs, lever-arm dampers and cam steering box make it firm, direct and unmistakably vintage. That is the whole appeal for most TC owners, and the reason others prefer a TD. The TD's new chassis, independent front suspension, rack-and-pinion steering, wider track and twin-leading-shoe front brakes did not make it much faster, but they made it ride, steer and stop in a way a TC never had.
Which should you buy?
Buy a TC if you want the most vintage T-Type, and you are happy with right-hand drive and the ride that comes with a beam axle. Buy a TD if you want the T-Type you can most easily use on modern roads, with the best parts supply and, usually, the lower price. Either way, the condition of the ash frame and the car's numbers matter more than the badge. Read buying an MG TC or buying an MG TD before you look at a car, and see MG TD vs TF for the next step on.
Common questions
- What is the difference between an MG TC and an MG TD?
- The TD replaced the TC's beam front axle and cam steering with independent front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering on a new box-section chassis derived from the Y-type, swapped 19-inch wire wheels for 15-inch bolt-on disc wheels, gained bumpers and was offered with left-hand drive. Both use the 1,250 cc XPAG engine.
- Should I buy an MG TC or an MG TD?
- Buy a TC for the most vintage character, firm and direct, on wire wheels. Buy a TD if you want the T-Type that rides, steers and stops best on modern roads, with the best parts supply and usually the lower price.
- Is an MG TC worth more than an MG TD?
- Generally, yes. The archive's UK bands put a good TC at £20,000 to £30,000 against £15,000 to £22,000 for a good TD, and the CLASSIC.COM US market benchmarks, read in October 2026, are $29,048 for the TC and $17,689 for the TD.