The TD and TF bodywork is the final expression of the traditional T-series aesthetic, body-on-frame construction with steel outer panels over an ash sub-frame, separate flowing wings, running boards, and folding windscreen. The TD was significantly lower and wider than the TC. The TF restyled the same structure with faired headlamps, raked grille, fixed bonnet sides, and individual bucket seats; much door, windscreen, and running board hardware is closely related. This section covers panels, running boards, body-to-chassis mountings, and principal hardware.
Body Construction
The body comprises steel outer panels over an ash sub-frame on a boxed steel chassis derived from the Y-type saloon. The chassis is vulnerable to corrosion in the centre where road spray collects; the ash frame dries, shrinks, and eventually rots, the commonest cause of doors that will not close. A sound chassis is the most important thing to verify when assessing a T-type. Complete new bodies are available, and virtually any panel can be sourced.
Chassis work is one of the principal restoration cost variables.
The TD Body Form
The TD body was lower and wider than the TC, with smaller 15-inch wheels. The battery box was cut into the sloping bulkhead behind the engine, body-colour painted. Front wings were lower and the running boards carried three chrome tread strips tapering with the body. The rear had a short valance forming a shelf for the spare wheel.
The TD's free-standing headlamps on stalks are the most visible feature distinguishing TD from TF.
The TF Body Form
The TF body, on the same structure, looks quite different. Headlamps are faired into the wings, removing the TD's projecting stalks. The bonnet line is lower and front wings more domed. Running boards still join with black rubber piping, but the three chrome strips run further forward.
The rear wing extends slightly further back and is raised relative to the bumper. The void below the spare wheel, a small shelf on the TD, is filled by a deep rear valance. The TF 1500 carries enamel "TF 1500" badges on each bonnet side, the only external TF 1250/1500 distinguisher.
Bonnet Construction Differences
Both models retain the centre-hinged two-piece bonnet typical of T-series cars. TD bonnet sides hinge open for engine access; TF sides are fixed and only the tops open. Each TF bonnet side has 12 short louvres in two groups and two chrome push-button locks. Removable louvred aluminium access panels in each front wing compensate for the fixed sides, a workaround that drew period criticism.
Production Changes Affecting Body Identification
Three late-TD production changes give useful identification points. From chassis TD/21303 (October 1952), round rear lamps replaced the triangular type 471s, with rear wings modified to suit. From TD/22315 (November 1952), the wiper motor moved to the centre of the windscreen, with a different glass. From TD/20749 (October 1952), an additional body mounting point each side improved rigidity.
Verify these against the chassis number.
Running Boards
Running boards are a separate assembly bolted between front and rear wings, sealed at the wing and body joints with black rubber piping. Each TD running board carries three chrome tread strips (two 31-inch outer and one 20½-inch inner per side) extending well up the front wing on a diagonal. TF running boards use six chrome strips of revised pattern reflecting the longer forward extension. Pads isolate the wing-to-board joint, and threshold plates inscribed "The MG Car Co Ltd" finish the inner edge.
Body Identification Plates
Each car carries several identification plates: chassis number (different patterns for TD and TF), body number (inside the left-hand toolbox lid on the TD, similarly on the TF), patent number, "Made in England" (export only), and engine number plate with engine-type button (XPAG for TD and TF 1250, XPEG for TF 1500). Replacement plates are available, although the chassis number is also stamped directly into the chassis side member at the front spring mounting.
Ordering Considerations
Body panels, wings, and running boards are model-specific where external styling changed, front wings, bonnet sides, rear wings, and tread strips. Door hardware, internal fittings, body-to-chassis mountings, and much of the framework is shared. Chassis number determines additional body mounting points (TD from 20749) and rear lamp type. Drive side determines the dashboard panel, shock absorber bracket positions, and certain trim.
Body paint is under Engine, Lubrication and Paint.