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MG TD TF 1500 - Tracing My Cars History

I've been trying to get some information on my TFs history for 5 years now and seem to run into road blocks everywhere.
8353 was built Dec, 17, 1955, but beyond knowing that, is there any source I can pursue to possibly obtain more information?
A previous owner says he has some repair receipts from years ago, but refuses to let me have them. I've offered to pay for them and any costs incurred by him to get them to me, but for some reason, he won't do it. That said, anyone know where to go from here? PJ
Paul S Jennings

Good luck...in Colorado the records only go back 5 years. They couldn't even tell who I bought my TD from. I have the bill of sale on that one and a clue for at least two prior owners. I have a large folder full of receits for it and the other two MG's. They didn't go with the car when sold. Why??? Personal information...name, address, phone numbers, Check numbers , partial credit card numbers. In today's world why risk it. The TF I made a copy of the title I had to turn in so I have the name of the fellow I bought it from and the person he bought the car from in Kansas... nothing prior to that. Included in the junk that came with the car was a warranty book and protecto plate for an MGBGT he bought on the other side of the state and a registration for an MG TD that he was also selling from Morgan Town, West Virginia....reminds me that I ought to look that up on George's list.
MG LaVerne

I believe that the MG Car Club in the UK has some TF records of production. Previous ownership records are uneven and often impossible, except through serendipity. Try local car clubs? Local sports car repair shops? You may end up with nothing, I'm sorry to say.

Tom Lange
MGT Repair
t lange

I bought the car from an Alabama owner, who bought it from the guy in Birmingham Alabama, who is the one who has some paperwork on the car. Beyond that, I don't know where he bought the car from and refuses to communicate. So I'm left with no where to go. Most states remove all data after a period of time and to find hard copies, as they had back then, is near impossible. PJ
Paul S Jennings

wonder why the PO is so squirrely.
W. A. Chasser Jr

I'm very lucky to have gotten the bill of sale from 1960 showing the fellow who owned my car til 2013. (He paid $470.00) His name is on a sticker in the original Operation Manual. He registered it with the New England T register, #1481... quite early. I found his obit from 2014. Sad. He obviously sold it to the resto shop that I bought it from just before passing.

Apparently no wife or kids to contact either. I'd love to know where it's been driven, shows, old pictures, etc.
MAndrus

OOps, I goofed! It was built 17 December, *1954*! Sorry. PJ
Paul S Jennings

Would a Heritage certificate be of any value? PJ
Paul S Jennings

It's not an answer to Paul's query but I have a related question that perhaps someone in the States can help with. In the 1950s new cars in the UK were issued with a "log book". This contained chassis number, engine number, registration number, date of registration and name and address of the owner. When the car was resold the log book was returned to the relevant local authority and the new owners name was entered. These books have now been replaced by "Registration Documents" which basically do the same thing. I am lucky that the original log book and registration documents came with my car so I could trace back original owners. I have noted, however, on USA classic car programmes on the TV that "title" is frequently quoted. What does this mean. Also there have been problems when old cars were moved from state to state. What were these. In at least two of the TV programmes dealers patrol around looking for derelict old cars, buy them and restore them. How can they get these registered. In the UK all car records were computerised some time ago. If an owner of a car that was being stored, for instance in a barn, didn't get his car on the computer database all details were lost. If at a later stage someone restores the car they will have to get it reregistered. You have to prove the year of manufacture, normally via an inspection by a recognised car club. The registration document states "declared year of manufacture" rather than "year of manufacture". Also to get the original registration number reallocated you have to provide documentary proof of what it originally was. Photos and old number plates simply won't do. I was lucky with my M Type since the car was on the Owners' Club data base so it was declared as a 1932. Also I found a 1950s tax disk under the seat so I got the original registration number reallocated. I am interested to learn what the system in the States is.


Jan T
J Targosz

MAndrus,
What was the previous owners name? That might help in finding out where it has been as far as T Register events are concerned??
MGTD52 AT COMCAST DOT NET
Steve
Steve Wincze

Paul
A Heritage Certificate will not tell you much more than you already know. That is: LHD, North American Export, Exterior colour MG Red,Trim biscuit or red, cellulose on body, synthetic on wings, wire or disc wheels etc. It will not tell you the destination dealer or first owner etc and frankly unless you need the record to support an application to register the car in my view at £25 (when I last checked) they are not good value.
It seems a matter of luck just how much history travels with the car when it changes hands. In the UK T Register records we have details of a few cars from day 1 and others absolutely nothing. Most have long gaps when nothing is known, which can be frusrating for the current owner.
I am pleased to confirm that your car is listed on the T Register database no.14197.
Roy
R.E. Miller

Jan,

IMHO there is no one "system" in the US for registering automobiles as each state has its own way of doing things. (the American way) Many states did not issue titles until the mid 70's and most will not divulge any registration information for legal and other reasons. Also in New York during the last 30 years we have used at least three new plate and numbering schemes and currently there are two in effect at the same time.

As far a year of manufacture plates are concerned for historical cars, for example, in New York I bought a 1953 year plate on E-bay after checking with the DMV to see if it was currently being used. Since it was not I registered it as a "custom" plate for my TD.

Regards,
Jim
James Neel

Crikey guys you are making the Irish system look very good. I have the original brown logbook with the 6 previous owners names and addresses and date of transfer. I am just trying to pluck up the courage to knock on doors which are all in Dublin. Last year things changed slightly in that you need now to declare a car of the road here to avoid paying car tax. When I contacted the tax office they had no record of it so I left it there. Once I get it back on the road I will need to get it reinstated. You may find the attached photo of part of my log book interesting.

D Lamb

What a prize to have! That must be what they call, the luck of the Irish! I like the highlighted lines though, Does it have a steam engine. Quite amusing. PJ


Paul S Jennings

I know Paul I only noticed this for the first time earlier. It has been known to steam! Also noticed my colour is mentioned here "Maroon". Also can you have 2 pistons in 1 cylinder.....
Paul When your car is complete I think you should take a drive down to the previous owner with a nice bottle of wine and try to get a photo copy of the information. You never know. Great to see the progress on your car. I have done very little since Christmas. Keep up the good work.
D Lamb

Thanks guys for all your input! I guess I'll just have to trust the rest to luck. PJ
Paul S Jennings

What's the easiest way to find out the build date of my TD8986. I know it is sometime in July 1951 but I would like to know the exact date so I can celebrate its birthday. It was owned and used by a Bob Wood, a merchant seaman, in Massapequa, NY up until 1964 when the registration expired (1964 NY Worlds Fair license plate) and it was rail shipped to California sometime around 1969.
John Quilter (TD8986)

Here you go John!

Build Date: 11-Jul-1951

Just plug 'TD8986' in here.....

http://www.tregister.org/recall_page.php?req_page=records_home


You can also Register you car here:

http://www.tregister.org/register_home.php

Mike
M Brand

M. Brand, Thanks for the info. I have registered my car on the site you provided.

John Quilter
John Quilter (TD8986)

This thread was discussed between 03/03/2015 and 06/03/2015

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