This is one of only two 1953 MG D Sport Speciale automobiles that still survive.
Since the standard MG TD body was about as aer dynamic as a brick, even when stripped for competition in the F-modified class, OSCA and Porsche began taking dead aim in this class. The MG TD became more of a moving chicane than a competitor. Racer Dave Ash and MG TD East Coast importer Inskip Motors set out to prove that the MG TD engine, transmission and brakes could be competitive if clad in a lightweight aluminum body. In the 1950s, those bodies inevitably came from Italy. Enter Rocco Motto and his Carrozzeria Motto Coachworks. Motto was responsible for many of the racing bodies used by specials of the era and his workmanship was remarkable. The chassis maker Gilberto Colombo provided the chassis for two of the three Motto MGs made; the first body was placed on Dave Ash's well-used TD chassis. Motto MGs were raced extensively throughout the Midwest and East Coast, often as a team, at places like Watkins Glen, Elkhart and Marlboro.
Design and Features
- Body Style: The MG D Sport Speciale features a 2-door roadster body, emphasizing lightweight construction and sporty aesthetics.
- Chassis: It is built on a modified chassis, often with aluminum body panels to reduce weight and enhance performance.
- Interior: The interior is minimalist, focused on functionality with simple gauges, basic seating, and minimal trim, consistent with sports cars of the era.
Performance
- Engine: Typically equipped with an MG XPAG inline-4 engine.
- Power Output: Around 54 horsepower, though this can vary depending on specific tuning and modifications.
- Transmission: 4-speed manual transmission.
- Top Speed: Approximately 90 mph (145 km/h).
- Suspension: Independent front suspension with coil springs and a live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs.
Production and Legacy
- Production Years: Early 1950s, with specific production numbers often being quite limited, contributing to its rarity today.
- Total Units Produced: Exact figures are hard to come by, but it's understood to be a rare variant within the MG lineup.
- Price: Initially priced affordably to compete with other small sports cars of the time.
Significance
- Racing Heritage: The MG D Sport Speciale was often used in club racing and other motorsport events, leveraging its lightweight design and nimble handling.
- Collector’s Item: Due to its rarity and unique place in MG’s history, the D Sport Speciale is a sought-after vehicle for collectors and enthusiasts of classic British sports cars.
You may purchase a print of the 1953 MG D Sport Speciale in our dElegance 2018 online gallery.
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