To: Moss Tech Support
Subject: 52 MG TD understanding the serial numbers
“… We (I) are also trying to understand the different numbers and what they mean. For instance;
One of the brass plates says:
Body type: 22381
Body #: 10063/77466
The other says:
Car #: TD10724 EXL/NA
Engine # : XPAG/TD2/LHX10974
The car number coordinates with the chassis?
The engine # is pretty self explanatory, however, the other numbers not so much!
We were trying to figure out if the car was one in which turn signals were installed, it appears to have a toggle switch under the dash, for that purpose. Is it suppose to? There have been a few items that were obviously installed at a later time. As we were reading about the car we realized that the company did change things part way through certain years.
We would really appreciate any help you could give us in this matter.
Thank you,
Sincerely,
Sandy
From: Alexander, Lawrie
Sent: Friday, July 27, 2007 10:22 AM
To: Sandy
Subject: 52 MG TD understanding the serial number
Hi, Sandy,
“… The body type and body numbers were just to assist the factory in keeping internal records, keeping track of production and getting the correct color bodies matched to orders for cars. The numbers that are relevant are the engine and car numbers and yours match absolutely perfectly (which is quite unusual!). Engine numbers always started at 0251, going in chassis starting to be numbered 0001. Your numbers are correctly spaced. EXL/NA means "Export, Left-hand drive, destined for North America". The engine number tells you it is an XPAG (1250 cc) design, TD2 means it has the larger flywheel and clutch and oil pump with integral filter, LHX means it was to go in a left-hand drive car for export.
TDs had factory-fitted turn signals from car number 18883. Your car number is 10724 which indicates your car was built in September or October, 1951, before turn signals were fitted. (It is registered as a 1952 TD because it was probably first sold in this country in 1952 and the dealer would not have wanted to tell his customer it was a last-year's model.) The factory turn-signals always used the switch and bracket shown as illustrations 37/38/39 on the dashboard page of the Moss MGT catalog, so your toggle switch is not original.”
Lawrie Alexander
Moss Motors Technical Adviser
Working on automobiles is inherently dangerous. Moss Motors, Ltd. is not liable for injury or damage due to incorrect installation or use of their products. All products are sold with the understanding that the safe and proper installation and use of the products is the customer’s responsibility. Follow factory workshop manual procedures and instructions, but use current shop safety standards and common sense. Some tasks will require professional advice or services which Moss Motors cannot provide.Email (for Moss Tech help):
BritishTechnicalSupport@mossmotors.comEmail (for comment on Forum Tech Tips):
TechTipAdmin@mossmotors.com