The Definitive Guide to Matchbox Toys 1-75 Series 1953 - 1969 (expanded)

Number 19a MG TD

 

The MG TD was introduced in 1949 and was considered the first step in modernizing the British Sports Car. It was designed for the lucrative US market and was a major success for MG.

Of the 29.664 MG TD's manufactured between 1949 and 1952, 28,008 were exported with 23,488 going to USA . With it's cut away doors, flowing front guards and fold flat windscreen, the MG TD was an instant success in USA . It was considered very sporty with it's independent front suspension, rack and pinion steering and 15 inch wheels.

The Matchbox Toy version was introduced in 1956, some 4 years after the production of the real MG TD had ceased! It was a milestone for Lesney as it was the first “car” in the 1-75 series line up. Although it was only available for about 2½ years, it was obviously an instant success as they are still easily obtainable today.

 

 
Models  

Cream with hand painted silver trim on the windscreen and grille and red seat.

Cream with no silver trim or red seat.

White with hand painted silver trim on the grille and red seat.
 
Boxes
B type box - 1956 - with a drawing of the model The end flap is plain with no number. The number on the face of the box may be large (as shown) or smaller (as shown below). Models that came with this box were cream in colour.
B type box - 1957 - with a drawing of the model The end flap has number 19 in black. The number on the face of the box may be small (as shown) or larger (as shown above). Models that came with this box were cream or white in colour.
B type box - 1959 - this box, with the white circle and number 19 on the end flap was never used for packaging the 19a MG TD. This style box was used for the first version of the new number 19b MGA even though the model shown on the front was the MG TD.
 
Wheels
This model came with metal wheels.
 
Axles
All axles on this model were flathead and domed with crimped axle ends.
 
Values

The white version appears to command a slightly higher price than the cream version.

 
Further Reference Material
For all variations of this model, please refer to "The Definitive Guide to Matchbox Toys 1-75 Series 1953-1969"
 
 
     

© 2008 Moko Lesney Matchbox