MG TD Arnolt Cabriolet

Vehicle Overview

The MG TD Arnolt Cabriolet is a rare and stylish four-seater cabriolet, crafted by the renowned Italian coachbuilder Bertone and designed by Giovanni Michelotti. Based on the MG TD chassis and powered by the XPAG 54hp engine, this car represents a fascinating collaboration between British engineering and Italian design flair. Production of the MG TD Arnolt Cabriolet was initially planned to be 200 units, but only 103 were documented as being built between 1953 and 1954. Of these, 67 were coupes and 36 were the Cabriolet variant, making the latter even rarer. As of 1993, it was known that 36 of the Cabriolets had disappeared, and three were scrapped, highlighting the limited nature of this model. The initial price for this bespoke automobile was $3,145, a sum that reflected both its Italian craftsmanship and its exclusivity. The MG TD Arnolt Cabriolet was a distinctive departure from the typical MG offerings of the era, with its Bertone-designed bodywork giving it an elegant, streamlined appearance. The Cabriolet’s curves and proportions, coupled with its soft-top roof, made it a striking addition to the MG lineup, catering to those who sought a blend of British engineering and Italian aesthetic. In 1954, MG informed Stanley Arnolt, the car’s American distributor and the driving force behind the collaboration, that they would no longer be able to supply chassis and engines due to the rising demand for their own complete cars, as well as the introduction of the MG TF. Faced with this change, Arnolt began searching for a larger-engined car to continue his plans for building unique, coachbuilt automobiles. This shift marked the end of the MG TD Arnolt Cabriolet, making it a piece of automotive history that stands out for its rarity, elegance, and design ingenuity.