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MG TD TF 1500 - Headlights

There seems to be a bit of confusion in my locality as to what is the correct type of headlight on my car. Can anyone tell me what was the right type of headlight for a 53 TD as it came from the factory?

Thanks,
Mark TD 28332
Mark Strang

I believe they were Lucas P700 headlights. Not easy to find for sale now - and (IME) very expensive when you do.

Regards,

- Tom
Tom Bennett - 53TD 24232

....didn't Stateside imports all have to have 7" sealed beams installed....?
Mine ended up with 'Tripods' on it, but don't know at what point they were installed (chrome shells as well)
gblawson(gordon- TD27667)

Gordon, according to Wiki you are right on. " In 1940, a consortium of state motor vehicle administrators standardised upon a system of two 7 in (178 mm) round sealed beam headlamps on all vehicles — the only system allowed for 17 years". That is why some years ago many of the TCs around (except the EXU's) had the ugle step-down rings from the 8" shells to the 7" sealed beams. Not sure if they came from England with Lucas sealed beams, or the original muli-part units were changed out when the cars got to port. George
George Butz

Mark,

Lucas P700 "tri-bar" headlamps in the 'Home Market' type are once again available. I have seen them and they are absolutely indistinguishable from the originals, except that the designation "Lucas", the type "P700" and the patent number, are (all) absent from the bottom of the bowl.

Of course they come from (where else?) China. They come with a modern 9003 halogen bulb.

Jack Smolik is selling them for $130/pair. No e-mail - a 'phone nbr. only:- 518 762-2738.

... now if I could only convince the same manufacturer to make a pair of L140 for the PA/TC, etc, for the same price. A far cry from the £595 that Sports and Vintage are asking for a pair - see:- http://www.sportsandvintage.co.uk/NewProductsA.htm -
IMHO - absolutely outrageous.

If anybody reading this has a pair of restorable TC ‘Home Market’ (NOT sealed beams) L140 headlamps, let me know - thanks.

Gord Clark TF 4592
Rockburn, Qué.
Gordon A Clark

Mark
I found a nice NOS pair of P700's on ebay this spring. Paid less than 80, which I thought fair. There is a brisk market on ebay for Lucas stuff. Type in "lucas headlights" on ebay auto, see what comes up.

They look nice, with the Lucas torch in the center. The glass is for right hand drive, but I don't notice much change. Besides, I rarely drive the TF at night.

Tom
Tom Norby

Gord, why not use a set of PF770 tri-bars in your 140 headlights? They look really good!
What is different about the 'Home Market' L140 headlamps? Do you mean they do not have the reducer rims? In any case I have some TC headlights (flat or cateye lens) for sale - some chromed brass and some painted steel.
Cheers, Hugh Pite, Sidney B.C., Canada
H.D. Pite

Couple of years ago I bought two NOS P700's/bulbs from a lady in Atlanta via eBay for $12.00. I was the only bidder.
Keep looking
Colin Stafford TF6688

This thread was discussed between 07/07/2010 and 09/07/2010

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