1954 Arnolt MG

The Arnolt‑MG Cabriolet by Bertone is a truly rare and captivating automotive collaboration:
Conceived by Chicago industrialist Stanley H. “Wacky” Arnolt after a chance encounter with Bertone at the 1952 Turin Auto Show, where prototypes built on MG TD chassis were unveiled. Arnolt’s large order essentially saved Bertone from financial collapse.
Designed by Giovanni Bertone, his son Nuccio, and Giovanni Michelotti, these cars featured stylish bodies cloaking traditional MG mechanics.
Planned production: 200 units, but only 103 built—67 coupes and 36 convertibles
A pristine snow‑white coach‑built body, crafted in aluminum (hood, doors, boot lid) and steel, welded directly to the TD chassis. Its clean, flowing lines present a refined, modern silhouette
This convertible described has white exterior with red interior and Borrani chrome wire wheels—would be one of just 36 ever produced, making it exceptionally rare.
Mechanically, it retains the MG TD running gear: a 1.25 L XPAG inline‑4 producing about 54 hp, paired with MG’s four‑speed gearbox. It has the original numbers matching motor.
This particular car was shipped to Chicago via ocean freighter SS Kollbrynn arriving on October 13, 1953. The original purchaser was Hansen-MacPhee Sales Corp of Brookline, MA. who were apparently a Volkswagon dealer. It was formerly owned by a prominent car collector from Green Bay, Wisconsin until 2010 when it was purchased by the current owner in the Chicago suburbs. The motor was completely rebuilt in 2011 and has very few miles put on since then.
The car looks and drives superbly!