Blown Brit: Supercharged 1952 MG TD

Classic British sports cars enjoyed a well-earned reputation for providing an engaging driving experience. However, with many featuring engines from a humble background, power and torque figures are typically modest. This 1952 MG TD goes some way towards addressing that perceived shortcoming courtesy of the supercharger bolted to its four-cylinder powerplant. It presents nicely, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Tony P for spotting this blown Brit.

MG introduced the TD in 1950 as its replacement for the TC. It followed an evolutionary approach, with the styling giving the car a more robust appearance than its predecessor. The seller purchased this classic as a Covid project, with the car having sat untouched for nineteen years. It presents nicely in MG Red with color-matched grille slats. It is unclear whether the revival included a cosmetic restoration, but the condition suggests this is possible. The paint shines nicely, and with no panel or paint defects to detract from its appearance, it would undoubtedly turn heads. It features a Beige soft-top, although since there are no “raised” images, its condition is unclear. However, I see no reason why it would be anything but spotless. The seller claims that this classic is rust-free and that its timber is in good order. The trim shines as impressively as the paint, and the windshield is crystal clear.

MG utilized the 1,250cc “XPAG” four to propel the TD. It sent 54hp and 64 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. The power and torque figures don’t sound like a recipe for excitement, but with a curb weight of a mere 2,015 lbs, the TD was surprisingly energetic. However, the figures are now academic, because this XPAG features a Judson M-26 supercharger. These blowers provide relatively modest boost, making them ideal for this purpose. They do make a difference, pushing the engine power to somewhere around 72hp. This TD would have delivered a ¼-mile ET of 21.5 seconds when it was shiny and new, but it is fair to expect a considerable improvement. The seller confirms that the blower received a rebuild by renowned Judson expert, George Folchi. The revival also included a Judson-spec SU carburetor, a fuel tank clean, new copper fuel lines, a Petronix ignition system, a swap to a 4.3 rear end, and a new set of unbreakable Ted Lange axle shafts. There is a long list of other work performed that ensures this MG is a turnkey proposition. The seller describes this as a terrific driver, and I suspect it would provide many years of motoring pleasure to its new owner.

The interior presentation is as impressive as the exterior, with this TD retrimmed in Burgundy. This wasn’t a standard upholstery color in 1952, but it perfectly suits this classy Brit. Faulting its appearance is impossible, with no evidence of wear or other issues. The dash is spotless, and the Brooklands “banjo” wheel looks right at home inside this gem. Driving this MG with the top down will cause the new owner no shame, and it should receive plenty of compliments if they show up behind the wheel at a Cars & Coffee.

The seller listed this 1952 MG TD here on Craigslist in Hickory, North Carolina. They set their price at $20,000, which is above the current market average. However, as a custom build, this classic writes its own rules. It has only been listed for a couple of days, and I am unsure whether there is a potential buyer out there who is weighing up the pros and cons of parking it in their garage. It isn’t original, but it should plaster a mile-wide smile on its new owner’s face. After all, isn’t fun what the ownership experience should be all about?