We’ve recently seen a few MG TD project cars at Barn Finds, and they are an ideal candidate for anyone considering a first or DIY restoration. Their essentially handbuilt nature and simple engineering mean an owner can dismantle and reassemble these classics in a home workshop without requiring specialized tools. This TD screams for attention and a new owner willing and able to return it to its former glory. It is located in York, Pennsylvania, and is listed here on Craigslist at $6,900. This is the second recent sighting of a British classic made by Barn Finder Gunter K, and I must say a big thank you for the lead.
The seller provides no information on this classic’s history, but its appearance suggests it hasn’t seen active service for many years. It is unclear whether its current shade of Black is original, but there are a couple of spots showing MG Red. Regardless of the truth, the buyer faces a nut-and-bolt restoration and the prospect of stripping everything to bare metal if they plan a high-end restoration. The simplest option would be dismantling the car and sending the major components for media blasting. That would save considerable time and expose any issues requiring attention. The frame carries a consistent coating of surface corrosion but is rock-solid. The floors also look pretty good, but some panels require attention due to accumulated dings and dents. The seller includes a small parts collection to help the new owner on their restoration journey. I can see a new bumper, side curtains, and other welcome items. The top frame is intact, and the remaining exterior trim items look potentially salvageable.
The MG’s interior is complete, but it requires plenty of TLC. I believe it has undergone a previous restoration because the upholstery isn’t original. Although all TDs featured Black wool carpets, the company only offered upholstery in Red, Green, or Beige. The dash requires restoration, the wheel has cracked, and someone cut the glove compartment door to install a radio. It requires nothing short of a total retrim, which could be one of the most expensive parts of this build. Kits to return the interior to its former glory are available, but they cost an eye-watering $2,000. Because the “banjo” wheel is beyond repair, that adds a further $350 to the tally. However, there’s no reason a competent owner couldn’t install the trim themselves, saving money and increasing satisfaction.
The strength of British sports cars from this era wasn’t their outright performance but their engaging driving characteristics. Occupants sit close to the road, making speeds feel faster than they are. Skinny tires limit grip, meaning drivers can approach the limits without threatening the land speed record. This MG features a 1,250cc “XPAG” four-cylinder engine that originally sent 54hp to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. Although it struggled to exceed 80mph, it could happily cruise all day at 55mph. I’ve spoken a lot in the past tense for a good reason. The seller indicates this classic’s engine is locked, and I suspect they haven’t investigated the cause too deeply. This could be a “chicken or the egg” scenario. It means we don’t know whether a previous owner parked the MG due to an engine issue or whether the lack of activity has frozen the four. They are pretty tough old motors, and if the new owner gets it turning, performing a rebuild may not be complicated or expensive. It is another task they could potentially perform themselves.
If I were to sum up what this 1952 MG TD requires, the word “everything” would seem appropriate. It is not a restoration project that a new owner will complete in a couple of weekends, but it will require dedication and determination. Potential buyers must think carefully because there are questions surrounding its financial viability. Although values continue climbing, they do so well below the classic market average. It is possible to buy some extremely nice cars for around $20,000, although a perfect example can command $30,000. That leaves some room to move on this project before its financial viability becomes doubtful. However, if the new owner completes most tasks themselves, that removes labor costs from the equation. Following that path would also provide enormous personal satisfaction and pride as the builder rolls their sparkling 1952 MG TD out of their workshop for the first time. Does that thought make this project impossible to resist?
Rough car that’s going to eat up a lot of time and money. If I was 35 years old and had lots of money and time I might be tempted but now I’d go out and buy one already restored, probably for less than restoring this one.
As someone that has done this all my life I don’t see the ‘lots of money’ thought. These cars along with most Brits of that era were designed to be maintained by the owners, Even my Mk-VIII Jag came with a set of tools and a comprehensive manual so the owner could remove the DOHC head and DEKOKE it from the poor fuel available then. The problem with these cars is that they required WHITWORTH tools and any required bolts and nuts until 1957+/-, Taking on anything of that age means that some ham fisted lout will have forced the wrong American hardware on things. Of course, there’s not a big problem buying a set of wrenches and taps and dies on Hemmings or such–it’s just a necessity for a refurb of these cars of that era!
Looks like somebody started stripping and gave up. Too rusted to bother with IMO against better finished examples. Fun to scroll through pictures, though and imagining it’s past.
Throw in the Hondas and let’s talk.
There are extremely nice TD’s available in the $14k asking price. Springfield, Mo Facebook marketplace has one listed now. Unless a buyer just wants to restore one, the money isn’t going to work on this one.
I still have my 1996 Honda Hatchback, in excellent condition, and I’ve had people pull into gas stations while I was refueling and asked if I wanted to sell it. It’s still a great car to drive and I get 40 mpg, so I have to be pretty straight forward that my car is not for sale, and I’ve had some pretty decent offers. Maybe my daughters can sell it after I’m gone.
As a parts car it’s probably worth the price, but that involves a lot of work and time. As is, I think $4,900 would work for a home restorer. To do it right, the fenders, running boards, gas tank, etc have to be removed. then stripped to
bare metal. Trying to paint over the original lacquer will only lead to problems.
Probably the biggest single item is bodywork and paint; about $10,000
I found out those banjo steering wheels were designed with those spokes to reduce felt vibration.
A total money pit in terms of a restoration. Sure these cars can be cheap to maintain, but this car is not in that category. If you want a TD, start with a better one. Save your time and money. Personally I’d go for a TC for pure vintage motoring or an MGA for a more modern ride. I’d skip the TD/TF series.
I sold one last year pulled from a shed after sitting for 55 years, for $1200. Good luck trying to find someone to pay $6900 for this car. People just want too much for cars too far gone .
Wow, if you find another for $1200 let me know! What region are you located?
Found car in Georgetown Mass parked in a dirt floor shed since 1965. Engine stuck, steering column stuck, 4 dry rot tires, animal trashed interior, top stuck down, rusty as well. I was happy to get $1200 for it as I had to split money with heir to the owner. As it was, had to hire a skid steer loader to remove it from its resting place for $300. I just didn’t want to see it go to the scrap yard. A collector in New Hampshire bought it. Probably unfixable.
Looks like humidity got the best of it. It must have sat in a puddle of rain water for some time. Probably a garage, shed or a barn. I’ll pass, thank you for showing it.