When someone decides to dip their toe into the water of classic car ownership with a project as their goal, many factors must be considered. Among them will usually be affordability and selecting a candidate that is not beyond their capabilities. Older British sports cars can be a strong contender due to ready parts availability and simple engineering. That makes the interest shown in this 1952 MG TD unsurprising. It has received twenty-one bids since the seller listed it here on eBay in Lutz, Florida. The action has pushed the price to $2,225 in a No Reserve auction.
MG introduced the TD as the fourth edition of its “T” series in 1950. It remained in production until 1953, with most of the 29,689 cars produced landing in North America. This 1952 model is an estate find that has sat for many years. The storage environment must have been quite favorable because the MG appears to be rust-free, apart from some surface corrosion on its underside. However, the frame shows no evidence of problems that may compromise its structural integrity, and the panels are clean. The buyer might choose to tackle this restoration as a frame-off process. The elegantly simple construction techniques MG employed make that a viable option for a competent person to perform in a home workshop. The Beige paint isn’t original, with the engine bay shots confirming this beauty rolled off the line finished in MG Red. The panels are surprisingly free of bumps and bruises, and the top looks like it might respond positively to a deep clean. Almost all the chrome is present, with most of it appearing restorable. There are no windshield cracks, and the seller includes the side windows.
This gem’s interior condition further supports my belief surrounding the storage environment. The seats require new covers, and the new owner will add fresh carpet to the floors. However, the door trims might respond positively to a deep clean, and the few minor dash imperfections could be repaired without resorting to total restoration. Interior kits, including leather seatcovers, are available if the buyer’s aim is perfection. These retail for approximately $2,000, but that aspect of the MG would shine like a new penny once the owner finishes their work.
Powering this MG TD is the company’s 1,250cc “XPAG” four which sent 54hp to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. That isn’t a recipe for startling performance, but with the TD tipping the scales at a mere 2,015 lbs, these could be enormously rewarding on sweeping ribbons of road. The seller indicates this estate find doesn’t run, and it hasn’t done so for many years. They believe the engine might be locked, but since they encourage in-person inspections, potential bidders could confirm this before committing their funds. Like other aspects of the car’s construction, an MG’s drivetrain is pretty basic. That means that if the motor turns, a rebuild in a home workshop might be viable
With daily life becoming increasingly hectic, finding a way to relax is becoming more critical. Doing so behind the wheel of a classic car is an enticing prospect that this 1952 MG TD seems to offer. These aren’t high-performance vehicles, but there can be few better ways to unwind than motoring down a quiet country road on a sunny day with the top down and the wind in your hair. The journey to reach that point through restoring this classic would be rewarding and helps explain the interest this gem has generated. Do the images I’ve placed in your head tempt you enough to join the bidding on this MG? If you do and are successful, I’m sure we will all be interested to see how your build progresses.
This is awesome, I wish it was closer and easier for me to go get, if you’re the winning bidder remember to get a certified copy of the death certificate of the registered owner and any documents that the seller has authority to sell it this will make the missing title issue easier to deal with, and you may want to do that before leaving Florida
Love this car, always liked it even when I was a kid.
It truly looks like it could be made into an every-day driver, with relatively little work – never a show car, but a work-horse. The gas tank leak could either be a rotted bottom, or a fuel sender gasket; either way the tank needs to come out. Pull the plugs, soak the cylinders with 50/50 acetone and ATF, put it in 4th gear and nudge it with your knee each time you walk by – it will free up. The upholstery and dash have largely been re-covered, but the door panels look original. Probably the worst thing is the mail sill beam is rotten, and that’s a hard one to replace. A repro Guarantee plate is available, stamped with your number, from From the Frame Up.
The MG slogan that I remember was “Safety Fast”, although my 1951 TD was far from fast.
My first car at punk age of 16, was a ‘53 yellow one with a plaid top. Paid $750. Gun car.
“Gun car”! Interesting expression Jack
It’s what you park in your garage next to your military surplus “gun truck”… the friend of Vietnam and Iraq convoys…
In Australia a “gun” shearer is the best in the shed.
Hardly a description of this TD
It is at $4125 with 4 days to go
I have some nice memories of both tooling around Oahu and then driving across country in my ‘80 MGB. Oh to be a young sailor again
Hey, at 70, I’d settle for being a young anything again.
More precisely, a combination of my current knowledge/experience/judgement level supported by completely updated infrastructure.
(I just picked up 2 x MGB GTs. One a victim of rust, but complete, and one rust free stripped shell. Let the fun begin…kind of like a large model kit)
I see that it has a Mallory dual-point distributor, also – not the old swan’s-neck type, but the 70’s short style. Parts for this newer model, as well, are getting hard to find.
Bucket list car for sure. At 70 I still have an “itch” for one of these. It would pair nicely next to my 1950 Austin A40 Devon. Unlike the A40, this TD would remain stock and original. Not a Hot-Rod like the Devon… Wish it were on the west coast. Best of luck to the new owner!