If long-term ownership forms a crucial piece of the puzzle in your search for a classic to park in your garage, you might find this 1952 MG TD very interesting. Purchased in the 1950s, it has been part of the same family for over seventy years. It spent many years in storage, but was revived by the seller and returned to its rightful place on our roads. The time has come to write a new chapter in its ongoing story, with the seller listing the MG here on Facebook Marketplace in Mendocino, California. They set their price at $10,000 for a classic with a fascinating history.

MG introduced the TD in 1950 as its successor to the TC model. Its styling bore a striking similarity to its predecessor, although the latest offering was physically larger. The additional space was largely devoted to occupant accommodation, which won the TD praise from larger owners. This 1952 example is finished in MG Red, a paint shade that remained available throughout the production life. It has been something of an heirloom, having passed through successive generations of the one family since being purchased by the seller’s uncle in the early 1950s. One piece of extremely positive news is that this classic has spent its life in California and has been garage-kept for seven decades. Therefore, it is unsurprising to discover that it is rust-free. The paint shows its age, and there are a few minor digs and dents. The seller was tempted to address these cosmetic shortcomings, but decided to leave well enough alone since the MG wears its original paint. The soft-top was replaced after the car came out of storage in 2011, as were the bumpers. One side curtain window requires replacement to provide weather protection, but there are no other immediate needs.

The seller indicates that this MG went into storage in 1987, and he decided to revive it in 2011. It was a thorough process, including replacing the original seatcovers with new ones in Red leather and bolting on a new banjo-style wheel. The presentation of the rest of the interior looks pretty typical for a respected survivor of this vintage, exhibiting wear, but no gaping rips or other problems. It is undeniably serviceable if the buyer elects to preserve the vehicle, but everything required for a total interior restoration is readily available and quite affordable. There are a few functional issues requiring rectification, but as with the exterior shortcomings, they don’t require immediate attention.

Those craving originality will welcome the news that this MG retains its numbers-matching “XPAG” four-cylinder engine. With a capacity of 1,250cc, it would have sent 54hp and 64 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission when the car was new. Those figures have probably dropped slightly through wear, with the seller confirming that the engine does use some oil. He revived the car from its twenty-four-year slumber in 2011, working through a comprehensive list of tasks that included replacing many major brake components, the tires, and everything we would typically consider to be perishable. The deal includes an additional engine block and other parts, but I would probably address the oil issue by treating the existing motor to a rebuild, maintaining this classic’s authenticity. The MG only sees service a few times per year, and a thorough inspection is probably warranted before the buyer attempts any long journeys.

The listing suggests that this 1952 MG TD may have been part of the seller’s life since he was a child. Choosing to move it to a new home must have been a difficult decision, and I am sure that he is hoping that it will find one with a genuine enthusiast who respects vehicles of this type. That poses the question of what should happen once this MG is safely tucked away in the buyer’s garage. Should they restore it to its former glory, or should they protect its survivor status via preservation? Which path would you choose?