This 1952 MG TD is a nicely preserved survivor that was purchased by the seller’s father-in-law and parked in the garage sometime in the 1980s. It has remained there ever since, and features a gorgeous combination of black over a red interior. The seller has done a basic compression test and confirmed good readings across the cylinders; it will need carburetor work to fire again. Find it here on craigslist for $10K near Sacramento.
The MG looks incredibly well preserved. no doubt thanks to a pleasant California climate and long-term indoor storage. This is quite possibly one of the best color combinations in the existence of classic cars, with a matching red dash panel that shows no deviations from stock and no hack jobs for aftermarket audio equipment. The MG’s original steering wheel and rear view mirror are also both in excellent condition, and the windshield appears to be crack-free.
Bucket seats with matching shifter and e-brake boots look outstanding for their age, along with matching door panels in equally good condition. The seller notes that the MG remains original except for the tires and wheels, which fooled me as they at least looked period correct. No major rust is noted and the seller says there’s some bumps and scratches you’d expect for a car this age, including a dent in the right-side front fender.
The engine does turn over when hooked up to a battery, but the seller notes that a carburetor rebuild is necessary to get the MG to fire again. These TDs are hard to find in original, unrestored condition, especially in the U.S., and this one looks like a worthy basis for a project – but I’d leave the cosmetics alone (with the exception of the dented fender and possibly finding a set of OEM wheels) and focusing solely on a mechanical refresh. Is $10K a fair price for a survivor TD?
This MG’s original banjo-style steering wheel may very well be in excellent condition someplace, but it is not fitted to this car. I agree though, the black over red is a stunning combo on these little cars. Even if they do kinda drive like Snapper lawnmowers.
The steering wheel isn’t original. Original wheel was banjo spoked with marble brown and cream plastic rim.
Wire wheels are period correct but not original. TD’s came with steel wheels, only. Wire wheels were dealer or owner added especially w/ knockoffs, which required new hubs as well as wheels.
TF’s came with wires, if optioned, but not available from the factory with wires.
I think the original steering wheel was made by Bluemells? All ex factory TD’s came with steel wheels, not wires.
Agree with all of the above comments. If the car is really as presented then the price is right and someone should go for it. I had one, and they are lots of fun for the money, and not terribly complicated. Good Luck.
Great little car. I had a 1952 TD when I was much younger. I bought it for $800. and drove it for a few years. Sold it for 800. Only problem I had was the electric fuel pump, had to tap it till it started working again.
Wire wheels were available from dealers only after TD production had ended and the TF (which could be ordered with wires from the factory) was being made. The handbrake boot is not original, nor is the carpet.
My first car was a ‘52 TD. Yellow, with plaid top and tire cover. Bought for $750. Had it two years and traded straight across for a ‘53 Belair convertible. I was a dumb teenager and put a exhaust cut-out on the MG. Later on, took it in for service and they took it off and scolded me for abusing a fine British car!
I have a great story. My college buddy had an MG TD. He asked me to be his navigator for a road rally. We had zero experience. We arrived with a slide rule, pencil and paper, to see others with rally computers. I spent the whole 3 hours working the slide rule, checking my watch, scribbling calculations and screaming at my buddy. We were sure we would be dead last. But amazingly we came in second, even after missing one checkpoint completely. The other racers were looking at us like “who are these guys?”
Animal House comes to mind, your right Kerry. It is a great story!
It’s a ’53 not a ’52. Looks like it was restored or at least refurbished at some point, many details that aren’t original or correct. Nice little car though
StuB – Round tail lights were introduced in October of ’52 and the wiper motor moved over to the center of the windshield in November ’52, so it could certainly be a ’52. Paint isn’t original, because the gas-tank ends are painted all-over; the edges of the ends should be chrome.