Classic British sports cars from the 1950s make ideal restoration projects because the engineering and construction of most was elegantly simple. The greatest challenge is locating a suitable candidate not beset with rust issues. That’s where this 1952 MG TD rides to the rescue. It is largely complete, is rust-free, and its sweet little engine is freshly rebuilt. It is a project that stalled many years ago, meaning someone has the chance to return it to its former glory. The MG is listed here at Barn Finds Classifieds in San Antonio, Texas. It could be yours for $5,000, making it an affordable project build.

The MG TD broke cover in 1950 as a worthy replacement for the TC model. The company followed its usual practice of dipping into its Parts Bin for many mechanical components, but that approach drew buyers to these cars. They held no nasty surprises due to the proven nature of the drivetrain, and it also allowed MG to produce a genuinely affordable sports car. This TD has led a literally colorful life. It was partially dismantled around thirty years ago, but its restoration stalled before gaining momentum. It has remained in dry storage ever since, meaning it is a rock-solid classic with no rust issues requiring repair. The paint reflects its colorful past because the Black cloaking its panels isn’t original, nor is the Orange emerging in areas where the Black has peeled away. A close investigation confirms it rolled off the line wearing a shade called Cream, which was part of the MG color palette from 1949 until 1953. The car is basically complete, only missing a few smaller pieces that could be sourced from an array of specialist retailers like Moss Motors. The windshield and side glass are intact, as is the frame for the soft-top. The car deserves complete dismantling for a nut-and-bolt restoration. Performing the required tasks in a home workshop wouldn’t require specialized tools, and a competent person with time and patience could recapture this classic’s lost youth without spending a fortune.

This MG’s interior continues the “complete but needs work” theme that we find across most of this classic. Ordering a TD in Cream brought Green or Red interior trim. This car’s original owner selected the latter, meaning this would have been a classy vehicle in its prime. There is no reason why it couldn’t be once again. The major components, like the seats, are intact. I can spot a couple of correct “Banjo-style” wheels, and the dash is complete. The parts required to perform a retrim are readily available and affordable. While some people find the prospect intimidating, it is worth remembering that it represents a one-off restoration expense. If the new owner installs the replacement trim correctly and treats it respectfully, it should present beautifully for many decades.

The TD utilized the same 1,250cc “XPAG” four-cylinder powerplant that saw service in its predecessor. It produced 54hp and 64 ft/lbs of torque, which fed to the road via the rear wheels and a four-speed manual transmission. These classics aren’t at home on the drag strip, but few vehicles are more rewarding for pointing at a ribbon of winding road or a quiet country lane. One expense this car’s new owner won’t face is an engine rebuild because that has been completed. It is missing some peripherals, like the carburetors, but that leaves a few options for the new owner to consider. Sourcing period-correct components would be easy, but bolting on a sidedraft Weber could liberate a few additional ponies and make engine tuning a “set and forget” proposition. The choice comes down to how fixated the buyer is on total originality.

MG had a hit on its hands with the TD, and the sales results tell a fascinating story. While 10,001 buyers handed over the cash for an MG TC, an impressive 29,664 people drove away behind the wheel of the TD. Of that total, 23,488 found their way to the United States. Buyers loved them then, and enthusiasts adore them now. If a classic British sports car project has been on your radar, this one might be your perfect candidate.