Ripe for restoration would be the best way to describe this 1950 MG TD. The paint is looking pretty tired, but it also appears to be a solid and complete car. If the owner’s description is accurate, then it might not take a lot of time or money to return the car to active duty. The MG is located in Naperville, Illinois, and is listed for sale here on eBay. The owner has set a BIN of $9,500, but there is also the option to make an offer.

Introduced in 1950, the MG TD was available in seven different colors, including this particular shade. It was variously identified as Woodland Green, or British Racing Green by some people. The paint is looking tired and is peeling, and I believe that the car has undergone a repaint at some point. The body looks to be solid and free of rust issues. There is some corrosion visible in various areas around the engine bay, so a thorough check will be required to ensure that the frame is nice and solid. The external trim and chrome is all present, and while the car doesn’t have a top, the frame and side curtains are present. The slats on the grille have also had a repaint at some point because originally they would have been finished to match the body color or that of the interior trim.

The interior trim is an acquired taste, and it probably isn’t one that I would be too inclined to get used to. The trim color isn’t original, and I believe that it probably rolled off the line with Green interior trim. On a positive note, the interior does appear to be complete, so restoration is certainly possible. You’ve probably also noticed that the TD is a right-hand drive version. Potential buyers shouldn’t be too phased by that. I can tell you from personal experience that finding yourself driving a car with the wheel on the “wrong” side takes a bit of getting used to, but it doesn’t take that long before it feels quite instinctive and normal.

Powering the MG TD  is a 1,250cc XPAG 4-cylinder engine, which sends its 54hp to the rear wheels via a 4-speed manual transmission. The engine in this TD is original, and while it doesn’t currently run, it is said to turn freely. It would be very interesting to give it a check over, some fresh fuel, and see if it would kick into life. These are a pretty robust little engine, and this would be a very real possibility. One of the great characteristics of these is that even if it does require a rebuild, they are exceptionally easy to work on. So, even if a rebuild is required, it should be able to be completed in a home workshop.

If the frame of this MG TD is solid, then it represents the sort of car that could conceivably be restored in a home workshop. It has all the makings of a great project for a parent to take on with their child, or children. They may not be a high-performance car, but slipping behind the wheel invokes a feeling of less complicated times, and they do provide a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of modern living. If that’s the sort of experience that you are looking for in a classic car, then this MG TD could be just the ticket for that escape.