- Seller: David B (Contact)
- Location: Southbury, Connecticut
- Mileage: 12,000 Shown
- Chassis #: TD2217EXLU
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: Supercharged XPAG 1250 Inline-4
- Transmission: 4-Speed Manual
When it comes to vintage British motoring charm, few cars deliver the experience like the MG TD. This 1952 MG TD Roadster takes things up a notch, offering not just a beautifully restored body and cabin, but a discreetly added supercharger for real driving punch. Family-owned for the past 25 years, this stunning example is now up for bids exclusively here on Barn Finds Auctions. It’s located in Southbury, Connecticut.
Originally acquired in rough-running but complete condition, the MG was treated to a full nut-and-bolt restoration. The car was taken down to bare metal and rebuilt from the ground up. The replacement XPAG 1250cc engine and 4-speed gearbox were both fully rebuilt, along with the brakes, suspension, and other mechanicals. Over the years, it’s taken home multiple show awards—unsurprising, given its near-showroom appearance inside and out.
But the story doesn’t end with looks alone. In 2018, to address the challenge of steep climbs near the family’s home, the decision was made to install a Mirage Garage supercharger with a single SU carburetor. The engine was once again removed and rebuilt to handle the extra boost. The results are impressive: dyno-proven 65 horsepower and 75 lb-ft of torque—a roughly 30% increase in output, which makes this lightweight roadster feel even more alive. The blower operates quietly but delivers noticeable extra thrust when the pedal goes down.
The upgrades don’t stop under the hood. The car wears new yellow paint in exceptional condition, with only a few barely visible chips touched up. It’s fitted with true knock-off wire wheels and Coker whitewalls. A fresh black leather interior, new Jaeger gauges (including a boost gauge), matching black top and side curtains, LED taillights, and a chrome luggage rack complete the look. The entire interior shows minimal wear, and the driving experience remains true to form—analog, engaging, and grin-inducing.
Underneath, the MG is rust-free and as clean as the topside. It starts easily, drives wonderfully, and is described as completely turn-key. Whether you plan to tour, show, or simply enjoy the art of open-air motoring, this TD is up to the task.
Would you leave it just as-is, or keep tweaking this TD to your ideal British roadster spec?
I had the honor of driving one of these once, back when I was small enough to fit inside. I really liked it. Not sure if it needs the extra power from a supercharger. Not every ride needs to be blisteringly fast. That box is going to make the engine hard to work on, plus it is going to need premium gas. Even though I am not a big fan of investing, I will ask, will it hurt the value as well?
Not a lot to work on the right side of the engine except the carb and it’s up high so you can get to it. Won’t need the premium fuel if they didn’t raise the compression.
I thought that the compression ratio was kept below 8:1 in those days when a supercharger was fitted. If so, premium juice wouldn’t be needed.
Hi Ralph,
These cars were heavily modified from the get go, and while finding one that is wholly original is rare, they don’t necessarily have more value if they are original. A good quality build, looking good and driving well, whether all stock, original, or modified a bit will bring the same dollars. These aren’t investment level cars. The best ones in the world top out in the 30’s with a couple of outliers (one with a Rover V8) getting up over $50,000. These are easy to work on, easy to drive, have a lot more leg room than one would expect but have less foot room (you NEED the driving shoes for these), fun to drive, so they’re often bought and used up and then moved on. Restoration on any car is expensive these generally aren’t worth the money, so they’re often not fully restored. Those that do, aren’t looking for the money back. These folks selling this car certainly will not make back what they put into it, but, the 25 years of smiles and adventures have made it worth it.
RE the Supercharger .. Trust me, that doesn’t make this Lightning McQueen. It takes 50HP and makes it 65 .. LOL However, that added bit and the torque that came with it, were just what they needed to get up the steep hill near their home.
All I have to say is WOW, a tip of the hat to the restorer-builder. What a nice looking car. Did they even look this good new? I like the idea of the supercharger, a very different approach, rather than going with a modern drivetrain. If the new owner didn’t like it, easily put back to stock. I’ll even go out on a limb and say this looks like the most fun you could have with your clothes on.
I am with geezerglide! I had an MGA in Collage because I thought it would be a “Babe Magnet”. I got rid of it, I hated it and I said “Never again would I own an English sports car”. Had I known about this car, I wouldn’t have spoke so fast! Of course you could make the argument that, I might have been expecting too much from an MGA!
You had “a piece of art made by sticking …photographs…on to a backing”??
Did you place the MGA photo on a backing? “…in collage”??
I like it, but any car you have to snap the side windows on is not for me. I mean , crank windows are bad enough .
What?? No infotainment screen? Oh, how could we possibly live without one? Please accept the sarcasm for what it is. This admittedly old guy who has owned many MGs can attest to the beauty and versatility of a true analog ride like this one, which is done correctly. I continue to daily drive old cars because the new ones are generally ugly, soul-less and no fun. Cars are supposed to be cars, not rolling overstuffed computers with their myriad of distractions. My $.02.
I have never owned one and now my wife won’t let me buy one. My uncle Ben bought a ’52 in BRG when he returned from Korea and I had the extreme pleasure of riding in it a few times when I was about 9yo. He was diagnosed with ALS, parked it and sold it and I have wanted one ever since!
Wow! If an MG TD can be called stunning I think this one certainly is. I almost bought one of these for super cheap money back when I was around 20 but the clutch needed to be rebuilt and all I had was enough to buy it, and unfortunately it wasn’t driveable so I had to pass. Having said that I’d sure love to own this one.. it’s just beautiful.
A built 289 with a four speed would take care of the horsepower concern. Or overdrive the little fish tank air pump about 75%
Been done before Tom. Saw the results on one in the ’70s and it was hard to keep it on the road. What you are suggesting is the next thing up from a V8 powered bike. The added weight and torque didn’t do much for the handling or rear end either.