It’s been almost sad to watch MG T-Series values drop as the folks that loved them when they were younger (both the cars and the people) age out of the collector vehicle market. On the other hand, that drop in value makes for some bargains, such as this 1953 MG TD barn find may well be! It’s listed for sale here on eBay and has received zero bids against a $3,999 no-reserve starting price. The TD is located in Medford, New Jersey.
I do wish folks would take the car off the trailer for at least some of the pictures. Since the auction description doesn’t include much information, let’s determine what we can from the pictures and what we know about MG TDs. The TD was created as a way of modernizing the classic TC design, making it more up-to-date (except for the traditional styling) and easier to manufacture than the TC, which to be honest was more successful, especially in the US market, than anyone anticipated. Disc wheels and an updated front suspension became standard on the TD. This one looks pretty typical for a T-Series find with rust along the lower parts of the central tub. It would be nice to know the serial number to research more about the car, but at least we know it has a clean title from the ad.
Bumpers appear to be missing, but that is the only thing the seller mentions as being completely gone. One of the nice things about British cars of this era is that they are designed to have rebuildable components rather than trash and replace ones, so if the original part is there it can usually be saved. In this car’s case, I’m guessing it applies to the engine as well due to the seller telling us that it has been filled with ATF, I’m assuming in an attempt to “un-seize” it.
I hope the gauges are included in some of these wrapped packages. Believe it or not, that steering wheel can be restored!
Underhood looks pretty original and most of the time that air cleaner is gone. I remember when the Lucas “bumblebee” ignition wire was sold as a performance part! Assuming this is the original engine, the 1250 cc XPAG four-cylinder was rated at 54-57 horsepower but only had to haul around 2,015 pounds. Sporty feeling, if not truly sporty performance was the order of the day.
This is the picture that got me. I tend to personify cars, and there’s no way you can look at this shot and not think this little TD is saying “take me home and cherish me, I’ll be fun!” After reading The Red Car as a child, I always thought it would be a TC I would eventually fall for, but the “drop dead” look Hap describes is sure there in this TD. As tempting as it is, I’ll have to leave this TD for one of you readers. Be sure and let us know if it’s you that travels to purchase this find!
Wish i had the extra money to scoop it up. But alas between current projects and current finances can’t do it. I love all spectrums of cars from brass era to muscle to custom.. Cars had style and class, and driving was an adventure….not just mindless transportation in cookie cutter cars to and from A and B.
At the bottom of the eBay ad, there’s also a 52 for sale for $6500. The body, interior, and paint are done, the motor is apart. If it’s anywhere near what it’s supposed to be, it’s a much better deal than this one.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1952-MG-T-Series-Convertible/283804880532?_trkparms=aid%3D888008%26algo%3DDISC.CARDS%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20200220090753%26meid%3D7095355ea7ce4e019d93067730a2fc0f%26pid%3D100009%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D1%26mehot%3Dpp%26sd%3D274300451490%26itm%3D283804880532%26pmt%3D0%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D2047675%26algv%3DDiscV1&_trksid=p2047675.c100009.m1982
I will submit this black TD in Florida as the best deal in USA : https://sarasota.craigslist.org/cto/d/sarasota-1952-mg-td/7090182754.html
Yes Matt R, that looks like a lot of fun for $9500.
no doubt!!! Best deal! fagetabotit!
I had totally forgotten THE RED CAR, thank you for reminding me. I had that book as a kid and now I’m wondering if it’s packed away in a box or gone like so many things from my younger days.
Ed, I believe you might still be able to secure a copy of THE RED CAR from either Moss or a fella who has a listing in the want ads in the Sacred Octagon of the New England M.G. T Register (page 36, February issue). He has a few copies for $15 each plus $5 for domestic shipping. While the book was written to entertain a teenager, I found it to be a very quick and fun read and could relate as I play with my TC. Nice break from the sad reality of the current world events.
Thanks to you and Ed for the recommendation. I just bought the book here for $20: https://www.ebay.com/itm/193218589854
You can still pick up copies of The Red Car from The Roadster Factory out of PA. I got my copy not too long ago from them.
@MattR Very nice find! That is really tempting. My dad has always wanted another one as he drove a TD in the day. He has gravitated to the TF because that was the next model and the allure of the 1500. This is cheap enough to maybe get him an early birthday present.
Do it Pete. That would make me so happy. I understand the allure of the TF, but I’ve looked at 100’s of this era of MGs this year and I don’t think you will find a better deal if this holds up in person as well as the ad. He will love it.
THE RED CAR may have been responsible for why many of us are here today, on this site.
100% true in my case.
Had a ‘52 TD, yellow like this. $750 in 1956. Unthinking pal opened right door at speed, and tore it off! Fun cars.
Note that this can be started with a crank if your battery dies. I had a ’59 MGA and it also still had it’s crank. I was a curiousity item around my small town when due to no cash to buy two new 6 volt batteries, I used the crank all summer vacation
We had a red ’53 with tan interior. Used it to run around town and enjoy just driving it. Tried the crank once. Didn’t think that was as much fun as using the starter but it did work. Pretty sure this car is way over priced and not in as good condition as presented.
Ended:Mar 15, 2020 , 4:14PM
Winning bid:US $3,999.00
[ 1 bid ]