Post-war British sports cars continue to experience a strong following in the classic community. While they may not possess the outright performance of a muscle car, they are still rewarding vehicles that remain affordable and easy to maintain. That is the case with this 1952 MG TD. It presents well as a survivor, but it would take little to lift its presentation to the next level. It is ready to be driven and enjoyed, although a little bit of tinkering over the winter months would have it sparkling when the sun emerges once again. The MG is located in College Point, New York, and is listed for sale here on eBay. The owner has said a BIN of $14,950, and there are currently thirty-five people watching this listing.

While it may not be perfect, this MG presents well in Black. The paint holds a good shine, with no evidence of significant flaws or defects. The soft top and side curtains are serviceable, but the buyer may choose to replace these if they wish to improve their vehicle’s overall presentation. They should have no trouble locating a replacement top for around $400, while a set of side curtains will add $300 to the tally. Probably the best news with this MG is that it remains rust-free. There is nothing visible in the panels, and the underside shots reveal it to be structurally sound. The steel wheels are in good condition, as are the hubcaps. The remaining exterior trim and glass look pretty acceptable for a survivor-grade car.

Lifting back the hood reveals the 1,250cc “XPAG” four-cylinder engine that produces 54hp. Those British thoroughbreds find their way to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. A ¼ mile ET of 21.5 seconds doesn’t suggest that this is a fast car, but outright performance isn’t the greatest strength of these classics. They are more at home on a twisting country road, and the low seating position makes the cars feel faster than the speedometer might otherwise indicate. It seems that this MG is in excellent mechanical order. The seller says that it runs and drives very well, and the transmission shifts without any grinding or odd noises. He believes that this is a turnkey classic that needs nothing more than a new owner who will appreciate all it offers.

This TD’s interior is tidy and serviceable, but it could use a spot of work to lift it to the next level. It is missing its carpet, and a replacement set will cost the buyer around $300. The door trims look pretty good and would seem to need nothing. The seats look okay, although some minor rips are developing on the passenger side. A competent upholsterer may be able to repair these problems, but if this isn’t the case, a replacement set of seat covers in leather will cost about $920. The lacquer on the dash has started to crack and will need refinishing. While this is usually a task left to a specialist, the minor level of deterioration means that a competent person could probably tackle it in a home workshop. If the buyer strives for originality, they may also choose to source a banjo-style wheel to replace the aftermarket unit that a previous owner has installed. A reproduction wheel costs approximately $320, but the chunky wheel that is currently fitted may prove more comfortable on longer journeys. However, none of this work is urgent, and the next owner could enjoy this little MG as it now stands.

For any enthusiast who has a classic British sports car on their Wish List, this 1952 MG TD must be a strong contender. It presents well and is structurally sound. It represents a turnkey proposition for its next owner and would take little to lift its appearance to the next level. When you look at its overall condition, you must wonder whether one of those people watching this listing is preparing to hit the BIN button. Of course, you could always beat them to the punch. Are you tempted?