We’ve seen a few examples of the MG TD in recent times here at Barn Finds, and their condition has ranged from the immaculate through to the pretty ropey. This 1952 example is a long way from perfect, but it has many positive attributes as a project car. I have to say a huge thank you to Barn Finder Ikey H because he seems to have a knack for spotting some real pearls for us. If you would love to park a classic British project in your workshop, you will find the TD located in Tempe, Arizona, and listed for sale here on Craigslist. Hand the owner $15,000, and this one could be all yours.
The owner says that the MG is unrestored and believes it is an original Black car. I can’t see any evidence of a color change, and the interior trim and grille slats tie in with that claim. That is by no means conclusive evidence, but it probably isn’t a bad place to start. The little Brit needs a repaint, so if it has undergone a color change in the past, that would be the time to return it to its original shade. The panels wear a few very minor dings, but all of these look like they would pose no challenge to repair. The big news here revolves around the question of rust. That can be a bug-bear with these classics, but it isn’t in this case. The floors and frame are spotless, while the same is true of the panels. The exterior chrome is all there, and the owner believes that this would all present well if treated with a high-quality polish. There is a tonneau cover that is in good condition, but there is no convertible top. This should not be a problem, because replacements are easy to find for under $150. If a frame is also needed, the buyer can add $430 to the total.
Given the exterior condition and the lack of a top, I admit that I was expecting the worst when it came to the question of interior condition. I am happy to say that I was wrong because the interior looks fantastic. Alright, it might not be showroom fresh, but it would easily be acceptable for a driver-quality classic. The upholstered surfaces appear to be in good condition, with no signs of wear or tear. The carpet is in the same state, while the dash is close to perfect. By-and-large, what this interior needs more than anything is a good clean. The wheel isn’t original, and the center is missing. A reproduction wheel with the right center can be found for $390, although there are plenty of aftermarket options available if that is a bit steep for the buyer.
Powering the TD is the 1,250cc XPAG 4-cylinder engine, and its 54hp is sent to the rear wheels via a 4-speed manual transmission. I would be kidding you if I said that these are fast cars, but they are deceptive. Because you sit so close to the road, speeds feel far quicker than they actually are. I mean, when the trip down the ¼ mile takes 21.5 seconds, there aren’t many muscle car owners who will be quaking in their boots in a head-to-head battle with a TD. This little MG doesn’t currently run, but it isn’t bad news. Included in the sale is a set of rebuilt and tuned original H4 carburetors. There is also a new ignition system, new belts, new hoses, and a new thermostat. The fuel system has been flushed, the master cylinder has been rebuilt, and all four wheel cylinders have received the same treatment. There are some other parts required to get the car running, and the owner has these on the way. These will be included in the sale. It sounds like a winner to me!
I’ve made no secret of the fact that I have a soft spot for classic British sports cars like this 1952 MG TD, and I probably need to draw a slightly strange analogy to explain why I like them so much. I can compare the MG TD to a classic Harley-Davidson motorcycle (hear me out on this one!). Some motorcycles are more potent than a Harley. There are plenty that are faster, handle better, are more comfortable, and many that are cheaper and easier to maintain. However, when you buy a Harley, you are buying far more than a simple motorcycle. You are buying into a lifestyle. The story is the same with the MG TD. That’s why I love them, and if you want to own a classic car that encapsulates a lifestyle, maybe this is one that you should examine more closely.
Nice comparison Adam. Some people gave me grief for my Shovelhead Harley that I had to tinker with all the time, but the raw experience of riding it was pure joy.
Black paint with red interior is my MG bullseye and this one is nice. But at 15k, it should run. I would use that as a wedge to try and knock a few k off here.
I had it’s sister 30 years ago in the same colors and condition. They are fun to drive and eAsy to care for. It’s in buy it, drive it, fix it condition.
Lots of potential here.
The comment that ” It’s more fun to drive a slow car fast than it is to drive a fast car slow” certainly applies to the MGTD, and its predecessor the MGTC.
How many cars do you know of that you can 4 wheel drift and not go over 25-30 mph ??? This one seems close enough to complete and driveable that I would not modify it, unless I could sneak better brakes and maybe a 5 speed in without changing the appearance of the car. Since Uws market TDs, like this one, came with steel wheels, it might be possible to add bigger brakes from an MGA, or perhaps even discs, while making it easy to return to stock without too much effort, thus having a car that can be driven anywhere that looks original.
Yes MattR, at the asking price it should run, and the included parts already installed.
The black steel wheels ought to be silver, which suggests a re-paint to black. Also, either the speedo or the tach is a replacement (one flat-faced, one dished), it has Koni rear shocks, and the dash has been out and apart – the central dash panel ought to be painted. I would not be surprised to find that the interior is a Moss kit, admittedly now old. The bumpers have been off, since the bumper brackets should be black, not silver, and the splash-aprons have the wrong fasteners, suggesting a re-paint.
All in all? Probably NOT an unrestored survivor car, and worth less than $10k..
Grill slats should match the upholstery color, aftermarket valve cover, radiator stabilizer bars and horn cover. Need a picture of right side of engine, data plate with car ID and engine ID tag. Agree with Tom on value.