Woodland Find: 1952 MG TD Midget

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The T-Type was a series of body-on-frame, open 2-seater British sports cars produced by MG between 1936 and 1955. That included the MG TA, TB, TC, TD, and TF Midget models. While similar to contemporary cars of the 1940s, they were outdated when they were finally replaced by the MGA in the mid-1950s. This 1952 MG TD could be a candidate for a restoration, but more likely may serve as a donor for another project. Either way, the price is low at $1,000 OBO here on craigslist in Bon Air, Virginia. Thanks for the nature tip, Chuck Foster!

TD Midgets were introduced in 1950 and used the same drivetrain as its predecessor, a 1250cc inline-4 engine paired with a 4-speed manual transmission. To help improve handling, the car’s track was increased to 50 inches, making the entire car five inches wider than the TC, but purists weren’t uniformly impressed. It was the first model which was intended for sale in the U.S. When the TD was discontinued in 1953, about 30,000 copies of that model had been produced.

This ’52 TD looks to have been sitting out in the woods for years and years, so its viability as a restoration prospect would have to come into question. The seller refers to its condition as “salvage” which should indicate not much optimism is there. Also, the title is missing, also not a good sign. We’re not even sure how complete it is. It sounds as though the seller just wants it gone and it could be had for no more than a few hundred dollars.

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Comments

  1. CadmanlsMember

    Wow somebody just took this car out back and covered it up. What a shame, hopefully parts will be used to keep another on the road. Price is fair for a parts car of this type.

    Like 5
  2. bobhess bobhessMember

    Having owned a ’53 I don’t remember any tubular supports under the dashboard. Could be it was falling apart long before it was taken off the road. Not much else but a few parts here.

    Like 1
  3. Fred Veenschoten

    All TD’s had that support tube under the scuttle.

    Like 2
    • bobhess bobhessMember

      Got it. Thanks. Been along time since that one. It had the rectangular taillights and was titled a ’53. Could have been an earlier one.

      Like 1
  4. Derek

    That’s worth the ask for the windscreen assembly and the remains of the sidescreens alone.

    Like 1
  5. Tom Lange

    Fred – the first 100 cars, from 252 to 351, had no scuttle hoop.

    At best, it’s a parts car.

    Like 2
  6. George Birth

    Condition of this one is a shame. These were great little sports cars. Looking at the couple photos shared this one probably best as a parts car for another restoration project. No telling the condition of the frame on this one.

    Like 0
  7. Mike

    Well, if not a parts car, perhaps a very interesting vehicle for yard art?

    Like 1
  8. Jack Quantrill

    Too bad Harrah’s , Sparks, NV facilities closed. They have taken worse than this, cars that were abandoned in the desert, and brought them back from the dead! Of course, Bill Harrah had unlimited funds from his casinos.

    Like 1
    • bobhess bobhessMember

      His collection had to be one of the world’s finest. Went 4 or 5 times when we were living in Nevada and never did see everything he had. Two complete narrow gauge railroad trains out in the lot was a mind blower.

      Like 1
  9. clipper

    It will die (and donate its parts)…so that others may live!

    Like 1

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