A couple of factors make classic British sports cars from the early post-war years attractive for enthusiasts. The first is that their engineering is pretty basic, making them a popular pick for restoration projects. However, their affordability attracts many, and this 1951 MG TD is a case in point. It runs and drives well, meaning that its buyer could hit the road for a spot of instant gratification. However, it would also be a straightforward restoration that a person could tackle on a tight budget. If you’re suddenly finding yourself strangely drawn to this MG, it is located in Big Bear City, California, and listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has hit $7,200, which pushes it beyond the reserve.

It seems that the history of this MG includes an older restoration performed by a previous owner. It still presents pretty well, although there are a few spots where the MG Red paint shows its age. These include chips and marks and areas where the finish is developing a matte appearance. However, there’s a chance that those spots would respond positively to a buff and polish, which is an option that the buyer might investigate further. The Black soft-top is okay, but I wouldn’t class it as immaculate. I’ve had no trouble finding replacement tops for around $400, and this would seem to represent an affordable means of lifting the exterior presentation. The owner doesn’t mention any existing rust issues, and none are visible in the supplied photos. The exterior trim would be acceptable for a good driver-grade vehicle, and I can’t spot any problems with the glass. The only other fault that the owner identifies is inoperative wipers, so the buyer will need to undertake a spot of detective work to locate the fault.

If the buyer intends to undertake a restoration on this classic in a home workshop, the interior could be the area that consumes the most money. It is serviceable, but the seller describes its overall condition as poor. There is another issue with the interior to consider for a buyer striving for authenticity. If the exterior paint combination is correct, the interior trim is wrong. Any 1951 TD that wore MG Red paint and matching grille slats rolled off the line with the interior upholstered in red or beige. That suggests that the previous owner may have changed things during the earlier restoration. It also leaves the buyer the option of righting this wrong. However, the process is unlikely to be cheap, with a complete trim kit retailing for around $2,000. That’s a fair chunk of change, but it would represent a one-off expense that is unlikely to be repeated during the buyer’s lifetime…or the lives of potential subsequent owners. The dash may have a few minor flaws, but I’m not 100% certain on that point. Overall, the interior is another aspect of this classic that the new owner could restore at home.

Unfortunately, the seller doesn’t supply any engine photos. He rights this wrong by providing information on the car’s overall mechanical health. If it is numbers-matching, the engine bay should be occupied by a 1,250cc four-cylinder engine that produces 54hp. Bolted to the motor is a four-speed manual transmission, and this combination allows the TD to launch through the ¼ mile in 21.5 seconds. That figure isn’t guaranteed to get your heart racing, but don’t be fooled. Because occupants sit so close to terra firma, the MG feels far faster than the numbers suggest, making most journeys pretty enjoyable. The owner indicates that this MG’s engine received a comprehensive rebuild in 2007, and it remains in excellent health. He has fitted radial tires that have transformed the car’s handling. It runs and drives well and is ready to provide the instant gratification that I mentioned earlier.

This 1951 MG TD offers some interesting options for potential buyers to consider. Driving it untouched is an obvious choice and would cost nothing beyond the initial purchase price. Its overall physical condition and lack of rust mean that returning the exterior to its former glory should be an easy undertaking that would cost nothing beyond the price of materials. The most expensive part of the process would be returning the interior to its original appearance. However, depending on where the bidding lands at the auction conclusion, it could still remain financially viable. If you are serious about this classic, it would be worth considering those points and monitoring the listing. You could be rewarded by finding a wonderful classic British sports car parked in your workshop in a few days. I can’t think of a downside to that scenario.