Not A Replica: Genuine 1950 MG TD
Today’s review of a 1950 MG TD, a discovery courtesy of Mr. Numskal, conjures up two thoughts in particular. Firstly, in all of its iterations, the MG T-type was around for a long time, twenty years (1936-1955), according to my accounting. Looking very dated by 1955, its replacement, the MGA was a huge step change in terms of modernity and that’s my second point. It almost seems there should have been a buffer between the two, but that’s not how it happened. Located near Perris, California (Inland Empire), this TD project is available, here on craigslist for $4,500.
The T-type MG came in several iterations including the TA, TB, TC, TD (’50-’53), and TF. The total build for the TD was close to 30K units and most were destined for export markets – the U.S. being one of the more popular destinations. The listing text for this open air roadster is minimalist but it does disclose a few important matters such as, “car needs restoration,mostly complete. new top ,rechromed bumpers, some new wood pieces.” There’s a good deal of surface rust visible but all-in-all, the structure appears to be sound – I would want to perform a close, underside inspection however. And that “mostly complete” business needs to be resolved as in what would comprise the imcomplete items.
I find a lot of “ran when parked” claims as I review so many sale candidates and this listing is just a variation on that suggestion, stating, “motor turns over fine, did run and drive good before placing in storage, some time ago.” The motor in question is a 54 HP, 1,250 CC, in-line, four-cylinder engine which makes a rear wheel connection via a four-speed manual transmission. There’s only one image of this diminutive powerplant and it looks as if it hasn’t run in many moons. While 54 HP isn’t a lot of grunt, it only has to sling around 2,000 lbs. of bulk.
The interior doesn’t show too well. One can spy the new wood pieces referenced in the listing, and the instrument panel appears to have no vacancies – both good signs but it looks, at the least, that the passenger side floor is either deteriorated, or MIA entirely. Also, there’s no indication of available seat frames, door cards, or side curtains. That wooden dash is going to need help too – it seems that some of the veneer has peeled away.
I find these T-type MGs intriguing because, as stated, earlier, they were such an anachronism late in their production life. They definitely have their enthusiasts but this example is going to take some dedication owing to its obvious needs. And is often the case, it’s the “what you don’t know” that can prove to be a real bear in undertaking a complete restoration. What’s your thought, will this TD, at $4,500 firm, serve as a good project basis?
Auctions Ending Soon
2006 Ford Mustang Saleen S281 SCBid Now1 days$15,000
2002 Subaru Impreza WRXBid Now4 days$100
1975 Chevrolet Corvette ConvertibleBid Now4 days$3,000
1964 Ford F-100 Camper CustomBid Now4 days$500
2006 Jeep Wrangler SportBid Now6 days$4,000
Comments
Dead money cars for the last 2 decades. Almost like they’re the model T of British cars. Buy one that’s been restored and then used a bit and you’ll be way way ahead. Unless one derives joy from the restoration/resurrection process itself ( which I understand)
My mother had a TF she had to sell when i was born in 63′ i think she hated me for that till her death..lol..The TF was replaced with a Ford Fairlane as it had space for a baby buggy.LOL
Could be a good car to restore but add an engine rebuild to overcome the dirt and moisture that the open breather tube let into it.
A big concern is paint. These cars need to be taken apart and stripped to bare metal. If you paint over the original lacquer, it will crack and peel off. Budget at least $10,000 for this even if ypu do some work yourself
Handyman special! But could be revived.
ummm. Mostly a complete car to work with. Mostly in general terms.
Back in 1961 college roomate had a ’51, New England, winter, transmission needed work, no 1st or 3rd, removed it in a snow storm in a parking lot, took to dorm room, other roommate who was good at this stuff, took it apart, found the problem, got the parts, there was a local dealer back then, and put it back together, and back in car, worked well. Note, us two guys lifted it and carried it several blocks, both ways. On the other hand, electrical fire under dash (ripped the wires that had shorted out – no headlights as a result) and drove it home by moonlight. A third person could fit in the area behind the seats. Later in my life, friend (airline pilot) had one professionally restored, far more perfect than factory, he feared taking it out, so it sat in garage for years, mostly to be looked at. The big unknown on this one, and hard to determine without trying to open and close the doors, is the wood. If it is good, that is good. If it is not, that is going to be a big issue. And the frame, again, if it is good, that is good, and if it is not, another big issue. And once it is road worthy, they are scary given the size of everyone else on the road, the lack of metal on the sides of you, let alone over you, or in back of you. But on a winding country road they are just fine.
I have one of the last T-series made, TF 1500, also called the Midget, number 9252. Was repainted and partially re-assembled, then parked. The seller said his dad owned it a long time, he remembers riding behind the seats, and they lost a wheel or two when the knock-offs came loose.
Chuck – BRG is a popular color! Your car was originally grey.
Knock offs are side coded, if fitted the wrong side, they will come loose!
I guess it’s right side tighty, lefty side…oh sh*t !