Runs and Drives: 1952 MG TD

For several reasons, classic post-war British sports cars can represent excellent first project candidates. The engineering and construction techniques mean that they are easy to disassemble and bolt back together. They are also generally fairly affordable, a significant consideration for those working on a strict budget. That makes this 1952 MG TD worth a close look. It is an original classic that runs and drives. That would allow the new owner to enjoy this gem immediately while planning their timeline for returning it to its former glory. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Zappenduster for spotting this British diamond in the rough.

The T-Type series was a staple of the MG model range from 1936 until 1955. The company aimed to produce affordable sports cars that were within the financial reach of many, but would also appeal to the export market. The MG TD replaced the TC in 1950, tripling the 10,001-vehicle sales total of its predecessor before production ended in 1953. Our feature car left the factory in Abingdon, England, in 1952. The first owner selected iconic MG Red to coat its exterior, and a close inspection suggests it may have undergone some form of restoration or a repaint. The deterioration since that day means that a repeat performance is on the card. However, this could be a relatively straightforward undertaking. The panels are quite straight, and there are no obvious signs of penetrating rust. The seller doesn’t mention problems in their listing, which is reassuring. The trim condition ranges between restorable parts and items requiring replacement. The top bows are intact, but there is no evidence of an actual top or side curtains. Reproductions are available from companies like Moss Motors. Overall, first impressions are quite positive.

I often use the word “modest” when describing the mechanical specifications of cars like the MG TD. Part of the success of the T-Type range was MG’s decision to source existing drivetrain components from humble backgrounds. The 1,250cc “XPAG” four hiding under this car’s hood perfectly demonstrates that approach. It first appeared in the 1939 MG TB, but originally saw service in the Morris 10. The XPAG produces 54hp and 64 ft/lbs of torque, which feeds to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. Outright performance was never the aim of the exercise with the TD, with these cars springing to life on country lanes and twisting roads. The news for potential buyers keeps getting better, with the seller confirming that this classic runs and drives. That will allow the new owner to indulge in some immediate motoring fun before committing to the restoration.

The seller’s interior shots are lacking, but they confirm it is serviceable in its current form. However, everything looks tired, and the vinyl cover is peeling away from the dash fascia. Therefore, a complete retrim will probably form part of this restoration. Kits to return the interior to its former glory are readily available, and while the process will leave little change from $2,000, a correctly installed kit will represent a one-off expense that will last for many decades if treated respectfully.

With winter fast approaching, now would not seem a logical time to purchase a classic British sports car. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Spending the cold months in a workshop returning this 1952 MG TD to its former glory would be an excellent and productive way to pass the time. That way, it will be ready for some relaxed top-down touring when the sun shows its face again. The seller has listed this TD here on Craigslist in O’Fallon, Missouri. History shows that it will probably never be a mega-bucks vehicle, but the seller’s price of $8,000 OBO makes it undeniably affordable. It has only been on the market for around a day, and I won’t be surprised if someone snaps it up fairly quickly. Therefore, you may need to act fast to park this gem in your workshop.