1952 MG TD Roadster
In 1949 a small group of MG leaders, headed by John Thornley, got together to try to create a car that was acceptable to the North American marketplace while at the same time would limit the investment of the Nuffield Organization. Clearly it would be impossible to completely create a new car, not only from a financial point but from a timing standpoint as well. What was needed was a little of the old, sprinkled with a little of the new. Another key factor was to borrow or incorporate features found in other Nuffield cars of the time that were more up to date than the MG TC.
For consignment, a very nice 2 owner example of the 1952 MG TD. Presenting in two tone pale yellow and red accenting, this cowled hood convertible, fender and running board design small sports car is truly a classic with its low doors and snappy engine rebuilt, a mere 500 miles ago. For the early 50's British sports car enthusiast, and collector, this car is a serious bellwether for future cars to come out of the MG lineup, as well as the factory that built them moving on to design the Austin-Healey. A definite standout in our Hallowed Halls filled with over 900 consignment classics!
Exterior
Immaculate pale yellow covers all original sheet metal that is laser straight, gaps that you can measure with a micrometer, (to a decimal point!), and a very nice paint job. It also utilizes some red painted accenting on the front grille vertical ribs, and a swoop spear that starts in front and widens as it reaches the windscreen where it takes a dive downward and covers half the doors in curvaceous fashion. It then rises again over the rear fenders and dies in the rear of the car. Also red steel wheels are covered with the octagonal red MG badges in the center of some round dog dish style wheel coverings in the centers of the red wheels. From the long sexy curving fenders to running boards, body panels to hood flaps, gas tank to rear bumper, there are few faults to be seen with the exception of a few chips and a crack in the bodywork below the passenger's door. The front grille, with correct chromed surround with the red painted vertical slats is topped with the iconic factory octagonal chromed radiator cap will leave you gazing when the car comes and goes. A black convertible top and canvas side panels are also included which are rarely seen, and all in very good condition. An additional spare is mounted to the rear trunk deck area where we can also gaze upon a chromed edge fuel tank, and a fold down chromed luggage rack behind the buttoned up spare tire. With the top down, side screens off and black tonneau covering on this car is the true sense of a proper British sports car.
Interior
Insert the original key into the matching ignition switch and give it a turn, and the car will come to life immediately. While it warms up, gaze around at your passenger compartment where you'll see a wonderfully curved dual hump designed dash draped in walnut veneer with just a hint of padded textured red leather riding the wave of the top edge. A center mounted instrument and knob cluster are within this curved metal panel. Fronting the curvaceous dash is the original steering wheel in full banjo style, presenting in cream bakelite and chromed ribs, as well as sporting the iconic MG center mounted logo. Red leather covered tufted bomber low back style seats show little to no wear and have the convenience of a full back and individual bucket seats. The door panels are matching and in just as good of shape as the seats, all nice. Black carpet covers the floors, as well as a small storage area behind the seats and under the convertible top stowage. A note of 1950's British cool is the dash mounted rear view mirror...smashing mahte!
Drivetrain
A lift of the bonnet and you will feast your eyes on an original restored and rebuilt less than 500 miles ago, 1250cc motor that could be worn to an expensive night out on the town. You'll be met with a black painted valve covering and side tappet cover. Dual side draft Su H2 carbs feed this mini mill running the air through an oil bath air cleaner atop the motor. Let the clutch out on the factory 4-speed manual transmission that will spin the rear tires through a 4.125 rear axle.
Undercarriage
A pristine frame and undercarriage drive train parts in beautiful black. A fine stainless-steel polished exhaust is installed and clean floor pans in the factory white are seen above the beautifully sound frame. All new wiring is noted, and drum brakes are on all 4 corners, along with independent coil springs for the front, and leaf springs for the rear.
Drive-Ability
Upon squeezing myself behind the large bakelite wheel, it fired up and I was off to the test track. Early British motoring could not have provided a nicer experience with the wind in my hair, and the nice throaty buzz of the 4 popper in front, burning petrol has never been so fun. Straight stopping with a good push of the pedal, and tight steering but it takes a bit to become accustomed to the long front end from your low vantage point. All accessories were working as they should. It may need some shifter bushings as the lever wandered a bit.
The beneficiary of a respray in two-tone paint, we now have a great example from 1952 British motoring sports car style. No rust, just yellow and red paint, 4-cylinder 1250cc engine and smooth 4 speed transmission, and let the wind mess up your hair! A cracking good time me droogs!
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
