1952 MG TD Replica

The first MG TD's were manufactured in late 1949, and the model was formally announced in January of 1950. Only 98 TD's were made in 1949, 2 RHD and 96 LHD. There were a total of four model years - 1950, 1951, 1952, and 1953, and the models are nowadays referred to as the MG TD, TD2 and TD/C MK II.

For the early 50s British sports car enthusiast, and collector, this car design 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 Healy. Our example for consignment is a fiberglass replica of the 1952 version of the original. It is based on a VW chassis and has VW power neatly tucked into the trunk of this replica.

Exterior
Looking very much like the original design, which utilizes the icons of the day including a cowled vented hood, (now used for the fuel tank, and the battery housing in front), short doors, chromed radiator surround, and of course those curvaceous fenders that form the exterior. Two tone tan for the body and brown for the fenders this car emulates the original very well. Round chrome bezel headlights flank the shiny vertical ribbed grille in front, a slightly curved bumper frames the bottom, and shows some dimpling on the chrome. On the fenders are bullet style turn signal casings and lighting, and the round rear view mirrors. As we move our way rearward, past the long hood to a chromed frame for the front glass, and the suicide low door which allows access to the passenger compartment, we see more tan fiberglass in good condition. On the back is the trunk which allows access to the engine compartment, and this is topped by a spare tire with a nice brown canvas covering that matches the tonneau cover. 15-inch wire chromed spoked wheel covers are all around.

Interior
Our consigner tells us that the interior is brand new, and it is simply beautiful. Chocolate brown vinyl with smooth bolsters and some wide tuck and roll inserts are bordered in cream piping. It is near perfection for these seats which form a bench inside. The door panels are the similar pattern and use the tuck and roll and smooth chocolate along with the cream piping. Upfront a curved dual eyebrow design wood dash houses all the analog instrumentation, knobs and pulls. A matching wood rimmed steering wheel is fronting this solid wood dash which has the rear-view mirror firmly attached to its center on the top. Decidedly British for this interior. Near perfect new brown carpeting is flooding the floors, and we can note the floor shifter and handbrake under the dash.

Drivetrain
A lift of the cowls you will feast your eyes on …(well the fuel tank and battery!). We need to go to the boot of this car to find the engine, which is an air cooled 1973 vintage 1600cc VW engine. Looking very clean with a shiny open air filter covering on top of the 1-barrel carburetor, and 4-speed manual transmission on the back. The final drive is a 4.45 ratio.

Undercarriage
Mostly a flat stamped steel tub for the underside with some slight surface rust on underlying panels near the wheels. We can note MacPherson strut suspension in front, and semi trailing arms for the rear which is standard VW suspension. Drum brakes are all around, and a clean rust-free exhaust system is now installed to this engine.

Drive-Ability
This car started quickly and on the test track it behaved nicely. Handling turns like a non top heavy VW Bug, smooth acceleration with the less weight fiberglass body, and feeling much like driving one of the originals, save for the exhaust sound. Unfortunately the tachometer, odometer and trip odometer are all in op, and the driver's door has to be muscled hard and slammed for it to close and stay latched.

A true to the original fiberglass replica in two tone paint, and looking very much the MG TD 1952 part, this car runs well and performs nicely with its overall lighter weight and much lower stance, Go ahead live the dream in fiberglass rust free, reliable 1600cc VW engine, and chassis while looking like vintage MG from 1952. Cracking car Grommit!

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 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.