1952 MG TD

Description

It's about as British as High Tea and as charming as an open-air classic can be. This 1952 MG TD is likely the very vision of what your mind's eye would conjure up upon hearing the words "vintage sports car". A combination of skillful restoration and well-documented, attentive care has brought it through the years in impressive fashion, so this marvel from across the pond still offers a very solid driving experience to go along with its undeniable charm - and all at a very attainable price.

Its exterior is draped with a pleasantly subtle creme color, the result of an older repaint, and despite the passage of years, it still acquits itself well, with a surprisingly smooth texture and a more consistent shine than you'd likely expect. The red front grille adds a nice bit of contrast, as do its array of chrome exterior fittings, all of which are in solid shape. MG's T-series was designed with an exhilarating, but no frills, open air driving experience in mind and the earliest representatives offered only slight protection from the elements, but by the time this TD rolled out, things had evolved considerably and you'll notice that the convertible top assembly on hand here more closely resembles those that would follow and fits snugly while offering side windows for improved visibility - though the tan fabric it currently sports will require some attention. Despite its more than six decades of service, its body alignment remains a strong suit - its doors close well and fit snugly, as does its hood, which we'll refer to as a "bonnet" in this case.

The interior has been both skillfully refurbished and well-maintained. The vintage seating accommodations split the difference between bench and bucket with one continuous seat back and individual cushions separated by the gear shift lever and parking brake. Its red vinyl cover is in impressive condition, sporting a nice tuck and roll pattern that shows no marked creases or other signs of wear. The door panels to each side show great craftsmanship and the sturdy stitching at the center of their storage pockets likely looks just as it did when this classic rolled off the line. The carpet underneath isn't clinging to the floor as it once did, but it's not marred by any glaring discoloration or tears so it's perfectly presentable in its current state. Beyond the wood grain steering wheel, the dash area really looks great. The array of gauges it carries feature very distinctive, silver-tinged faces and are protected by crystal clear lenses.

The 1250 cc engine sitting up front sports a pair of side draft carburetors to extract maximum performance out of its modest displacement and is in very good form, starting up promptly and running with surprising smoothness. It's been well maintained over the years - the records are on hand to attest to it - so the powerplant is well-positioned to provide many future miles of exhilarating driving. The TD features a substantially larger fuel tank than many of its predecessors, equipping it with a range that makes it well-suited for weekend getaways or other lengthy excursions, and its relatively wide track equips it with solid road hugging ability around corners. The view from below reveals an undercarriage that would be considered very solid by any measure. This very fetching British classic rolls on a set 15" stock MG wheels outfitted with Nexen tires.

This 1952 MG TD not only represents a significant piece of automotive history, but it's an ultra-fun, open air ride in its own right. Call today!