1953 MG TD Replica

Description

It's easy to understand why they built this handsome 1953 MG TD replica: it looks great! Originals were frequently neglected and abused, never mind their legendary finicky nature, so it was probably a smart idea to recreate the look in fiberglass and put reliable running gear underneath. Traditional British fun without the downside, what could be better?

This bright TD has the right look, from the flowing fenders to the cut-down doors to the rear-mounted spare tire, it's going to fool a lot of people. Unlike a lot of replicas, this Fiber Fab roadster nails the correct proportions and doesn't have that home-made look. Instead, it's nicely finished and very cleanly rendered, with decent paint that's been touched up over the years but still has a vintage-looking shine. They nailed the details, too, with a properly-shaped grille, bucket headlights, and running lights atop the front fenders, and you'll love the raked-back windshield. Simple bumpers, familiar VW taillights, and the high-mounted license plate bracket all contribute to the old world vibe this car gives off, which is entirely the point. It's not perfect and it's probably ready to be called an antique in its own right, but for the price, you probably can't get more 2-seat roadster fun.

The minimalist interior does a good impersonation of the original TD as well, starting with the seat. It's not quite buckets, and it's not quite a bench, instead it splits the lower cushion and puts the shifter in the middle, which is exactly how the guys at MG were doing it, too. The wooden dashboard is probably far nicer than the MG piece, and it includes vintage gauges that seem about right, too. The fat wood-rimmed steering wheel and modern steering column might give it away, but it feels right when you're hustling down the road in this open two-seater. Carpets on the floor are a bit plusher than the British were installing in their open cars but the door panels with their built-in map pockets get the look exactly right. There is no heater, no radio, but you didn't get those in your MG, either, so it's perfectly in line with this car's target audience. Overhead, you get a folding convertible top that's in good order with a few older repairs, and quite honestly, it probably works about as well as the MG's original top, too: for emergency use only!

Under the front hood there's only a gas tank and some storage. As a result, there's some speculation about the powerplant, which now lives in back thanks to a 1600 cc single port flat-4 donation from a VW Beetle. It's a tidy installation, with good service access and decent workmanship throughout. There's an upgraded carburetor, a correct generator, and familiar VW hardware throughout, which means it's durable, easy to maintain, and surprisingly thrifty. It's backed by a proper 4-speed manual gearbox, while the front and rear suspension, brakes, and other hardware underneath are all bulletproof VW parts (and all the upgrades you want are just a phone call away!). The exhaust has that familiar whistle that gives it away, but under way, it is a joy to listen to it work. VW wheels carry MG hubcaps to complete the illusion, along with a set of 165R15 Dunlop radials.

Not a show car, not a car for fooling MG purists, but if you like the look and the open-air experience, and don't mind having a little extra horsepower and fewer headaches, then this MG TD replica might be a smart choice. Call today!