Vehicle Description
1952 MG TD Roadster Replica
Some iconic cars are very hard to find. Whether it be from rarity,
low production numbers, or out of this world costs when you do find
the example you like. Enter the repli-car. Nearly 750 companies
produced any number of models over the years. Many were made from a
fiberglass mold that was taken from the original. What better way
to have access to almost any classic, where you can build from
frame up, as per your wishes, materials and skill level. Only
limited by your imagination and budget.
It's easy to understand why they built this handsome 1952 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?
Exterior
This red 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 one nails the correct
proportions and doesn't have that home-made look. Instead, it's
nicely finished and very cleanly rendered, with nice paint that's
been touched up over the years but still has a slight shine. They
nailed the details, too, with a nicely shaped grille, bucket
headlights, and running lights atop the front fenders, and you'll
love the raked-back windshield. Simple bumpers, unique
British-looking taillights, and the rear mounted spare tire that
doubles as a cover for the rear VW donor engine, all contribute to
the old world vibe this car gives off, which is entirely the point.
Add on wire spoked wheel covers and the look is completed. Hah!
Fooled ya. 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 fun. Overhead, you get a folding black canvas
convertible top that's in good order with a few scuffs and
blemishes, and quite honestly, it probably works about as well as
the MG's original top, too: for emergency use only!
Interior
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 shift lever in the middle, which is exactly how the guys
at MG were doing it, too. All in tuck and roll black vinyl. The
wooden dashboard is mahogany, which includes nice-looking vintage
gauges that seem suitably British, too. Overall, the curvaceous
dash reminds me of a reclining nude with its undulating lines. 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, and the door
panels with their built-in map pockets get the look exactly right.
Even down to the small straight shift lever with a wood ball topper
in the center of the hump.
Drivetrain
Being from a VW donor, there is a nicely tucked away rear engine
provided by a flip down trunk, and even the tire holder helps with
room for the power plant in back. It's a tidy installation, with
good service access and decent workmanship throughout. It presents
as a 1600cc 4-cylinder and its topped with a 1-barrel carburetor,
powerful alternator, and tidy wiring, all of which suggest this was
a car built to drive, and we have to admit that it has a nice
little bark when you turn the key and fire it up. It's attached to
a proper 4-speed manual gearbox.
Undercarriage
While the front suspension offers manual steering and a rather
sophisticated multi-link setup lives out back. The exhaust has a
grumble that wouldn't be out of place on a real TD and we'll admit
that those radials are a lot grippier than the MG's skinny
bias-plys. Stopping is drum brakes for all 4 corners.
Drive-Ability
This car was hungry for the test track where it did nicely. It
drives like a real sports car, and the VW power plant is a get up
and go engine. Good handling and cornering.
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. Right here at Classic Auto Mall!
Wave the British flag...oh wait..German flag...oh wait...
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.