1952 MG TD Roadster
For consignment, a 1952 MG TD roadster with a title verified 48,588 actual miles and with a long list of upgraded items, new electrical components, and a new top. Our consignor confidently states the car can go anywhere and proved it with runs to Kentucky and Atlantic City.
Exterior
Looking good in just about any color, this Cream TD is a feast for the eyes. The front chrome accoutrements are like a royal crown that cap the front end with a grille surround, headlight and rally light housing, and the bumper with its bumper guards. TD profiles are special with elongated front fenders that swoop to meet a short running board which then blends with the vertical rise of the rear articulated fender while the door slopes downward on the reverse hinge side. Hubcaps center the color keyed wheels, including the rear mounted spare which is gated by the pull down luggage rack. Small marker lights mounted like little torpedoes on the fender and is included in the consignor's statement that lighting has been converted to LED. The canvas top is new and is in excellent condition, black in color and containing a plastic rear window and comes with a new tonneau. The stunning little car is not without a few imperfections including some paint chips around wheel openings and a seam, cracking paint, cracks and rust on the passenger's running board, and some mud repair that could use a redo on.
Interior
Literal wood panels make up the door panels, with a cutout section for storage. The bench seat, split on the bottom to make room for the transmission hump, is tuck and roll style in red leather in good condition. An updated 3 spoke wood rimmed steering wheel fronts a new wood dashboard that houses the factory speedometer and tachometer in front of the driver, while an aluminum plate houses vintage dressed Autometer gauges, the ignition, and various switches and levers. A few dash plaques are applied to the wood glove box and the MG passenger handle is securely attached. It's all very clean and tidy and, as noted, capable. A billet shifter is floor mounted and surrounded by low pile black carpet that shows a bit of usage.
Drivetrain
Clean and driver quality conditions are found as we lift the side engine cover. Here we find the 1250cc inline 4 cylinder power plant rated at 54 horsepower and fueled by a pair of SU carburetors which have recently been rebuilt. A 4-speed manual transmission sends power, in true sports car configuration, to the rear wheels and 5.125 gears. Drum brakes are equipped in the front and back. Our consignor states alternator, relays, fuses, and gauges are newer; the ignition is by Advance Distributor.
Undercarriage
Generally driver quality underneath with some minor surface rust in spots. The single exhaust flows back to a glasspack style muffler, then out beyond the back bumper with a chrome deflector. Some residual oil on the rear differential, but not an active leak. Coil spring suspension occupies the independent system up front while leaf springs suspend the back.
Drive-Ability
I may never be as cool as Elvis or James Dean, but this car tries its best to make you feel cool, and succeeds! The low door, low driving position, and long nose of these MG's really does create an enjoyable ride. This one runs well, handles great, and stops very well. It's no wonder guys thought this would make a great road racing car! Everything functions and this car is ready to hit the road!
Hollywood legends aside, MG TDs are historical automobiles and in many ways, the predecessor to all modern true sportscars. There were plenty of coupes racing back in the day and even a few spiders. But the balanced little TD's were often the gateway cars for many early hobby and professional racers. Here's one for cruising and enjoying, a well sorted 1952 that is bound to deliver smiles and good times for the foreseeable future.
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
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