1952 MG TD

Car No. TD/18044

Engine# XPAG/ TD2/18398

A beautiful, honest TD: Runs sweetly and looks great…Ripe to restore, or enjoy as-is

A very nicely preserved car in excellent shape mechanically and in structure. A California original, and it shows in its clean, steel panels and nice floors. “Imported” from California to Minnesota some years back, and since then driven very little during our short summers. We are selling this car for its owner, a lifelong enthusiast with a connoisseur’s taste in cars and a certain knack for locating good examples.

This classic MG has a warm and comfortable antique patina. Indeed, there is a scratch, touch-up, pitted plating or flaw literally everywhere you look on the car, but it comes across as genuine character and charm more than anything else. The paintwork has the look of old lacquer, with plenty of wear and random spots of discoloration. Car is complete with old top and side curtains. The top bows are complete and the assembly goes up and down well. The top is serviceable, but the side curtains will need attention if anyone actually wants to try and weather-proof the cockpit. The older upholstery kit covers the original red leather (see photobucket link below, pic #38). There is a new carpet kit that goes with the car, uninstalled. The wood floors themselves are excellent, both in the footwells, behind the seats, in the storage box, and under the car – Again, LOTS of pictures on the link!

The whole car is ready for an easy cosmetic restoration for anyone who would like to do that, but really its timeworn condition gives the impression of lots of care over the years: You can’t create that look in a paint shop, and nowadays this sort of “preservation class” style gets more enthusiastic reactions from crowds than does a freshly painted car with brand new chrome. Overall, it’s a beautiful car that looks like it was driven straight out of the 50s. The “checkered flag” motif on the radiator grille was a popular “go faster” touch amongst the early SCCA crowd that revered these MGs. Another interesting period touch on this car (one that is visible in countless old racing photos) is the removal of vertical slats at the outer ends and the center of the grille; ostensibly for better cooling in competition.

Car starts instantly on the button and the motor zips the needle right around the tach with smooth, quick response. Under the bonnet, everything looks stock and is where it should be. In the tool box on the firewall, there is a rare factory original Shelley jack (but no jack handle), and also some old King Dick spanners and tire irons). Compression is strong: Cylinder #1 = 147 lbs ; #2 = 151 ; #3 = 156 ; #4 = 169 (see pics #76–79 on the photobucket link). Original XPAG “TD2” engine with matching number to the firewall tag. This little Midget eagerly gets down the road, with good steering and gear change. Brake pedal has a lot of travel, but the brakes work well, with lots of recent work. We think the master cylinder rod could use final adjustment to decrease the pedal travel. There are brand new brake shoes, wheel cylinders, some hoses and a new handbrake cable. The JC Penney tires (when did you last see those?) are old, but seem safe for casual local driving. Gauges work accurately, with the exception of the wonky ammeter (though the warning light for low charge still flashes on cue). Clock is missing. Wipers are inoperable, but otherwise, all lights, trafficators and horn work. There is an accessory heater (said to be an Arnolt, though not tagged as such), and its blower motor still whirrs quietly away. And speaking of lights, the headlamps are genuine 1950s vintage Lucas units with separate bulbs – A subtle but very nice touch! I suppose I should state here that the odometer works, but we don’t suspect theoverall mileage isaccurate; it has probably has been around to zero again, but we put the actual number into eBay’s boilerplate(as they command).

Underneath, this car is clean and structurally impressive. All of the wood that we could see looks clean, dry, and free of any rot. The frame is straight, clean and betrays no serious damage or repairs. The exhaust is new. Fenders and running boards are excellent and the wholebody/frame assemblageis as straight and tight as you could wish for. Any rust we could see is light surface corrosion, and this car should be considered ‘rust free’ by any sane definition.

The entirecar exhibits typical So-Cal dry weather preservation that is so perfect for keeping old cars alive. Indeed, in the bottom of the tool box, we found some ancient scraps of a service receipt from “Bill Young Sport Cars, 2100 Verdugo Blvd, Montrose” (pic on link)…Though we have been unable to find any evidence for it, it’s very easy to imagine this car taking part in the famous and wildly popular SCCA sanctioned road races at Torrey Pines or Pebble Beach of the early 50s. MGs were by far the mainstay of the “Under 1500cc Class” in those days. Theseare the real roots of the fascinating early history of the “sports car movement” in America. Old MGs are still packed with the thrills that made them icons of their age, and this example is no different: It is an absolute hoot to drive, is as simple to repair as a tractor, and is easy to get parts for…These are all charms that sadly seem to be missing from all new cars!

FOR THE BEST LOOK PLEASE SEE ALL 150+ PHOTOS, SHOWING THE CAR IN GREAT DETAIL, OVER/UNDER/SIDEWAYS/DOWN. Click on: http://s1317.photobucket.com/user/Kowalski111/slideshow/

TAKE A SHORT QUICK RIDE WITH US to SEE AND HEAR IT RUN. Click on: https://youtu.be/Ni5kUWpEWFM

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And Now, If You’re Serious about Bidding, Please Read….

The Fine Print:

GOOD LUCK! Please bid to the value this car may hold for you. Please feel free to ask questions or add comments. Please ask questionsBEFORE you bid.We willrespond quickly and honestly. This vehicle is garaged inPlymouth, Minnesota 55441,aboutten minutesout ofdowntown Minneapolis, or a half-hour from the airport.Inspections are invited and encouraged!

CONDITIONS: Winning this auction constitutes a legal and binding agreement between the Buyer and the Owner and the Seller’s Agents (MM1000auto). Please bid sincerely and sensibly. Zero-feedback bidders must contact us first before bidding to establish some level of seriousness-of-intent; It's nothing personal, just business: We, and many others, have been stung on eBay Motors by too manydead-beat auction winners.

Vehicle is sold "As-Is and Where-Is".Neither the Owner nor the Selling Agentscan or willtake any responsibilityfor this car after itleaves the premises.

PAYMENT:Buyer must make a$300 DEPOSITby PayPal within24 hours of the Auction Close. The Deposit willsecure the Deal for all Parties involved. Failure to make Deposit within24 hours willrisk Cancellation of the Sale at Discretion ofthe Sellers.BALANCE MUST BE PAID within7 BUSINESS DAYS of saleby SECURE PAYMENT. Accepting US FUNDS via WIRE TRANSFER, CERTIFIED BANK CHECK, or CASH at PICK-UP (if you pick up within 7 days).

TRANSPORT: Buyer is responsible for all transportation arrangements and costs. This vehicle is garaged inPlymouth, Minnesota 55441,aboutten minutesout ofdowntown Minneapolis, or a half-hour from the airport. Wedo not offer quotes on shipping. There are many vendorsto choose from offeringvehicle transport. If you like, we will be happy to recommend some "preferred" carriers with whom we have direct experience. ALL EXPORT SALE DETAILS MUST BE MADE BY THE BUYER, though we can recommend a freight forwarder if you like.

STORAGE: While the Auction Winner sorts out pick-up or transport arrangements,Seller can offer, free of charge, dry indoor storage for up to 30 days after auction termination. Longer periods can be arranged at cost if necessary. Sellercannotaccept any liability during this storageperiod.

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Thank You for Looking!We are fluent in classic European cars. We are hobbyists, first and foremost, and happy to hear from you on the subject of cars or bikes. In addition to AUTOMOBILIA and PARTS, WE HAVE SOLD DOZENS OF VEHICLES ON eBAY...EACH DEAL A HAPPY ONE FOR ALL INVOLVED! >>MM1000auto>> was created to auction the THINGSWE LOVE MOST: CARS, PARTS, and AUTOMOBILIA