1952 MG TD 486 MILES SINCE FRAME OFF “NUT & BOLT” RESTORATION TO A VERY HIGH LEVEL!
Original California Car with Long Time Ownership & Sympathetic Professional Restoration
DETAILS – THIS PARTICULAR 1952 MGTD
In your search for an exceptional MGTD, you will undoubtedly come across a number of cars for sale. We ask that you keep in mind that there are significant differences between the quality of the cars but, perhaps most important, significant differences between the MKI & MKII MGTD’s. These differences have an effect on the value of the cars (long & short term) in addition to having an affect on drivability, and appearance. This TD was restored under 500 miles ago to exacting standards and remains in show quality. The MKII features are in place and include:- VERY rare and costly in today’s marketplace, Borrani wire wheels (most cars available today are fitted with steel wheels)
– Front Andrex shock absorbers (rare on U.S. export cars)
– Larger 1.5″ H4 SU carburetors
– “Bulge” on the right side of the hood (Bonnet) to accommodate the increased carburetor size
– An 8″ clutch vs. 7.5″ for the standard TD
Only 1,710 MK II’s were produced between 1951-1953
During our 25 years of specializing in European sports cars, we are proud to acknowledge that we have had more MG cars than we can count. This “TD” is unquestionably one of the best driving, well maintained and nicely restored examples that we have had the pleasure of representing.
This lifelong California MGTD enjoys a fascinating history including ownership by the current family since the early 1980’s, close to 40 years. The car has always been in Northern California and was purchased from the cars previous owner who swore that he would never part with the “TD.” He was finally convinced to sell the car and it was acquired by the long time owner of Finley Datsun, Crescent City, CA. as his personal car. It was kept in their showroom and used sparingly for many years until the decision was made to bring the car into better than showroom condition.
Since the restoration, the car has traveled 486 miles! The owner reports that was viewed by the judges at the Silverado Concours d’Elegance, Napa, CA and rated as a 97~ point example.
Features include:
– Restored by Metcraft Restoration to a Very High Standard
– Fitted with Rare Wire Wheels
– Immaculate / High Detailed Engine Compartment
– Photo Documented Restoration
– Includes All “Soft” Weather Gear
The restoration represents a “Cost no object” approach to a frame-off or “Nut & Bolt” restoration that is fresh in every respect.
The MGTD is 100% turn-key and needs absolutely nothing to be used as a regular British sports car ready to cruise and/or show. The owner reports that judges at Silverado Concours d’ Elegance rated the car at 97 points with the only deduction being for the spectacular dashboard that was handmade by the owner, a master woodworker who taught shop at a local high school for many years. We should note that it is one of the nicest jobs we have seen over the past 25 years but could easily be covered by the original MG vinyl should the new owner desire 100% originality. Other than that and the sought after wire wheels that have been on the car for its entire life, the car appears to be totally correct and properly configured. It is our opinion that this MGTD undoubtedly represents one of the finest MGTD’s in the country.
THE NUMBERS
The identifying numbers appear on two brass plates on the driver’s side firewall tool box. These show:
TD / C /15278 XPAG / TD2 / 15524
XPAG / TD2 / “XPAG” denotes the 1250 cc engine, TD2 indicates a later model and fitted with an 8 inch clutch
Body Type / Chassis: 22381
Body Number: 14635 / 84582
Car #: TD 15278
Engine #: 15524 (MATCHING NUMBERS TO VIN PLATE)
The brass plate on the firewall shows the # 15278 that matches the octagon plate # on the lower right side of the engine block.MECHANICAL
• MG XPAG engine, 4 cylinder in-line, 1250 cc, 54.4 hp, 64 lb-ft torque
• Overhead valves, 2 per cylinder, push rod
• Naturally aspirated w/ dual SU H2 carburetors w/ dry element air filters
• Factory 4-speed syncro-mesh gearbox (2nd – 4th gears)
• Gas tank 15.1 gal.
EXTERIOR
• Frame Off / ‽Nut & Bolt” restoration of a solid, originally California MGTD
• Show quality paint in factory delivered paint color / highest quality 2-stage base coat/clear coat
• Extremely straight body lines & door fitment / closure – NO sagging or ill-fitting doors or hood panels NOTE: No marks on door openings from poor fitment and excellent hood fit / gaps PLEASE VIEW DETAILED PHOTOS
• Very tight, rattle free ‘TD”
• All exterior chrome is exceptional and free from any pitting or damage
• Beautiful bumpers with factory correct over-riders
• New windscreen & rubber trim, chrome, and other exterior items
• Excellent, virtually new beige canvas tonneau cover with functional center zipper to allow for ‽splitting” the driver’s and passenger compartments or covering the entire car
• Like brand new (up for photos but never used), high quality canvas tan top with perfectly clear window and restored top bows
• Front & rear side curtains included (4) also fitted to chromed (originally painted frames & finished in matching light vinyl fabric with clear windows (refer to photographs)
• Both doors open and close and secure properly with solid hinges and no sagging
• Original black / yellow license plates included in sale (To California buyers only as they need to be turned in for out of state sales)
• Currently registered and just renewed until 10/2018 (CA buyers only)
• Beautifully restored front grill
• No radio or antenna (the way it should be for a vintage British sports car)
INTERIOR
• Beautiful pleated beige leather seat upholstery
• Beautiful original totally restored steering wheel
• Beautiful original type vinyl covered dash & gauges
• All original gauges and all work except for small clock below tachometer
• Excellent tan door panels each w/ a storage pocket
• Glove box in dash
• Replaced black floor carpet w/ rubber mat on driver’ s side
• Space for luggage behind the front seats with separate felt lined compartment for side screens / windows (included per above description)
• Factory correct center mounted rear view mirror
• Wipers work
• Functional hand brake
• Working (loud) horn)
•Lights & electrical system is fully functional
COSMETIC CONDITION
This example is absolutely striking in red, with a classic tan leather interior, tan canvas top, side curtains, and tonneau cover. The restoration effort was done to a very high standard with considerable attention to detail that resulted in an absolutely beautiful MG.
The convertible top and color coordinated full canvas tonneau cover and top are in virtually new condition and the interior is exceptional. The engine bay is highly detailed and remains in stock configuration. The bright-work shows like a new “TD”, particularly both bumpers.
The underside is California clean and supports the high level of the restoration. The inner fender wells were painted body color, as is correct, and have virtually no scratches, rock chips or damage. The front and rear suspension are immaculate and the detailed photos reflect the commitment to excellence in the restoration. The entire wiring harness was changed and the engine compartment is absolutely immaculate.
DRIVEABILITY
Frankly, this “TD” car runs and drives better than any early MG that we have owned. We attribute this to a totally rebuilt engine, transmission, and host of other drive-line components. It starts immediately when cold and equally as well once it is fully warmed up. The engine does not hesitate, has excellent power, and it runs smoothly as it is shifted up and down through the syncromesh gears of the totally rebuilt transmission.
There is no unusual noise in the drive-line including the rear end, engine, brakes, and other components.
The MGTD does not pull to the left or right, or exhibit any drivability issues. MG enthusiasts will notice that the instrumentation is MG is period correct. Due to a new wiring harness and a very particular owner, all of the lights and electrical system are fully functional. The speedometer works with none of the usual “wandering” and shows steady speeds. We often see non-working tachometers but this car is the exception and the tach indicates the correct RPM including a smooth idle at just below 1,000 rpm.
The MG runs at normal operating temperature with no indication of overheating. The other gauges are fully functional (speedometer, tachometer, oil pressure, ammeter) as are the lights and horn. Engine oil pressure reads a very healthy 70~ lbs., well within the normal operating specifications and the MG runs cool even in warm Northern California temperatures partly as a result of the restored cooling system. The car is totally sorted, usable at highway speeds and, personally, we would not hesitate to take it on a long (and enjoyable) journey.
The MG is perhaps the most mechanically solid example that we can remember owning. It will certainly be well received at any car show, cruise, or British car event.