1952 MG-TD
This MG-TD came to us as a restoration project that had already been started by the owner. The vehicle was purchased the brother of the current owner in the early seventies. He used it as a daily driver during his years as a student in California.
The TD moved with him, eventually to the East coast. The car was no longer used a daily driver, and became a valued hobby car. The MG was starting to get issues; the car was stripped and Moss Motors contacted for parts. Many were acquired and the restoration started.
Unfortunately, early in the process, the project came to a halt due to illness that led to an early death. The car remained in the family, even though it was nothing more than a rolling chassis, body parts, and a number of unlabelled boxes.
This is how the car came to our shop; in boxes. The goal was to make it into a nice driver. After the body parts returned from the body shop, the superior quality of the paintjob demanded more than just a nice driver.
All chrome parts were stripped, and re-chromed or replaced. Reproduction parts that were under par were rejected. In this case, original parts were acquired and rebuilt. Our chrome-plater did an unbelievable job straightening and repairing the radiator shroud. The windscreen was replaced, new wiring harness installed, and all instruments were rebuilt by Nisonger.
The engine was completely overhauled. The cylinder head was prepared for unleaded gasoline and the valve guides were replaced. Observing enthusiasts will have noticed on the picture, that the head went through extensive period tuning. This was done in the sixties by the first owner. The head bolt studs in the intake ports were removed to increase the flow. HRC finished the job by capping the upper bolt holes and using counter sunk Alan bolts to clamp the head to the block. This was done to prevent distortion to the upper deck of the head. New piston rings and bearings were installed as well as new upgraded rod bolts. Modern lip seals at the rear and front of the crank replaced the troublesome rope seals.
The clutch was replaced and the gearbox was gone through. The car now shifts really nice.
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I dare say that this car is better than new. Literally no expense was spared to make it as good as possible. New tires, rebuilt Armstrong shock absorbers, all new rubber, all new chrome, new radiator core, rebuilt carburetors, new master brake cylinder, original oil filled air filter, custom made canvas tonneau, new upholstery. Literally too much to mention, but feel free to ask! We even went so far as to restore the original choke cable to be able to lock the choke in the way as it was intended.
With the car comes a valuable selection of used and unused original parts. Also included are several CD’s with photo documentation of all the work done to the car while at HRC. Among the parts that come with the car are Brooklands wind screens, as good as new period optional heater, some badges on the badge bar, a spare black vinyl tonneau and even an original work light that plugs in to the dash!
We are very proud of the result. The car is better than new, but at the same time not over restored. Paint supplier used a new DuPont developed system to match aged colors. As part of their testing, they graciously helped us get as close to the original color as possible. The exterior paint color in combination with the period green upholstery is stunning.
With the results achieved, we feel we have faithfully duplicated the original color scheme.
Driving this TD you will experience a phenomenally smooth ride and the pleasure coupled with the extra horsepower of the tuned and balanced engine. The brakes work great and are very responsive. Although the exhaust system is made of stainless steel from the header on, the engine sound is very period. There is absolutely no play in the steering and it has a very steady feel. Most TC’s and TD’s make me feel uneasy in traffic, with this TD I feel as safe as in my daily driver. Did I mention the safety belts that are mounted to the chassis?
This project, admired by everyone who has seen it, and the pride of Historic Race Car, went way over budget. (As is almost always the case) The asking price may seem on the high side, however, the owner, the brother of the man who started the project years ago, is willing to sell the car for the cost of the restoration.
If you are interested in this beautiful car, please contact Historic Race Car. We will be pleased to tell you all about the project. When you visit our shop in Crystal Lake, weather permitting, we would be happy to take you a test drive.
For overseas customers, we are available to help you with shipping and will deliver the TD at no charge, to either O’Hare International (ORD) or the Rockford, IL (RFD) International Airports.
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