1950 MG TD Convertible 1950 Used Manual

The traditional MG: light, quick, with cut-down doors and flowing fenders, and that upright MG grille up front. Evolution was slow at Morris Garage, but there's a reason why cars like this 1950a MG TD were brought home by the hundreds by GIs returning from Europe, and why they remain wildly popular today. The look is pure pre-war, with separate fenders and a long hood, but the energetic handling and performance were quite contemporary. This MG has been beautifully restored, but not to the point where you're afraid to drive it, which misses the point entirely. The body construction was traditional, but that also means that it's light and easy to repair, and this one shows no signs of serious damage or the MG's arch-nemesis, rust. Hood and door fit are quite good, and the bright red paint is a very correct-looking finish that's got a great shine but no metallic, so it looks right on the diminutive little roadster. It is nice enough to have been invited to the 2017 Atlanta Concours d'Elegance, and the overall presentation is what endears MGs to their legions of fans; this car gets the look right. Of course, things like the chrome grille, stand-alone headlights, and simple bumpers give it an old-fashioned look, and they're all in good original condition, with the usual light pitting but nothing that needs immediate attention. Inside the cabin, there's adequate room for two once you settle into the low bucket seats and assume the proper driving position. In actuality, you'll probably find it's easy to spend hours behind the wheel without fatigue and there's plenty of room for two normal-sized folks so no complaints about long road trips in this neat little roadster. Well, maybe your cheeks will be hurting from grinning so much, but the driving experience is involving without being exhausting. The interesting split bench seat has been properly reupholstered in pleated black vinyl, which does a pretty good impersonation of leather without the added maintenance. Matching door panels are the essence of simplicity and black carpets with embroidered mats complete the ensemble. The real walnut dashboard houses an array of pretty Jaeger instruments that retain the vintage British look, and we're particularly fond of the ornate metal center panel with the secondary controls. The original three spoke steering wheel has that traditional skinny rim and there are wind wings that help keep the cabin comfortable at speed. And since MG lovers are serious about their cars, this one includes a fresh black canvas convertible top and side curtains for the cockpit. The whole point of an MG isn't brute power, but they're plenty peppy with the 1250 cc inline-four, and it has a wonderful baritone exhaust note that's half the experience. This one is a wonderful runner, firing up easily through dual side-draft SU carburetors inhaling through a single air cleaner. The whole engine is scarcely bigger than a briefcase, but all the parts are easy to get at and maintain, which is the whole point. It's also beautifully and authentically detailed, making this an MG you can show with pride almost anywhere. The engine's linked to a slick-shifting 4-speed manual transmission whose light action and progressive clutch are the cornerstone of performance driving and you'll never get tired of dropping down a gear to hear the engine's song. The chassis is a simple ladder frame with an independent front suspension, a recent exhaust system, and it sits on painted wire wheels with appropriately tall 165R15 radial tires. One drive and you'll see why it's so easy to love an MG and why the market on these cars is on the way up. Call today!