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T-Series Mg td
- Thread starter lagnaf
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We've got some folks going through a TF restoration right now -- very similar car.
I love the T-series cars, but they do have their caveats (as do all British cars). On a general note, think about what you want to do with the car. Interested in restoring or driving? A TD is not a fast car at all, but quite a bit of fun according to friends of mine who love theirs. Take one for a test drive, make sure you fit.
Restoration costs for a TD are not low. You'll get to know woodworking as well as metal work if you dive in to one.
If you're looking for a driver, the usual advice of buying the best you can afford (and then some) applies here. Buying a done and sorted car will be cheaper than buying one in parts, both in dollars and in years -- unless you're looking for a restoration project in the first place.
My intro into the world of British sports cars came from my grandfather's TD. An iconic car if you can live with its foibles.
I love the T-series cars, but they do have their caveats (as do all British cars). On a general note, think about what you want to do with the car. Interested in restoring or driving? A TD is not a fast car at all, but quite a bit of fun according to friends of mine who love theirs. Take one for a test drive, make sure you fit.
Restoration costs for a TD are not low. You'll get to know woodworking as well as metal work if you dive in to one.
If you're looking for a driver, the usual advice of buying the best you can afford (and then some) applies here. Buying a done and sorted car will be cheaper than buying one in parts, both in dollars and in years -- unless you're looking for a restoration project in the first place.
My intro into the world of British sports cars came from my grandfather's TD. An iconic car if you can live with its foibles.
Take one for a test drive, make sure you fit.
Ha! No doubt. They look very small. Here's another question. I have noticed that many of these cars are not exactly true to form ... or original. Lot's of kits, even cars with Nissan motors in them. As a British car guy, is there joy in having a car have the original motor and all that, or is there something to be said for a car that looks the part but has some more upgraded features? I do notice that the cars that aren't original (Nissan motor for example) are far less expensive. I suspect however that they carry far less pinache along with them.
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The question of originality is really a personal one. In most cases an original car (or at least one in original spec) will command a higher price. Some changes are generally considered to be "okay" by all but the deepest purest.
For instance, the rear end gearing on the TD is pretty short so the engine is screaming at higher speeds. Swapping in the 3.90 diff gears from an MGA is generally not seen as a detraction, especially if the car is driven. Engine swaps go a bit farther, and almost always drop the price.
That said, a fellow local to me has a TD with a Mustang drive train (289 V8). The swap was done in the 1960s and really is pretty cool as a period hot rod. Still, it's worth less than an original one.
Ultimately do what you enjoy. I tend towards a more original car where feasible. (That said, I'm putting a later 1275cc engine into my Bugeye to make it more drivable in modern traffic -- adding front disc brakes too.) I do think there is real joy in experiencing the car as it was built.
As for the size, it can be a real issue. I'm 6'1", 210# with 13eeee shoes... I can't drive a T series car very well. One foot hits all the pedals at once. :grin:
For instance, the rear end gearing on the TD is pretty short so the engine is screaming at higher speeds. Swapping in the 3.90 diff gears from an MGA is generally not seen as a detraction, especially if the car is driven. Engine swaps go a bit farther, and almost always drop the price.
That said, a fellow local to me has a TD with a Mustang drive train (289 V8). The swap was done in the 1960s and really is pretty cool as a period hot rod. Still, it's worth less than an original one.
Ultimately do what you enjoy. I tend towards a more original car where feasible. (That said, I'm putting a later 1275cc engine into my Bugeye to make it more drivable in modern traffic -- adding front disc brakes too.) I do think there is real joy in experiencing the car as it was built.
As for the size, it can be a real issue. I'm 6'1", 210# with 13eeee shoes... I can't drive a T series car very well. One foot hits all the pedals at once. :grin:
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My advice, Stay away from kit cars in general. If your after a TD, buy the best driver you can afford! Before you buy, take someone who knows the T series MGs! Even though their small cars, they can be a nightmare to restore if you know nothing about them. Don't buy one on the owner or dealers statements on the car! They can hide a world of problems to the unwary.The old MGs are wonderful cars, but make sure you take someone who knows MGTs to inspect the car and advise you on it's condition. Remember, these cars are 60+ years old, but with care, very drivable. Their not freeway drivers in stock condition though. PJ
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Get something complete. Parts, even used ones, are relatively expensive, for no good reason I can see. Even if something doesn't work, it probably can be restored for a lot less than it would cost if you had to source one used or new.
Any car you find will have minor changes, compared to its original configuration, and as long as those changes are minor, that's OK. I'd avoid something that is extensively modified or has things on it that are obvious and just plain wrong. This quickly becomes a matter of taste, of course, but I'd still err on the conservative side.
As with all classic cars, you should think long and hard if you will have to depend on shops to do the maintenance and keep it running. You should be able to do at least basic maintenance and light repairs yourself. Otherwise, it not only gets expensive, but you'll spend a lot of time waiting for it to come out of the shop, and finding that the repair isn't right, having to take it back and so on. That is, if you can find a trustworthy shop in your area that can do it.
I'm currently restoring a TD; see the link below.
Any car you find will have minor changes, compared to its original configuration, and as long as those changes are minor, that's OK. I'd avoid something that is extensively modified or has things on it that are obvious and just plain wrong. This quickly becomes a matter of taste, of course, but I'd still err on the conservative side.
As with all classic cars, you should think long and hard if you will have to depend on shops to do the maintenance and keep it running. You should be able to do at least basic maintenance and light repairs yourself. Otherwise, it not only gets expensive, but you'll spend a lot of time waiting for it to come out of the shop, and finding that the repair isn't right, having to take it back and so on. That is, if you can find a trustworthy shop in your area that can do it.
I'm currently restoring a TD; see the link below.