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MG TD TF 1500 - Barn Find in the Philadelphia Area

I know absolutely nothing about the car in this ad, but I thought I'd toss it up here in case anyone was interested... I came across it a few minutes ago when looking for MG bits on Craigslist.

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/cto/4822264724.html

BTW, I was interested to note the 3rd 'idler' on the wipers.
Kevin McLemore

I meant to hook in a photo... here you go!

So.. what do you think... is he/she asking too much at $12K?


Kevin McLemore

May be a good solid car to start with. But considering you can buy a good re-done car ready for the street for 18K, I think 12K is a bit much. Depending on the condition of the wood etc, I would think 5-7K may be a fairer price. Getting very pricey to restore these cars. But they are fun!
...CR
C.R. Tyrell

IMHO: Too high priced. $7k maybe if it was all original survivor when parked.
"Was restored in late 60's." to me translates to "worth less" as it is unknown just what liberties were taken during that restore.
He doesn't go into what "rechromed parts" are there and most of the chrome I see appears to be in pretty bad shape. $$$$
IMHO: $5k is the high end on this one and then only for someone that really wants to do the work for the fun of it.
David Sheward 55 TF1500 # 7427

Agree with CR. Despite not being a basket case it will need thousands in interior, top, paint, chrome and mechanicals. Looks like it may have gotten parked when the fan went into the radiator ...

BobbyG
Bobby Galvez

In my opinion, $12K is a bit high. But because it's pretty complete, and seems to have almost all original parts, I'd go $8-$9K, especially if the frame and wood are decent. I wonder what the paint is like under all that dust?
S Maas

In my opinion, $12K is a bit high. But because it's pretty complete, and seems to have almost all original parts, I'd go $8-$9K. I wonder what the paint is like under all that dust?
S Maas

Based on what I see and past experience of two T type resto's...I wouldn't pay more than 4 or 5 grand....and I'd have to want it pretty bad at those prices.

Just my two cents worth.
MG LaVerne

I'm a little cautious because I see that the front apron has been unscrewed... one wonders why...

I'm with you guys, though, $12.5K kind of seems way high to me. I wouldn't go any higher than about half that.
Kevin McLemore

I'm very much in the $5 range, maybe up to 7 if it turns out to be nicer than it looks - but not more. It looks pretty shabby, all things considered, and I would be very concerned what lies beneath what little we can see.

I've never yet seen a single 60's restoration that was worth anything at all... Doors are a poor fit, which suggests all sort of body horrors,

Tom Lange
MGT Repair
t lange

You really just have to go see the car, and bring someone with you from an MG or "T" register that has restored one of these cars before. The interior looks to worthy of a clean and re-dye... but you never know until you see the entire thing. Individual pieces and panels are not available new, and repairing can get costly....fast. Most Chrome can be replaced or re-plated at $$$$'s. The big pieces like radiator, should be sourced before you even make an offer. Hard to find, and if found can be pricey as well.

So bottom line.... look and see. Restoring can cost 25K easily for a car worth 20K at best in todays market. Just my opinion.
...CR
C.R. Tyrell

Hmmm... two "hard" fuel lines (but only one "soft"), relief grinding on the air intake, possible large carbs and air filter. TD/C alert?
J Barry

The heads of stovebolts showing on both front latch pillars probably show that the latch pillars are rotted. Something about the gearshift looks odd. The sheetmetal looks good. If it drives I'd put it at about $6-7k Bud
Bud Krueger

Don't think it's a TD/C - small carbs, I only see one fuel line, and the front A-arms don't have the Mark II shims. The photographs could be more helpful, but I see just another $5k orphan...

Tom Lange
MGT Repair
t lange

I'm with Bud on this one. Bottom line. Drivable cars with a decent finish go for $10-15k. Cars like this are in the $4-6k range at best.

This one would be good to restore, but not drive. And even as a restorer I would be diving deep into the rot/rust factor before I took the plunge.
Christopher Couper

Probably not a TD/C. I thought these were dual fuel lines, but agree on no reinforced A-arms.


J Barry

James - they seem to be wires going to the starter switch.

Tom Lange
MGT Repair
t lange

As I say, I have no interest in the car - I've already got a TD and I'm out of garage space for my collection - but I thought it made for interesting conversation.

As I noted in my earlier comment, check out the wiper 'idler' arm - was that stock?
Kevin McLemore

Kevin: Yes it is stock for 1953 models. They moved the wiper motor to the center and had the change the idlers and arm.
Christopher Couper

Ah, thanks, Christopher. Mine is a 52, so I don't have the same setup.
Kevin McLemore

Ah, now I can see why it was parked in the garage. Note no fan and a big hole in the radiator. Looks like they were starting to remove the radiator.

I would say $7 might be ok if it cleaned up well enough.


Bruce Cunha

Has anyone actually SEEN this car? My suspicion is that seeing it would remove all doubt that it is a true barn-find dog, hiding all its many problems under a coat of overspray and dirt. I see no redeeming value in this car beyond $5,000. If the owner knows it will start when the fuel pump points are cleaned, why doesn't he just say it runs? Why doesn't HE clean the points?

Tom Lange
MGT Repair
t lange

IMHO: The pic's are an honest representation of what it looked like when "found"...but if your going to ask $12,500 I think you may have better luck after a good cleaning.
At least it has a title ...right Tom?
David Sheward 55 TF1500 # 7427

I agree with Tom, $5000 is a top dollar for this car and at that, with a complete restoration, you'll have more into it than it'll be worth. Great for someone who wants to build it for themselves and hang the cost. Dusting off and a little wax isn't going to cut it!
Paul S Jennings

This thread was discussed between 28/12/2014 and 29/12/2014

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