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MG TD TF 1500 - 52 TD value

I have an opportunity to own a 1952 TD stored since 1963. Current owner has disassembled the vehicle which is somewhat in primer...some is and some isn't. I suspect the motor is siezed as he's a bit "sketchy" to the fact and quick to say "I don't know"...too quick. It has chrome headlight buckets I am sure are aftermarket...I think...they are dinged and the front bumper show a mild front end crunch sometime...the radiator "shelf" is bent and damaged along with a fender...mild damage. It has always been stored inside and appears to have no wood problems...

I am trying to make a "fair" offer and realized the expense of $ and time to restore this near basket case will be mighty. Still, its a reluctantly seller who is only offering to me due to his age...81.

Can anyone "ball park" on current values for this condition in the USA?
RAK Kirk

you are going to spend $10,000 to make this car a decent driver, not a show car, but a decent driver. i paid $9000 for mine as a decent driver. some TD's did have chrome headlight buckets. regards, tom
tom peterson

Thanks Tom, I appreciate the assessment and can do the simple math but the more esoteric question is its worth now...$500, $2000, $5000, I have a good idea to total $ investment other for a street running car but have no idea of its value now. Thanks again...
RAK Kirk

If you are talking about an "investment" that you could reclaim your value (less labor), then another approach is to evaluate what you plan for the car and total that amount of cost- then subtract that from a similar car at current market value. A current driver is from 7500 to 15K depending upon condition.
A completely restored car is only bringing about $25-28K.
Sounds like a $2500-$4000 car.

Dallas
D C Congleton

I agree with Dallas and would say something around $ 2,500 -$3,000. But I wouldn't buy a TD in that state at all - based on the costs mentioned by Tom and Dallas. Just not worth it - unless you need lots of parts or really need a project and have lots of $$$

I would question that restored TDs would bring $25 - $28K on a complete restoration. That's what someone may WANT to get - but I can't imagine anyone paying that now - TD prices seem to be dropping from what I see with the various sales.

I have seen very nice, recently restored TDs in the 17-20 range.

With the costs you are facing - do a quick look on Ebay and look at those TDs. Also use MGauctionwatch.com and check out the prices.

I always hate to see cars in that state as taking them apart and stopping always leads to those sad situations where the cars sells for almost nothing.

Jeff



J. W. Delk

Many people selling this type of "basket case" think they have something that is very valuable and want an unreasonable amount. Cars on e-bay in this condition seem to sell for around $ 3000 to $4000.

Seller can try e-bay, but if you make him an offer of around $3000, your probably not going to loose even if you have to part it out (a terrible thing to do if the car is restorable, but without parts cars, many of us would have difficulty rebuilding ours)

An additonal $10,000 is a good general figure to think about for restoration if you do much of your own work.

Things, like radiator shells, crank shafts and chroming work are getting very expensive.

Not trying to discourage you. If you can afford it or do it a little at a time, go for it.

Bruce
Bruce-C

Kirk,
One side of your equasion is the actual market value of a good 1952 TD. I sold mine within the last three months. It was braodly offered and is, in some ways, an exceptional vehicle. I got $20,000 and feel it was a fair price considering current market conditions but perhaps $2,000 below optimum.
Warmly,
Dick Thomas


Dick Thomas

I appreciate the input. I can tell by the somewhat strained replies this is not an easy answer. I have offered 2K and want to be fair but I need another project like a hole in the head. My problem is its an uncle who owns it and it is the single reason I now own 15 LBCs and 12 more eclectics. I have wanted this car since I was 12 years old and now that I am in my own mind much more sophisticated to values and cars, my interest is only for the first car I ever wanted...its not practicle on my part but a once in a life time opportunity none the less. My uncle has traded and owned many cars mostly pre war Fords and always kept this and a Model A in far better condition. He had intimated he felt it was worth 6.5K but, as you all seem to note the 10K estimate to make it viable as a 7-10K car simply doesn't make sense.

RAK Kirk

i would be very reluctant to take on a project TD, in pieces, for 6500. just my 2 cents. regards, tom
tom peterson

I paid about $10K for a good running, no damage, 52TD a few years back and have spent 3 years and $12K (all on parts and supplies) to make it a $20K car. Mine had a good engine, trans, brakes, tires and all running gear. With the risk that one of these is either not there or needing a major rebuild ....... I can't imagine a basket case being worth more than a few thousand. But, he is your uncle and did get you into a great hobby.

Dave
52TD
mgaviator

While I do not know your uncle I would consider giving him an undated check for $2-$2500.Suggest to him that is what you can afford considering all the other cars you have in your collection. If he gets a better offer have him let you know and then decide how much you realy want it.
Sandy Sanders
SANDY SANDERS

From what is sounds like the 2500 offer is about right. Lots of folks think that the cars are worth more but I got a runner for 5 k about 10 years ago and 20000.00 later it is done. We have a couple of cars locally for sale that are projects and the owners think they ar eworth a fortune, but none of them have ever sold either and in one case the guy has had the car for sale for about 4 years. Maybe you should print this thread and show it to him. Good runners are always available for about 7-10K.


TRM Maine

I suppose I should have started where I ended. You folks validate my offer and then some. I DON'T need a project...I have a too too to many. It is only the rememberance which would have been better fuled many many years ago. Still, IT IS the first LBC car to catch my attention.

One of the first cars I bought when I thought I could afford it was a 53 TD on Mulholland Drive in Beverly Hills CA. Trucked it home to find all it needed was a brake bleed. I drove the 63 E type home instead. The TD was a concession to my Unc NOT offering nor selling this certain car I coveted from my youth. Once owned and driven I now have abandoned my "lust" for a TD forwever in lieu to Lamborghini and other more "driveable" cars....still, the romance is there....an old girl friend now available "for a price"...

All our gals are not much more...

But I digress....thanks to all of you. I'll hold firm on the offer and hope he doesn't make it another un needed project in my lap.

Anyone know anyone interested in helping with an XK140 roadster or AH 100 BN2 basket resto? I've had these in the stable much too long.

Midwest where IA meets IL at the ditch.
RAK Kirk

Some years ago I came across a total basket case in a bloke's garage which had been there for years rotting away. I offered to take it away for $500, an offer which appeared to insult him as he expostulated that, when "done up", they were worth $20,000. I agreed with him and told him he was right, the problem being that to make it worth $20,000, one would have to spend $40,000. Two months later the phoned me and asked if my offer of $500 still stood. I bought it.
G.E. Love

Robert, I think you made a fair offer. I bought a 52 TD in June for $4000.00. Like you I really didn't need a project that bad. The car was semi disassembled as they often are. Motor and transmission rebuilt by John Twist in 1998 and never put back in the car. $ 4000.00 just for the motor rebuild. When I got home I found another $2500.00 in new parts from Moss unopened. Still I guessing I'll put $10000.00 before I get it on the road. Spent about $4000.00 of that already. Here is a progress photo. Went through Dubuque twice last week, how far was I away from you?

LaVerne


LED DOWNEY

We just purchased a 52TD in california that last saw the road 10 years ago. The car was purchased from the previous owner in 1962. The car is all original with no modifications and 90K on the clock, and there is no rust anywhere. That is the good news. The bad news is that sitting for 10 years has not been kind to the car. The engine in frozen, the paint is faded and rubbed through in areas down to the primer, the rubber bits are shot, and of course the brakes and clutch are done for. The price for this Gem was $3500.

JP Jim

A Cal TD for $3500 IS a bargain...even given the condition me thinks...

Led,
I am on I 80 about 60 miles south of Dubuque...you sure it was Dubuque and not Davenport? I 80 is a main line to NE COL and Cheyenne WY....Dubuque would offer no easy west to COL...
RAK Kirk

We were on our way to and from the GOF in Sheboygan, Wi. Robert. I think we got off 80 and headed northeast
at Omahell.

LaVerne
LED DOWNEY

LOL,
Iowa Cross country is about as interesting as NE Colorado, or all of Kansas and most of Nebraska! Next time come all the way East and take the scenic river route through "civilized" Iowa....
;^D
RAK Kirk

This thread was discussed between 19/09/2009 and 27/09/2009

MG TD TF 1500 index

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