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MG TD TF 1500 - TC or TD?

I've been considering buying a T-Series car for some time but am waffling between a TC and a TD. I drove an MGB-GT as my daily driver for 15 years. But now, in my mid-60s, I'd like to get a truly classic, but the more driveable, of the T-series cars. I love the C's big wire wheels, but I think I'd get more enjoyment driving the independent front suspension of the D. True? I'd just use it to knock around town -- no expressway or highway driving to speak of. Can you guys who've owned both breeds give me some comparisons to simplify my choice? All opinions gratefully received!
J.S. Barber

Oh how to answer...like you i think the TC is pure sex...i love the looks...the big 19 inch wheels...BUT...the TD has essentially the same suspension as the MGA & MGB...much better road car...I've crossed the country twice in a TD...can drive the TD with only a finger on the steering wheel...with the TC...unless VERY well ste up...a two handed ride...my two cents...a TD will be more versatile...
Bob Dougherty

I'm a TC owner (2 each) and I sorta agree with Bob... but not entirely.

I'm in my 60's and I've done a one day, 400+ mile drive in a TC arriving at my destination none-the-worse for wear. My wife, however, followed behind in the Honda...I couldn't get her to ride with me.

Both my cars are set up with non-stock steering boxes. One has a modified Datsun pickup truck steering box, the other has a VW super beetle box. They look stock but transform the car from a wandering beast to a car that steers almost like a modern car (a very good thing!!).

It really comes down to what you want...or think you want. I recently bought a 1930 Model A Fordor because the price was right, but I really wanted a 1931 Slantwindow. I'm not satisfied what what I settled for...I still want the Slantwindow. Don't let that happen to you.


Gene Gillam

I think the picture of Gene's fabulous TC would make any body want a TC!!!!!
Nice job Gene!!

SPW
Steve Wincze

That would be his 'TD'....

Have to agree, although I have friends who take their TCs all over the country. The TD, although a bit slow with the gearing, is much more comfortable to take 'cross country'....
Around town, or short runs and styling wise, the TC (or earlier T series) certainly are beautiful!
gblawson(gordon)

I dunno, Gordon. Look at the door hinges, the tub shape behind the door, the large drums, and the leaf springs in the front...

I agree, an amazing vintage racer.

warmly,
dave
Dave Braun

For those of you that haven't seen Gene's TC in person, the detail is totally perfect as well. Having driven my own TD, as well as a lot of seat time in a local TF1500 and TC, I could make an equal arguement for each. The TC was in MOMA in NY some years ago for a reason- it is truly a piece of art. The ride is buck-board like, and I would personally be afraid to drive it really hard around corners, with the seemingly high center of gravity. However, the flat out coolness factor as well as RHD may override this. I drive my TD really hard at times- cornering and all. The TF is more aerodynamic (ie much less buffeting in the cockpit) than the other two, and the 1500 keeps up with modern traffic without pushing it. TD and TF steer and stop like a modern car, just more cornering roll when stock. The TD has been in the family since the mid-70s, and frankly it only leaves town for GOF's and the occasional trip to the vintage races at Sebring in the spring. It is totally miserable and unsafe on the major highways in my opinion. Otherwise, the TD gets smiles, waves, and comments from everywhere when you drive it. In the past year, a kid on a bus with a HS football team leans out the window all excited and said his neighbor has an MGB. A pizza delivery kid in Crytal River flagged me down, and said his uncle in New England just finished restoring a TD, etc., so the recognition of what it is and the coolness perception is out there no matter which one. George
George Butz

Sorry...was going by the tool box/no battery box?
gblawson(gordon)

Gordon,

It's a homemade aluminum firewall from an old MG TC vintage racer that Will Bowden had had come thru his shop sometime in the musty past.

The battery is actually a small gel cell that I have mounted in the rear behind the passenger seat.

Gene
Gene Gillam

Hahaha... ok... you guys got me there!
gblawson(gordon)

I had a TC when I was in school 50 years ago (true). I got real good at replacing spokes. Went to college in Boston but lived in Vermont, after driving the TC home from school, a soak in a hot bath was essential even at 21. I now own both a TF and an MGA, we–my wife and I-have driven the A everywhere, but she too does not care to ride in the TF.
David werblow

A lot of us in our club have put in new rear end gearing from 4:55 to 4:10 or 4:3 and the TD will run all day in traffic from the local roads to freeways. I never hestitate to take in on the superslabs but you do have to drive very defensivly. The TD handles well and does not have the wondering that is inherent in a TC with some sort of modern steering makeover. Some of the TC's around here have those and they do make the driving much more manageable. For most driving, I am prejudiced about the TD but the TC is a beautiful car and in the right hands is a good all around driver.
One of our members drives his TC all over the country and has for many years, taking it on all sorts of long trips on freeways and regular roads.
Just my 2 cents worth but I aint afraid to drive the TD anywhere and they are easier to work on than the TC and TF. There are large clubs in the CA area, contact some of them, and drive one of each, then decide which is best for you. Safety Fast.
TRM Maine

I have limited experience with TDs although I did own a Y-Type for a few years, which is basically a TD with a sedan body. I have also caravaned with dozens of friends who own TDs and over the years it has become apparent that the TC and TD are very different cars, despite their similar styling. The TD will feel more like a modern car than a TC, mainly because of the smaller, wider tires, independent front suspension and rack & pinion steering. Other than this they are pretty similar in design and operation.

The kind of person who drives a TC does so because it offers something that a TD cannot. It isn't really a list of specific things, but rather an overall experience. The ride is not quite as controlled and the steering takes a bit more effort unless the steering box has been converted as noted above. However the experience of driving a TC is more pure, demanding a tighter integration of man and machine. TCs are really more pre-war than post-war in their driving behavior.

In my experience a well-sorted TC is actually more nimble than a TD and a bit quicker, especially climbing hills. The steering is quite good if set up properly, bordering on aggressive. The ride is a little more harsh because of the solid front axle but my wife and I both find our TC very comfortable even on extended trips of several thousand miles, which we do every year.

Either way I'm sure you will be happy, but I suggest getting a ride in one of each type before making a decision. If you're in the LA area feel free to drop by and check out my TC. Good luck!
Steve Simmons

This thread was discussed between 25/06/2009 and 06/07/2009

MG TD TF 1500 index

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