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MG TD TF 1500 The Future of T-Series Interest/Enthusiasm BBS discussion at MG-Cars.net
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MG TD TF 1500 - The Future of T-Series Interest/Enthusiasm
| For the past few years, I have had a growing concern over the future of the T-Series hobby in general and the health of our local MGT Series Register more specifically. I plan to write some comments for our club newsletter on this topic and wanted to gather some thoughts/info from this group before sending the piece off to the editor. My concerns stem from my impression that the majority of current T Series owners are males over the age of 60 (with a very great many being over 70) who will, within the next 5-15 years, be selling their cars. Most of us have tendency to socialize with other current MG/British sports car owners and we have not been overly active in introducing the T - Series to a younger audience (read future enthusiasts/owners). I am worried that the interest curve is passing over the cars and that there may be a limited and diminishing group of potential enthusiasts as we move forward over the next few years. My thought is that all MG T Series Clubs should focus on activities and events that actually introduce the T cars to entirely new populations - in order to plant the seeds for future interest and ownership. I know the MG Car Club in England has made some special steps towards involving younger members and I imagine that we could also learn from other car clubs - such as the Model A clubs in the USA. I wondered what you all have observed and been doing in your clubs to expose others to the T Series. I am not being pessimistic. I just feel our local club - and possibly others - would be doing everyone in the hobby (our parts vendors as well) a great service by promoting the cars at every opportunity. There is no doubt in my mind that younger generations will appreciate the cars - if they know they exist. I watch the auctions on Ebay daily and am amazed at the number TDs that receive no bids at all. The TCs and TFs seem to do a bit better. We must all acknowledge that the time is approaching when many T cars will be placed on the market - with the potential result that many may have little interest. As a quick survey to help me gather some real facts: How old are you now? I'm 47 (this is somewhat young for a typical T owner) How old were you when you bought your current T type? I purchased my TF1500 when I was 46. But have owned MGs since I bought my MGA when I was 17. Do you plan to sell your car at a later date or gift it to a relative or friend? Will most likely sell when I am no longer able to drive with confidence. Have you, in the last two years, taken a part in any events where you had real personal interaction with someone that was new to seeing the T types? What I mean here is - did you take someone for a ride or have a real conversation about the cars? The bottom line is this: Who do you think will take ownership of your T car when you decide to let it go - and will their be active clubs in the future to support those owners? I am going to suggest that our club become more active in involving others in the cars and hope that we can do our part to introduce new generations to these wonderful autos. Thanks for any and all comments and observations, Jeff |
| J. W. Delk |
| hello jeff, i'm 53..how'd THAT happen? i was 45 when i got my car my son, 26 and daughter 33, love the car all my neices and nephews have/do ride in the car tough for someone in this economy to part with $$$ for old cars..ours in particular have taken a hit i've noticed the lack of ebay buyer interest too. my opinion, i think if we have fuel we will have drivers and enthusasts. regards, tom |
| tom peterson |
| Here in MN. we have had that same discussion on numerous occasions. We show our cars at a lot of local businesses and get quite a response. I read the Red Car book when I was a kid in the 50's and wanted an MG ever since. Got one when I was 54 and restored it and have had a ball since. My car goes to my nephew when I am gone, but not till then. I also along with a lot of our club memebers drive them all over and we get lots of attention and do a lot of explaining that they are not kit cars and perhaps kindle some intrest in them at the time. hard to tell these days of rice burners with nitrous |
| TRM Maine |
| Another 47 year old, purchased my car two years ago. And yes I too read the Red Car when I was about 10 years old. My two sons have participated in the restoration of my 1950 MG TD ( 6 - 12 more months of work to go). I intend to restore a 1959 MGA next so each son can end up with a car when I croak it. Many of these issues have been raised in Australia over the years. Agree that we all need to engage the next generation but they will have a much easier task of restoration the next time around. 1. we pamper our cars 2. we restore them to a higher standard in many cases than was original. Better paints and simple stuff like a coat of marine varnish on the ash frames. My only concern for the T series is that there will be very few real cars left to find and restore. I think that we have almost found every T series in this country. My Australian peers are now actively sourcing cars from the larger US market ( especially as the AUD is now on almost parity with the USD) The true beauty of these cars will always be an attraction to the next generation. |
| KR Gillis |
| KR, here in the states, there are lots of cars out there that pop up all the time. Here in MN alone we have a lot of cars that all of a sudden just show up. I was working in my garage one day this past summer and a guy comes up and says a neighbor has one in his garage that has not been driven in 30 years. Car was unknown to any in our local club. There seem to be alot of cars for sale here now so you may have to go the USA route to get one but they are out there. |
| TRM Maine |
| Damn ...just did the math, 57 as of a few days ago. (Crap thought I was 55). Izzy came to live with me 10 years ago. Always sparking intrest with younger ones with the TF. My love afaire started at age 3. They seem very interested once they get past that "kit-car" thing and understand it's a hand build auto. The children will fight over cars & stereo when I'm gone. |
| David Sheward |
| Gentlemen - Any special interest car, of which our beloved T types are just that - special interest. They are the cars that we drooled over at age 18, but couldn't afford to buy. Fast forward to age 40 something, when we had enough discretionary money to go our and purchase something not absolutely necessary, so we finally got that "perfect" car that we always wanted. We found that there were a lot of other people out there, who were about the same age as us, that thought these cars were pretty neat too, so we got together with them and formed clubs and had a grand old time restoring, driving and maybe even racing them. Fast forward another 20 years - we all still think (know) that these are pretty special cars - but, horrors, there are now a bunch of those young whipper snappers out there, who may think that the cars are neat, but what they really want is ________: You fill in the blank. They will do the same thing that we did when they too get old enough to have enough discretionary funds - they will go out and get the car they were drooling over at age 18 - but the cars won't be a T series MGs. Look around at the number of Model T Fords on the road or in garages (far more in the garages than on the road). Same way with the cars of the 30s and 40s. Yes, there are the few our age that are driving some of those, just as there are a few 30 something people driving T series MGs, but they are (like the Marines) the few, very few. This is just the facts of life when dealing with special interest cars. This is not to say that we shouldn't be extolling the virtues of our cars to all who will listen, but the bottom line is, don't get your hopes up about getting the next generation (of young bloods) to step in take over the stewardship of our cars. I had a TD given over to me to drive by my folks when I turned 16 (1959). When I went in the Navy the following year, the car was sold for $400 (it was just another car at that time), leaving me wishing that I could have kept that car. In 1974 I was able to purchase the TD we now have now. My wife was actually the one who encourage me to get it, as we needed a second car - she promptly confiscated it as her everyday driver (I got to drive it on the weekends) until I decided to restore it in the 80s (by then, the wife was so much of a MG driver that she demanded that I get her another MG to drive while I worked on the TD - thus, we now also have a 66 MGB). The TD will probably go to our daughter and her husband when we no longer want to keep it up, but I have no illusions that they will really be rabid MG T series owners as my wife and I have been (and still are) and if they keep it, the car will probably spend most of its time sitting in a garage. Cheers - Dave |
| David DuBois |
| It’s been said many times before, and for the most part it’s true: your dream car today is the car you wanted but couldn’t afford when you were 16. And for the most part, the car you wanted when you were 16 was shiny and fast and cool and relatively new. Last new T-Series was in ’55, and if you were 16 in ’55 you’re 71 today. So it makes perfect sense that the average T-Series owner is in his/her 60’s. At 40 I am young for a T-Series owner, but I grew up with them the old fashioned way: my dad (68, by the way) has—and drove as his daily driver for almost thirty years!—the TA his dad brought back after the war. He and I have taken that car down to the frame and completely rebuilt it three times. When I was growing up, if there was a British Car Show within 300 miles we were going to be there, and we were going to drive there. I could take apart and put back together an SU fuel pump by the time I was 10, and did it on the side of the road in the dark more than once. When my mother was pregnant with me, she referred to me as the “pollywog.” Dad changed that to the “MOWOG”, and that remains my dad’s nickname for me to this day. There was no question that my first car would be an MG—albeit a rubber bumper B—but it was just a given. Since then I’ve gone through a chrome bumper B, an MGA coupe, a Morgan +4, had a brief dalliance with a frogeye, and I’ve got a Sunbeam Tiger in bits in the garage right now. One day—hopefully not for a long while—I’ll add a TA with a very long history to the list. I always liked the look of TF, though, and so I got one this summer. How long will I keep it? Don’t know. Been thinking that with two little kids (2 and 5) a four seater Morgan would be a real handy thing to have, and I only have so much garage space. And I will have a Series I E-Type FHC one day, so help me God. But will I always have an LBC in the garage? You bet. And the TA I’ll keep. Noah’s a little young yet at 2—although he loves to ride in the “funny geen caw” (I added hooks to attach a car seat to)—but I fully intend to indoctrinate him the same way. He’ll probably have a rubber bumper B as his first car, and he’ll have a TA some day. There’s nothing I enjoy more than telling some ten year old in the grocery store or Home Depot parking lot what my “cool car” is. To me, the best thing you can do is to drive the car and be seen in the car. You all know that there isn’t a kid alive who doesn’t point and make an “O” face when he sees a T-Series go by. I’m in Greenville, SC which isn’t exactly LBC central, but as a serial LBC owner I definitely notice one when I see it. You wanna know the last time I saw a T-Series other than mine on the road? It’s been years. There’s a big Healey somewhere in the neighborhood I see every couple of months, a TR-6 I see on the way to work every few weeks, a Rover SD1 (really!) I’ve seen twice in the past two years, a god-awful Clemson orange Morgan 4/4 I see a few times in the fall, and that’s it. Hell, I couldn’t tell you the last time I saw an MGB or midget on the road. You used to see them everywhere! And I’m looking for them! So to do my part I run all my weekend errands in my LBC. Even this weekend when it was 22 degrees (which I realize is nothing to our Canadian friends, but is really freakin’ cold for South Carolina). And I talk to every person who asks me or looks like they’re about to ask me about it. And I love to give rides, if I have the time. When I sold my chrome bumper B it was to a guy down the block who was about 25—too young to remember when you saw MGB’s everywhere!—who just fell in love with it watching me drive it past his house. And I helped him rebuild the carbs a year later. And, no, I’m not a member of my local British Car Club. I’ve tried a few times, in a few different cities, but for the most part they’re all (nothing personal, now) guys in their 60’s who have had their cars for thirty years and have all known each other for thirty years, and while they’re super nice guys and super helpful and more than willing to help with any question or problem I’ve had, after the problem is fixed we just kinda look at each other and have absolutely nothing else in common to talk about. I had a Miata as a daily driver before I had kids, and was very active in the local Miata club. I fit there. In the British Car clubs I’ve tried I didn’t. It wasn’t that I wasn’t made welcome, I just didn’t fit. I don’t know how you fix that. So I drive it. I drive the mess out of it. I got the car in July and have put 2300 miles on it since—mostly to the grocery store and the bank and Babies ‘R’ Us (two mega boxes of diapers fit nicely on the luggage rack). And you should see the "O" faces when I do. Andy TF0537 |
| A.T. White |
| It was the year of 1958 and I was in high school when I first decided that the mgtf was the car for me, so I was, what, 16? Fast or slow forward 50 years and a life of college, marriage, careers, etc., and all of a sudden looking at retirement before I came back to the car I wanted back in high school. So, age-wise, I probably fit the profile, I'm now 67 and retired. But, first purchase of a 'T' car (or any MG) probably not typical as I made my first purchase of a '54 MGTF just over a year ago. Interesting that the passion for this car lasted all those years. I understand the concerns raised by Jeff and others, and have been encouraging my son, 40, to become interested in these cars as well. Whether or not he picks up the passion is yet to be seen, but I agree that we need to do more to attract a younger group of folks to the MG family. Thanks Jeff for the chance to discuss this issue and I hope we have a chance to see your article. Cheers -- John |
| John Brickell |
| I'm 61 Years old; the dream to get a T type starts when I was a student. During my working life there was no room for such a time (and money) expensive hobby. Three years ago when I was 58 I remember the old dream and in preparation for my retirement I decided to purchase my little baby. My wife and me we enjoy driving the car in summertime and it's scheduled to make tours around Europe. My observation is that younger peoples are interested as well but they do have a lot of other interests and the priority is typically not on 60 Years old cars. I do not have a solution or plan for my TD if I pass away. Unfortunately, there is nobody in my relatives who is interested in maintaining this old car. Anyway, concerning the Market interest I believe there is another situation here in Europe. The number of availaible cars is much lower and therefore there is relatively more interest per car and that has an influence on the achievable price. Hope my view is of interest for you. Cheers, Guenter |
| Guenter |
| I'm 38 and I just got my TD. This is a car I never thought I could own but through a trade was able to aquire one. No plans to sell it anytime. Yes, I will be giving rides to anyone with an interest and I ALWAYS promote the parts availability and reliability of these cars to the naysayers when they ask "Aren't those hard to work on?" "Aren't those cars unreliable?" questions. I think there will be enthusiasts forever... my son is next in line and he's 10. |
| PJB Brouillette |
| I'm 64 and have been driving TD's since I was 19. Present TD was purchased in 1970, believe thats about 40 years. I believe that my cars will go to my children unless I need to supplement my retirement. In the Austin Healey Club we have a "future 50" club to try to interest and bring in younger members. My son and wife have already taken my wifes Bugeye, but I have to admit they don't feel about the car as we do. Most of us started out with the cars as inexpensive simple cars that we could work on and drive, and later rebuild, when we had time. The now generation haven't the time today; they haven't even washed the car yet!!! Bob |
| R.AF. Robert Finucane |
| So, age 68 on Sunday. Bought a fairly ropey but original TDII in 1964, aged 22, because it was the only car to buy (still don't know what fixed it in my mind, but nothing else Morgan, SS, Riley etc) got a look in! Took it apart before the first child born (he's now aged 41), and moved house with it 5 times. Spares and body parts then impossible to source. Rebuilt in the main by me to 1500/Stage 3 balanced toughened etc, and finished by Brown & Gammons delivered back in 1984. Being kept/brought back to original condition where the parts can be seen, and 'improved' where out of sight. Bought the TF1500 in 2007 as a improvable tourer with long legs, eg now with 5 speed gear box and electronic ignition. So now there is one of my son and one for my daughter. They had bl***y well keep them and look after them when I'm gone. So it is not the market for new acitivists buying into their dream (why should a 25year old today dream of MG square riggers, and put their money there) they have moved on. Inheritance is the driver of this eccentricity. Eccentricts we all are! Pass it on! IanB |
| Ian Bowers |
| The last time this was done on this BBS was in 2003, and I thought it was a very worthwhile thread,. It provided some interesting stories and facts. I am now 63, and I purchased our ’52 TD in 1984 for my wife’s birthday. She has wanted a TD since she was a little girl, as it was the only car that she could get into on the car lot when she went shopping for a new car with her dad. The car had been sitting on blocks “in storage” for 17 years in a barn on top of Avon Mountain here in Ct, a true “barn find”! I put it on the road in 1986, and our very first trip was from Connecticut to the G.O.F. in Toronto to greet the competitors of the MG”T”Register’s “Ocean to Ocean” trip as they crossed the finish line. Since then we have enjoyed well over 56,000 miles of adventures and met some really great MG people from all over the world.. Hopefully we will give the TD to our nephew (now 11) when we can't drive it any more,,, |
| Steve Wincze |
| I think a lot of us fall into the same scenario, and I am not too different. I'll be 40 in one month, and my 52 represents the car I wanted to buy when I was 20 (saved enough $$ over the previous couple of summers), but my parents at the time strongly "advised" me to be more sensible, so I wound up with a used Datsun Sentra. My four year old is very impressed, and I am hoping he will take an interest in looking after at with me as he grows, and will then inherit it. As an aside, I think the "it's the car I wanted when I was young, but had to wait until I got some discretionary scratch" story pretty much illustrates the aphorism that youth is wasted on the young. |
| DWB |
| I'm 55 and bought my first LBC when I was 14. A 63 Sprite and that pretty much set up my passion for these things for life. I bought the TF when I was 51 and the TD last summer. The B at about 42. I belong to the Rocky Mountain MGT register but due to the fact that they are really stationed 250 miles from me I don't participate in the club activities. I have met a few of the members during an all British show in Denver for the last three years but really didn't allow much time for interaction. I've taken the MG's to some local car shows over the last ten years or so and the TF is a real ice braker, People love the car and I've had many serious offers to buy the car on first site. It's not for sale, not now and not so long as I can still drive it. I have two kids aged 35 (son) and 30 (daughter). My son has driven the B and I gave him a 72 BGT several years ago which he sold to puchase a Honda. Daughter doesn't drive a stick and also drives a Honda. She has been with me to a few events including last falls GOF some 1400 miles away from here. At this point I don't believe we are going to get any grand kids. I think my daughter wants the TF when I croak and my son would probably take the B but I really don't see them driving them at this point. I think we have all seen the rise and fall of the Model T era and I think were next in line. The really nice "T's" will survive in somebody's garage but will most likely see less road time than they do now. |
| LED DOWNEY |
| 51, I took over the TD in high school (mid-70s) when dad bought it for my mom. Legal owner since 1989ish. The two "local"clubs are great- but are at least an hour's drive from here, so no way to go to meetings, and most events. Really nice and fun people from all walks of life, I go to whatever events I can and live vicariously through the newsletters (including when they set the Midget on fire they were cutting in half and the fire dept. came, etc! Likely beer involved). Big problem is interstate highway and traffic. Not going on I-4 with the tourists near Disney in the TD-ever! The TD makes people of all walks of life smile, and it is unbielievable how many young people know what an MG is. A bigger problem I see is that the younger generation is enamored with video games, computers, etc., and have no interest in things mechanical. My kids both want the car one day, and I keep telling them they need to learn all they can from me (to no avail), as there is no dealer. I can say the TD drew a ton of interest at the local cruise-in last weekend. A kid in the local vo-tech auto body program asked a bunch of questions about the bodywork/paint (thanks Glenn's MG!), so there is hope in that regard. At least the new owner today has the huge amount of info available on the internet- there was none back in the day. George |
| George Butz |
| PS- my biggest concern would be if Moss/Abingdon went out of business- then we and the T-series would be in really big trouble. We all have a tendency to find things elsewhere cheaper, etc., but we really need to support them. |
| George Butz |
| Fell in love with the TD's in (52). Was stationed in Calif. in the Military. I would be hickhiking with three dollars in my pocket. when TD,s would go by, sone times Blond,s behind the wheel. Made up my mind some day I would have one of those. I got the Blond a year later, but not the TD until 50 yrs, later. The TD needed a restoration, the Blond is still doing fine. Have a Greatgrandson (3 years old) that goes ballistic when I drive in the yard to gve him a ride, so maybe if I live long enough till he starts driving there will be a home for the TD. Have a Model T that I redone 20 yrs. ago. Value on that has stayed the same all that time. Working on a 35 ford coupe with the grandson now. O I forgot, I am 77. |
| DL Rezin |
| You obviously have management/entrepreneurial skills, Jeff. Anticipating a business potential or situation is so rarely exhibited. Congratulations. I’m 77 and have owned a T-Series since I was 16 - a TC in 1950. I’m a retired electrical engineer and self-taught IT specialist (computers didn’t exist when I was in university!) Our little jewels are made up of metal, glass, rubber and zillions of hours of sweat, blood and occasionally, tears. The money doesn’t enter into this, any more. You and your squeeze have many memories. So I expect that most of us, if not overtly, at least covertly expect to pass our cherished MGs on to family. And most of us are well-educated. Our interest has always been in something a bit more refined than muscle cars. We think differently than the NHRA and NASCAR folks. I have but 2 grandchildren, both boys, ages 15 and 17. They were here for Christmas dinner. At one point, they happened into my garage and noticed the (new to them) PA sequestered in the corner of my cold garage. I remarked “I have 2 grandchildren and 2 MGs. What do you think?” It was as though lightning had struck! Its only two weeks ago, but I am constantly reminded of that remark. So disposing of my MGs will never be a problem. And each one will get a nicely prepared and running MG. I just hope that there’s some gasoline available when that time comes, and that its affordable. When it comes to parts, I think we are fortunate to have at least 3 GOOD suppliers. Moss Motors (including non-related Moss Europe), Abingdon Spares, and Brown & Gammons. What sets these suppliers apart from “the others” is that they will actually source and manufacture needed parts, providing there’s a financial return. “The others” usually buy from one of the above three. I believe we’re in good shape, at least for the foreseeable future. Of course, I won’t be around, but I’ll go to my grave happy that my MGs are in a good homes. Gord Clark Rockburn, Qué. |
| Gordon A Clark |
| I am 52 (of course thought I was 52 all of last year also) and have had the TD for 5 years. My 17 year old son helped me restore it and hopefully will get it when that time comes. I have loved every minute of it and will share stories with anyone. tim |
| tw hager |
| Hi Jeff, I am 69 and purchased my TD in 1965 when I was 25 years old. Always have loved sports cars especially English. I am currently winding up a frame off restoration of this TD and it will most likely end up with my daughter and son-in-law as he has help me in this restoration. My other classic, 67 Camaro, will probably find it's way in the hands of my other daughter and son-in-law. I doubt if either car will have the same focus in their lives as they did mine. Bill |
| Bill Brown |
| Well I certainly fit the age bracket, I’m 58; but unlike most of you folks I didn’t know ‘cum sic’um about LBC’s growing up, let alone MG’s. Not many sporty cars back in those piney wood Trinity River bottoms of East Texas where I grew up. Got the ‘bug’ and my first MG (a ‘B’ by the way) sometime around 1989 or so from a friend of a friend, though originally only because the price was right. Ah but later, its looks and simplicity they somehow seemed to speak to me. Since then I have somehow managed to collect an ‘A’, ‘TD’, and rusted out ‘ZB’ magnette, all of which are now in various states of disrepair, i.e. none of then are as yet drivable. Bought the TD as an abandoned restoration project from a widow lady back in March of 2006. Couldn’t decide what degree of restoration I would attempt (daily driver?, show car?, trailer queen?) until our local MG club went to the a MG Vintage Racers focus event back in June of 2006 here at Hallet, Oklahoma, and I saw all those pre-war and ‘T’ series MG’s going at it on a road course setting. Man- ever since then, I’ve set myself the task to build myself a TD vintage racer and get out there amongst’em. Sure taken longer than I anticipated; but like Johnny Cash and that Cadillac, I’m getting there, “one piece at a time” (lol). Although several of our club members do drive their MG’s almost every day, they’re all ‘B’s with the exception of the two Morris panel vans two of the guys drive. Ian I think is on the mark, we’re all a little eccentric! I know my wife and kids think I’m a little daft; but the grandkids now, they thank it’s pretty cool. So with my family maybe it’s skipped a generation. Hiram  |
| H.L. Kelley |
| OK, here's my story: In 5 days I'll be a young 55 years old. I didn't purchase my 52 TD; I inherited it. It belonged to my father-in-law who died 15 years ago. He had started restoring it in 1969. After partially dismantling it in his mother's garage, his time was sidetracked to run a business with his wife and raise a family. The car sat in that garage until 2005 (36 years) when my mother-in-law called me and said; "We're renting Granny's old house (she had died three years earlier). No-one else in the family wants that old car in her garage. If you want it, have it out of the garage by Saturday or we will call a junk yard to tow it away." That Saturday, my 14 year old son and I loaded it up on a trailor and brought it here to Huntsville, Alabama. Since then, I have been trying to learn about TDs, take apart those pieces that I can and get them ready to put back together some day (that is why this BB is so important to me). My son, now 17, has a little interest in it and I wish we would make more time to work on it together, but school studies, football and baseball practice and games, and now dating seem to eat up most of his time. If I ever get it running again, I guess I would will it to my son or daughter, but I hope that is a long time from now. As for participating in local events, for the next 5-7 years I won't have anything with which to participate. I do show before and after pictures of piece parts to friends and universally get smiles and envious comments from my male contemporaries. More information than was requested but for me it was fun to think back at how the process started. Thanks, Patrick |
| D P Earles |
| I will turn 68 on the 19th of this month and have been a CCN (Certified Car Nut) from the time my father bought a Riley Roadster which some of you have seen on this BBS. Since the Riley I have owned; 65'MG1100, 67'MGB, 69'VW bug,70' Porsche 912, 71'XKE, 72'Porsche 911 Targa, BMW2002tii, VW camper,VW 412 wagon, Fprd Escort wagon, Mercury wagon, Ford wagon, Olds wagon(2), Saturn Vue (3) and a 98'Volvo XC70. If you see a pattern towards the end you are right, children = wagons. I still have two Vues and the Volvo. In '72' I was engaged to a young lady from Cooperstown who had bought a TD for $1US from a friend after it sat on a street in Washington, D.C. for a year. It went to Cooperstown where it was driven in the summers mainly by her younger brother who loved to chase sheep and cows with it through the fields. We started to restore it and then she got cancer and passed away. Her parents gave the TD to me as a rememberance and I still have it. I have two daughters now grown who loved to ride in the "green car" and I taught them how to drive a stick in my wife's 71 beetle. Over the years I have had the engine rebuilt twice and have done this and that myself. Now after retirement I am trying to update the car and will install a rebuilt rear axle with MGA diff so I can drive on the roads around metro NYC without getting eaten alive. Will my daughters want the car, who knows. One lives up near Gord Clark in PQ, the other here. I have a grandson due in March so maybe he will be the beneficiary some day. This past fall I joined the NYConn chapter of the "T" Register and find them to be a great group of people with some cars that put my T to shame cosmetically wise. So it's a driver for now but great fun. Incidently, I bought a Moss SS exhaust system about 25 years ago when they first came out. Now it sounds absolutely fantastic when running throught the gears, the tunnel sound is great as I power past the police station down the street :-) The combined knowledge and willingness to share same on this BBS is truly fantastic and I congratulate all of you who are participants. Cheers, Jim |
| James Neel |
| I'm 53; I've cared for Tommy, the 52 TD since 1980. I bought it when I was 31 in 1987. I drove the snot out of it, lost interest a bit while the kids were deep in the high school and college sports modes, and woke up one morning in the hospital still alive after a sudden and nearly catastrophic illness and decided I had better restore the MG and finish the repair on the Jet Boat or no one else was going to be able to do it. The boys learned to drive a stick in it, and took it all around in High School. I owned two 1975 Spitfires, one when I was 20, and one when I was 26, so I've always had the LBC bug. I think my youngest will end up with Tommy, by then I'll pick up something that my oldest will want. Diane drives a 70 MGB. In the summer we use them as daily drivers. I would never have figured out what I was doing on the restoration if it wasn't for this BBS. There is some incredible talent on board. A picture of me and Tommy in 1981, November Thanksgiving Day parade in Wichita, KS. warmly, dave  |
| Dave Braun |
| What interesting and encouraging comments! It seems that the majority of us have family members that might take up care for the cars once we pass them on. It is also good to see that many are active in local clubs and are involved in organized events and informal daily "PR" for the MGs. I have heard of local MG enthusiasts who have, unfortunately, had experiences similar to A.T. White. Those of us who are younger, often face this I imagine. My experience was different as I grew up in the Club and have known most of the older members since 1976. Just over a month ago, I spoke to a young MGB owner who felt ignored and excluded at a few of the local MG events. We talked about these issues and I told him that this was not intentional - but was just the result of the close-knit group being in the habit of socializing with old friends as A.T. mentioned. I live in a university town and was amazed about two months ago when a college student asked me if the TF was an Austin Healey and asked if he could ride in it with me. I said sure and he hopped in. I drove him across campus on my way to a meeting, I was sure to let him know that this was a T Series MG - the car that started the British Sports Car craze in the US. I hope to plan a MG display at a local Atlanta shopping mall at some point this year and plan to have one very good example of the TC,TD, TF, MGA, Midget, MGB, and MGBGT on display inside the Mall - with other cars outside - for those who would like to sit and ride in one. I think it would be a fun day and would possibly spark interest in some folks who would never have thought about the cars. I do agree that those who purchase will most likely be 40 and above - but we have to plant that seed where possible! Thanks for the detailed responses - I will certainly enjoy reading more as they are posted. Jeff |
| J. W. Delk |
And a picture of Mouse right after the Restoration was stopped long enough to enjoy the car...
 |
| Dave Braun |
| I'm 54 and I just came into ownership of my dad's 51TD when he found he was no longer able to actually get in the car (he's 82 now)... he didn't want it rusting up in Washington State with him unable to do even basic maintenance on it. So like others here, it's been handed down in the family. My daughter I am sure would love to have it twenty years from now (if she ever gets her driver's license)... these things do have a habit of being passed on to the next generation, whether we like it or not! The question for each TD owner is can we afford to keep it in good enough shape to pass down! |
| Geoff Baker |
| Jeff: Thanks for raising this question. The responses are wonderful. I got my first TD in 1956. I'll try to attach a pic of it in 1957. I used it as my everyday car while Marge used the Magnette in the same way. We sold them in 1962 when we moved to Europe with a new TR3B. Then two years ago I bought my second TD at the age of 78. Kept it for two years and sold it last summer to a gentleman in NJ for $20,000. Didn't break even but paid a reasonable price for owning it for two years. Ebay can be misleading. I used it to advertise but after developing a list of serious buyers moved off line for direct discussions. Worked like a charm. Thanks again. Witj warm regards, Dick Thomas |
| Dick Thomas |
| Well as usual the pic didn't work. Back to the old drawing board. Dick Thomas |
| Dick Thomas |
| Hi All, I am going to be 58 years in 2010. Rested my eyes on a TF at the age of 7-8 years of age.The car belonged to a friend of my Father's who visited our family home in Applecross.The sleek lines and that magnificent smell of seat leather are still with me all these years later. We acquired our first TF in 1976 and have owned many since ! I find the best part about owning a T Type is the many varied and different aspects which each owner exhibits.Some are into Concours detail,some like more competitive 'race' events,whilst others just enjoy driving their machine in a more social context.I suspect it is worthwhile saying that for MG's to survive into the future,embracing each others particular type of interest in the cars is important. Last year I attended an MG car display on the Perth Swan River foreshore area.Our Club was invited to support a vintage aircraft 'Fly In' for that day to raise funds for charity.What a fantastic event it turned out to be. During the day,parents and their children also had rides in the T Types.Instead of just looking at static cars,they experienced the thrill of MG movement ! David Sherward's idea of giving a small model of our cars to youngsters is also a good one.They may even want a 'real' one later in life. Rob Grantham TF3719("Aramis"),TF9177("Athos"). |
| Rob Grantham |
| Make that,David Sheward ! Cheers Rob Grantham. |
| Rob Grantham |
| See http://www.ttalk.info/Tech/OldFriend.html for the story of Lazarus, my TD. I'm a couple of months shy of 75. Fell in love with the first TD that I saw as a 16 year old in 1951. Bought my first one in 1956. Went from 1959 to 1988 without one until Lazarus came about. I have a couple of daughters who'd be delighted to take Lazarus over. Last summer I gave rides to 3 grand-nieces who were in for a visit. Anyone of them would be delighted to adopt Lazarus. Just keep driving the cars and keep them looking like they're supposed to. There's a touch of romance in the younger generation that a TD ride sets a spark to. |
| Bud Krueger |
| I can give a perspective from a somewhat younger person (38), though I don't own a T Series MG yet. My first experience with any old car was my grandmother's second husband (and longtime friend of the family). He had a TD that he bought sometime in the late 60s from my aunt's college roommate. He had the car for around 30 years until just before his death in the mid 1990s. It's the car that got away for me, as at the time they sold it I was just out of college with no garage and no money. Never rode in it, but did sit in it a few times in his garage. It always seemed special to me, even as a young kid. When I was growing up in the late 70s and early 80s I was attracted to cars of all types. The first one I really fell for was the first generation Mustang, even though they were already fairly old by then. I've since proceeded to go backwards in time, with a real preference emerging for sports cars from the 40s and 50s. I'm currently working on getting a '59 Bugeye Sprite back on the road. T Series MGs have a strong pull for me, and I wouldn't be surprised if my next car was a TC or TD. They just look right to me. The only reason I didn't get into one now is that I couldn't afford a good one. Classic cars will always be mostly an older man's (or woman's) purview -- they are a luxury item, and not cheap. I would have happily gotten into the game in my 20s, but couldn't afford it after the rent was paid, and had no garage to keep one anyways. The only reason I can pull it off now is that I have no children, a supportive spouse, and a second job as a musician -- and garage space. Classic cars seem to go in waves of popularity, as we tend to like the cars that were the hot thing when we were young and couldn't afford them. That said, truly classic cars always have some market -- that's why the early greats like Packards and Duesenberg and Bugatti and such are still in demand. They may not be as hot as they were, but there will be a market for them for a long time. I think that T Series MGs fall into that category as well, and have the additional benefit of a much lower price. I'll never be able to afford a classic Bugatti, but I can definitely get an MG some day. I really do believe that the T Series MGs will stay solidly popular, though maybe a bit less as the folks who remember them from when they were new pass on. -Drew Frink |
| AJF Frink |
| Wow, what an amazing amount of interest and posting with this question. Good going, J W Delk. A perceptive question! I am 57 (a common age) I've had my TF for a few years. I had my first TD in 1970 at age 18. Loved it, but 4th gear was bad, slipped out, and the local MG garage could not fix it. I sold it to a guy who was going to put a Volvo B18 engine in it!! I have always loved British cars. My daily driver is a Jaguar S type. I have had an Alvis, Jaguars, 2 Rovers. I live in Southern Oregon and there is not a club for over 300 miles. I'm pretty much on my own. But, I've met a guy with a MGA, another T series owner. I drive my TF about 1500 miles a summer. Really enjoy it. I am not overly worried about the interest and value decreasing. Look at pre-WWII cars. Lots of interest in those, and not just from 80 year olds. Hang in there and drive!! Tom |
| Tom Norby |
| TRM from Maine and I had both read the Red Car when we were younger. Last year I donated a copy to the school that my wife teaches at (junior 6-12 yo). The teachers read the story to the children and this was followed up by a visit by the local MG car club. If we really want get into the minds of the next generation lets start early. A donation of a $30 book and the promise of a visit from the local club is a very good investment if we really want the marque to live on. |
| KR Gillis |
| I guess my main thought about the future of T types in general is that I hope that people will keep them in some sort of historical context... that is to say I don't care about the car being 100 percent perfectly original, nor do I care if an owner keeps it in concourse condition or uses it as a daily driver... but it would be sad to see the T type go the way of a lot of pre-war cars which end up being just used as a shell, the basis for hotrodding... I'd hate to see T-types end up covered in flame paint with jacked up rear ends... So yes, I hope people keep them with some sort of feeling for the history of the car. Just my 2 cents of course. |
| Geoff Baker |
| Gents: I'm 53 now, and also got started with "The Red Car," though my father's 1970 5-speed 280SL and V12 Jag helped a fair bit as well. I have the good fortune to be the assistant principal in a 850-student comprehensive high school where we run everything from journeyman-taught mechanics and welding classes to first-year-university-credit English and calculus courses. Every year we have a spring car show, mainly so that kids can strut their stuff - a 17-year-old's Chevelle SS396 won last year, and the year before the winner was a 2-litre/5-speed Karmann Ghia. I always bring what I'm currently driving, and the effects are immediate. The year I first brought my 993/C4 Porsche, two 914's showed up in the student parking lot the next fall. After we showed the kids our MK I Miata Turbo [white with blue Shelby stripes and 16" Panasports] there were 3 Miatas in the school lot within a year. So find a high school and contact the mechanics teachers and the school administration to see if you can come in and talk about your MG. Kids want to know about our stuff, and the more exposure we can get with our cars on their turf, the more it'll interest them. My students wouldn't bother coming to a British car show, but they'll crowd around if I bring something in and we put it on the hoist in the shop - a few burnouts in the parking lot with the Miata helped as well. And as for our hot-rod TD, I expect that at some point, it'll end up in Western Australia with my youngest daughter and her family - that's a good next stop for a right-hand-drive TD that's already come part way around the world. Dave |
| Dave Jorgensen |
| How old are you now? - 37 How old were you when you bought your current T type? - 32 Do you plan to sell your car at a later date or gift it to a relative or friend? - Nope, I'll be buried in it! Have you, in the last two years, taken a part in any events where you had real personal interaction with someone that was new to seeing the T types? - Yes, both young and old. Kids love going for rides around the block, and their parents are often jealous and afraid to ask for one, too! Who do you think will take ownership of your T car when you decide to let it go - and will their be active clubs in the future to support those owners? - Don't know, but I don't think interest will ever completely die, nor will clubs disappear. There aren't any old cars I know of that have lost interest no matter how old or obscure, and I don't see this changing that drastically. |
| Steve S |
| Bought the TD when I was 57, am now 62 1st LBC since I was 22 years old (Bugeye/MGA Coupe/Mini/Jag/Mini)had a long hiatus until this one. Our club, which is 8 years old has over 90 members and many of them are in their 40s (couple younger), most my age. All of our activities create tons of interest....from all ages We are arranging with our local 'Big Brothers/Sisters' for activities this summer...rides and such. I give as many kids rides or at least letting them sit in it as much as I can....another good excuse for a drive.  |
| gblawson(gordon) |
| I'm 57 and have owned my TD since last march when my father died and willed it to me. I did the restoration on the car and my father paid the most of the bills. This arrangement came about after I found the car in my neighbourhood and couldn't afford to buy/restore it. My father was fond of TD's because when he had been drafted in the RAF, a fellow he met in basic was the son of a MG garage owner in England and he arrived at training in a TD. My father had very bad RA and his hands wouldn't allow him to work on the car but he spent many hours in the garage "advising" me on the work. Because of this attachment, I probably won't ever be able to sell the car, so I will enjoy it as long as I can and then hopefully pass it along to a son who is a car nut. I also read "The red car" when I was a kid and have a new copy in my book case now. I formed my sense of cars as well. These cars are history, working on them connects us to the past and I often think of the original hands that did some of the things that I am redoing now. The people I have met through the local British Car club are among my good friends and I'm proud to have the oldest active car in the club. I don't think the enjoyment of these vehicles will fade. People have a sense of attachment to older things and are drawn to them. Cheers. Joe Hine 53 MG TD Fredericton, N.B. |
| J.D. Hine |
| I first admired the T series as a teenager during WW2. I was living in New York City and saw some of the early imports at Inskip Motors. Seeing our airmen using them in England to run from base to intown pubs after their missions over Europe left a lasting impression. I was in the last draft call waiting at the station for the train to take us to Fort Dix, NJ when it was announced "Train was delayed so go home and we will call you". The war ended before I ever got that call! Having just gone through the great depression we didn't have a spare dime so the thought of owning a TD was wishful thinking. Fast forward to 2004 after college, marriage, three kids, their college, six grandchildren their college etc. I'm lying in a hospital bed after a quadruple heart by-pass and come to the realization that I may not live for ever and if I'm going to get an MG I better do it soon. Within a year, at age 78 and with the help of a member of the CT MG Club I found and purchased a Red 1952 TD. Looked good on the outside, was running but in need a bit of help which I gave it and use it every sunny day. Passing school kids waiting for their morning bus rides is a ceremony of waves and greetings. In a few weeks I'll be 83, and still working which gives me access to a complete machine shop where I have made a bunch of replacement parts like shackle pins with chased Whitworth Threads to maintain originality, operating discs inside the door latches, clutch linkages, wheel pullers, rebushed my distributor, high rear brake and signal light bar, replaced bent front spindlle, rebushed front end, added relays for all lights. put on one of Dave Du Bois relayed brake switches and am still crawling under it at every opportunity. Gotta stay young somehow!! Didn't mean to write a book, sorry. Safety Fast, George Metz  |
| GF Metz |
| Whoops, my arithmetic was wrong, in a few weeks I'll be 82 not 83. Wishful thinking I guess. George |
| GF Metz |
| I'm 65 now but have loved the T-series for over 55 years. At the risk of boring you, rather than me writing everything up again you can read about my roots here: http://mg-tabc.org/g_gillam.htm Will I ever sell them? Eventually...I know I'm only a caretaker (and not a very good one if you're interested in originality). I doubt that they'll go to a family member, my son isn't interested unless he can use it as a daily driver (where, oh where did I go wrong?) and my daughter lives up north where I'd NEVER send these warm blooded cars...grin. |
| Gene Gillam |
| In February 1949, I was skiing in the Laurentian Mtn's in the province of Quebec. In the evening my ski buddies and I were out walking in the small village and came across something rolling toward us on wheels with about a dozen people draped all over it. All I could see was a squarish, upright rad, 2 large headlights and large wire wheels. It rolled past us at a very slow pace and I could hear a motor in labour. None of my group could identify what it was but we all felt sorry for it. Later in the evening, on our way back to our lodging, we came across the poor thing, without all the passengers. It had the letters "MG" on the rad and I recognized the name from magazine articles. This was my introduction to something that would have a major effect in my future life. The next year [1950] at Watkins Glenn, I saw the new TD model and that was it. After a lot of work and extra jobs, I had saved up enough for the deposit and got the car ordered. It arrived in June of 1951 and has been with me ever since. The adventures with this car over the years have given me great memories. I still go out to the garage and stare at the beautiful lines of the body and think of what a good thing I did way back then. On Nov. 7th of this year, we will celebrate the cars 60th birthday, and next year, I will celebrate 60 years as a partner. Got to do some planning. Oh, I almost forgot, I'll be 79 in a couple of months. George Raham TD 4224 |
| G. L. Raham |
| I am 58 and learned to drive at 16 in my father's 1955 TF 1500 RHD #9622. The car was an every day driver in a family of eight in Huntington, NY. Amazing how many of us could fit into it for those memorable trips to Carvel. I took the car over from my Dad in the mid 90's with the intent to restore it. It proceeded to sit in my garage for 10 years in disrepair due to a skills shortage, plus career, kids, etc. Shipped it out for restoration and got it back two years later on my Dad's 86th birthday. The moment was priceless! Next challenge is to teach my kids how to drive a RHD stick shift so they can take over. In the meantime thanks for this MG BBS; what a great fraternity! |
| Tim Moylan |
| Joe Hine, Could you pls e-mail me. Gord Clark Rockburn, Qué. |
| Gordon A Clark |
| I have no doubts that these cars will continue to attract new "care takers" in years to come. What do I base that on? Simple ...park your "T" at the local hardware or grocery store, go shopping and come back out 20 min later to find a crowd around it. (or someone sitting in it!) They are absolutly "kid magnets" ...some of the looks on their faces are priceless when little ones spot their first "T". Break down on any road and you don't need a cell phone ...people WILL stop to offer help, in large quanities. (try that in your ford focus) How many of us have spent endless hours just staring at (or talking to) these lil' darlings sitting in the garage (running or not)? If there is something that gets more "smiles per mile" ...I sure haven't found it yet. I have showed up in palces were I figured there would be no intrest at all in my T (drag strip on a Friday nite) only to be swarmed by lookers. Our duty is to keep them going whilst we can....others WILL appreciate our efforts when we are gone. Next time you spot a little one looking at your "T", let them sit in it, paly with the steering wheel, stand on the seat, and take them for a ride! ("sticky" wipes off with a wet cloth...it worth the effort!) Cheers, David TF1500 #7427  |
| David Sheward |
| I guess I fit the age demographic, I'm 58. The first new car I ever bought was a '72 Triumph GT-6 MK III. Back then muscle cars were what my friends were buying but I perfered the little British car, it was a lot of fun along the coast of North Carolina where I could drive it year round. 1979 found me in Chicago where I bought a new MG-B. Had it a few years then needed something "practical". Then about three years ago with the kids grown that itch returned and I bought "Bessie", a '51 TD. Now my wife and I enjoy summer drives through the Morton Arobitum with it's miles of twisting, 20 MPH single lane roadways. About the closest thing you will find to an English countryside in the Midwest. My grandson who just turned four always wants to ride in the "little car" when he comes over. I hope when he is old enough to drive and appreciate it, he can take it over. In the mean time, I love the looks and questions I get when I take it to the store. My 89 year old neighbor lady looked at it one day last summer and said "I don't know what it is, but I like it!" |
| J. McLeod |
| Hi, I'm 64 (can't believe it....) The car was my mother's in the 60's and I am bringing this 1955 TF 1500 back from the dead after horrible barn storage in Michigan for 20 plus years. The car will hopefully stay in the family, but my son is not mechanical (a doctor) so it is kind of a hope at this point. I am going to drag him into the garage while I assemble the engine in the next month however. The bigger issue is that very few young people know a wrench from a lampost, so things will not be too good for the home owner int he future. My first MG experience was with an MGTD when I was 6 years old and it belonged to Uncle Judd who was a great guy who was properly supported by attractive women. Mike D. |
| MW Davis |
| I don't own a T-type (yet) but will give my two cents' worth. I'm 44 and bought my 1950 YA at 39 (and bought my fathers' MGB at 25). I need the four seats for my two children (now aged 15 and 10). I'm waiting for my financial position to improve enough to afford a TC. This will probably happen when the kids finish their education and leave home. So in 15 years time (...) even more T-type owners will be too old to use their cars properly and hopefully that will reflect in the prices. I was raised "octagonally"; my fathers' first car was a TD. I don't force MG's on my children but they like them anyway. So much so that my father gave a MG Car Club membership to my daughter last year, this year she renewed the membership out of her own pocket (that is, junior membership is half the normal rate and I sponsored 50%, too). BTW, are we unique in having three generations with an active MG Club membership? There will always be interest in our cars, but there will be fewer members in the clubs. Those fewer members will have multiple MG's that will be driven less frequently. If in the future the clubs are land or internet-based, is another question? Not to sidetrack this thread, but the real threat to our cars is not the generation-gap but enviromental issues (bans) limiting the useability of (any) old cars. |
| Willem vd Veer |
Here's my story. I'm 59. In my freshman year in college, I came across a '64 MGB that had been sitting in a barn in my hometown in Illinois for several months. For $300, my dad and I towed it home and a couple of days later it was up and running and I was hooked. But I broke my leg and was in a crotch-to-ankle cast for two months and couldn't work the clutch so I sold it and got an old Chevy II with an automatic. The next year I found a '56 MGA that had sat dormant for seven years in a garage. I paid $75 dollars for it at Easter break and towed it home. By summers end I had a good-looking driver and was now a lifetime MG admirer. Practicality took over a couple of years later as I got married and started a family and the A gave way to family-friendly cars, but my desire to eventually own a T-type never wained. Several years ago, after raising three boys and seeing them leave the fold, I decided to dive back in. eBay was searched, I picked what seemed to be a decent-looking '51 MGTD and made my bid, which won. The PO was retired and moving to an assisted-living facility and was very helpful, honest, and straight-forward. I had it shipped here to Texas and then discovered this site, which has been a God-send when working on my new hobby. After reading many comments from contributers to this site concerning various other eBay listings, I searched the archives from the timeframe that my purchase was made. What I discovered was somewhat discouraging. Several posted about the listing that ended up being my car and not a one was positive. I started second-guessing myself, wondering if I had made a huge mistake. But I then decided my car was never going to be a show-car. It had already been restored, but not necessarily to original specs. Sure, some of the things done were not period-correct, wasn't a correct paint scheme or color, or used American parts. I like my car, even if some of the purists here tore it and the PO apart in their posts years ago. Everytime I drive it, somebody honks, waves or yells "Great car!" I visit this site every day and have retrieved a wealth of information from it. Most of the people here are tremendous, but I have never joined a club just because I figure members of the clubs are too much of the purist-type who would look down on my car as not being worthy. Maybe I'm wrong, but that's my story.
 |
| K O Martin |
| I have never really understood the 'factory showroom condition' collector/restorer...although for something pretty far gone, it is as good a place as any to start... For something that is a driver and unrestored, the patina of use, and the character of the previous owners is worth far more to me. When we bought new MGs in the 50s/60s the first thing we did was make them 'ours'... this usually meant a wood shifter and or wooden wheel. Spotlights were added to the fronts and holes for switches drilled through dashes. Radios, (whatever would fit and was powerful at the time) and antennas...etc etc. After a few years, the cars were 'ours' and looked nothing like the showroom model.... Enjoy your cars...do what you will... someday someone will tear it back to the frame and start over... nothing you do can't be reversed if needed!!! |
| gordon lawson |
| KOM, Looks like a nice example to me! I would have to echo what Gordon said. When I first started re-sorting my TF I studied & studied wanting to make it as "correct" as I could. Then reality set in ...I'm gonna drive this car so why not do it so driving is a pleasure. The other reality that set in was that these cars were hand made ...IMHO I don't think any two of them are the "same" ...that's part of the fun! Can you post a link to the thread about yours? Might be fun reading on such a cold nite! Cheers, David |
| David Sheward |
| What Dave says KO. We beat em all up over whats right and whats wrong knowing damn well what aint right on our own. As long as it's tastefull it's all good. Now if the two tone was J D green and Cat yellow we might have a problem Houston. I'll get some grief over my color choice on the TD but like Ted Turner said about the flack he got over colorizing the old black and white movies..."last time I looked they was mine". LaVerne |
| LED DOWNEY |
| Most of the "beatings" I can recall from members of this board on feebay cars center around obvious claims made by sellers that have been ...well let's just say ...less than truthfull. Mine was good example of that! Advertized as a "100 Point Car" ...it wasn't even close to that.(50 maybe?) I wonder if it got ripped here when listed on ebay? (I didn't find this site untill I had the car for a while) Over the years some of the "claims" have been way off base by certain sellers. Seats and carpet worn completley out on cars with "5k orginal miles", "True orginal survivers" sporting engines built by Chevrolet, Volvo, Datsun, ect and 5 speed gearboxes, disc brakes. The list goes on & on...including my "pet-peaves" ...Kit cars wearing liscence plates such as "1952 TD" and phoney 1500's. There is nothing "wrong" with a car like that ...but there is something wrong about some of the presentations. I nearly got in a law suit over one. Not just "our" cars that this is happening on. I have been somewhat looking for a 68 Firebird Convertable for a few years. I have a real good idea how many of those were built with OHC 6 engines, (worked at a Pontiac dealer when I owned my 428 cid COFA), amazing how many "400's" are out there now. Hardly ever a six banger for sale now! |
| David Sheward |
| More ramblings: Dad bought the car in Lakeland for $1200. He and my grandfather went over to tow it home, and couldn't get the handbrake off! Luckily, the brakes still worked, but the tow rope broke a couple times on the way. We removed piles of oak tree leaves and many cockroaches, dumpes some gas into it and it cranked right up! I soon discovered Moss Motors and Abingdon- which Gerry Gougen had just started- and sort of adopted the car. The local import garage would replace one wheel cylinder or whatever was needed to pass state inspection. They finally passed the brakes after it made 4 skid marks in the dirt! I sort of took the car over, had it painted (and repainted some myself), rebuilt the engine (learned what happens if you replace pistons/rings without removing the ridge). I maintained and drove it when home for school. When I bought my first house, the parents surprised me- they delivered the car, and many boxes of old parts which were full of cockroaches which infested the house! To answer Gordon's "why factory showroom condition" comment- a few years ago the car was to the point it was just a mess. 5-6 layers of cracking/peeling paint, lousy mid-70s black upholstery, faded instruments, and the entire right side of the tub was collapsing from vaporized wood. Having seen replacement parts go from the last of the factory NOS to the modern repros (which can be vastly different- ie no posidrive screws- phillips from the factory; shape of bumpers, etc.) I set out to find all original used or NOS parts. Ebay was great, as well as some of the Orlando club people. In many cases they were cheaper than repro stuff (Lucas dist. cap for $25 on ebay, etc.) So that is how my car ended up as it is. Lastly for KO, Dave S is right-on- any comments made about ebay cars are just addressing seller's claims as to condition or originality (sometimes they just don't know!), not necessarily desireability! George |
| George Butz |
| Jeff, This is a subject that many in our hobby have had concerns about. It has been discussed in TSO to a large degree. I am going on 59 and have owned my TD for 11 years. Before that I owned and restored an MGB, since 1988. I had owned a '67 MGB during my college years (early '70's). These B's, to me, were substitutes for the T seies that I always wanted! The '67 cost me $1100 in 1970, and I could have had a TD for around the same (they were just clapped-out old cars back then) price. I didn't get one then, because of the impracticality of using one as a daily and long distance driver in the northeast. I held off after that because, by the time I was ready for a hobby car, they had become quite expensive. Actually, even now, I'd really like a TC. Even though the TD is affordable and more fun to drive, I am drawn to the classic look of the skinny wirewheels and sweeping fenders! I think that my attraction goes back to a time when these cars were accessable to everyone. I particularly remember that my family doctor, who was probably around 6' 4", drove a TD to make house calls ($7.00!) in the mid to late '50's. We have to remember that the motivation that drove many of us old geezers to these cars, doesn't exist for people less than 55 or so. At car shows, I think, young people tend to gravitate to really old and rare cars that are almost unatainable...Perhaps our cars are just too common and not old enough as yet! |
| Steven Tobias |
| After reading the responses to my post, and re-reading and thinking about what I said, let me clarify just a bit. I don't have any problem with trying to restore to original condition. If I had my choice, I would love to be able to say my car was as original as can be. I envy those who can say that. And I'm not going to go back and re-visit the thread where my car was reviewed. I don't remember who degraded my car and I don't hold grudges. Truth be told, if I owned a totally original restoration, I'd probably be inclined to look down on my current car also. And I agree with the opinion that dishonest eBay sellers should be brought to light. My point is the PO of my car didn't try to hide the fact that this wasn't concourse quality, yet negative comments were made on this site. I contacted him during the bid process and he was very straight-forward. If we want people who aren't familiar with our cars to become interested and carry on the tradition, we have to be careful about negative comments that might just turn off future owners who would be wary of diving into ownwership if they perceive this group as an exclusive club. And we are exclusive! But not to the point of "You are not worthy." I'm trying to make my point short and concise. Does this make sense? Or am I rambling? And if I ever run across any of you, the first Old Speckled Hen is on me. Thanks for listening. Kevin |
| K O Martin |
| Kevin, It is impossible to judge your comments without the criticism leveled by the people on the BBS, so I won't try to do that. Like most here, I think I agree with LaVerne who said we all know what parts of our cars aren't original. This club is exclusive, if it wasn't, no one would give the 'smiles per miles' to us that we all talk about. But our cars are a valuable piece of automotive history as well. There is a story about a TD owner sitting by his car at a car show and a man walked by with his son and said "Its a replica. I remember those cars when they were new and they had an aircooled engine in the back". On the other hand, do I want a totally original restoration? Nope, I like a higher rear ratio, raised CR, shinier paint (to a point) and wood steering wheels. I wouldn't even object to a wood dash if I got used to it. My goal with my TD is to preserve its value by keeping it original but still drivable. I concede changes for unleaded fuel, but also put in changes to take advantage of the higher octane. I keep the coloring correct, but added leather side panels. I would never add a bunch of relays (don't think they are needed for the most part) but I did add one at the brake light switch because those switches don't like a bunch of current. I pretty much look down at japanese gearboxes (sorry in advance to all of you with them) and volvo engines because if I wanted a different driving experience I would drive the B more. Exclusive, with a special language and terminology, that's us. I try to remember this isn't an American club, it is a British club. We can go overboard on the anglophile aspect, but and even those in other parts of the world can relate to the British terminology (rather than stuffing more Americanisms at them!) At least we don't have to try to learn Italian like those Alfa guys do... Yep, the funny language and adherance to a certain standard may put some people off, but I bet there are more people who join because the same folks who are perfectionists make themselves available to solve those nitty gritty original questions, and you said yourself you wish your car was more original. And as far as I can tell, on this BBS the phrase "It's your car, you should do what you want" is repeated daily. If a person wants a low cost option he isn't going to buy a perfect TD and drive the snot out of it. And if he wants to spend a lot of money he isn't going to be happy discovering he bought something less than he was expecting. It can be very expensive to bring to originality certain aspects of the car. Try replacing the tool kit once it is tossed out! We just try to help those who are trying to understand what they are looking at, and what they choose to spend their money on. warmly, dave |
| Dave Braun |
| Dave, thanks for saying what I was thinking. Bud Krueger |
| Bud Krueger |
| Nothing brings people and cars closer together than free beer. You da man KO. |
| LED DOWNEY |
| My first post and question as a "newbie" to this group after purchasing my TF, over a year ago now, was, "what to keep original and what to change" and as I recall the responses were as varied as the individuals who contribute to this list, but no one suggested that if I didn't restore to original I was not welcomed to participate on this BB. Okay, I know that painting my engine a dark BRG may have been pushing the limit for some, but even then no one sent me a "nasty gram" for doing it, thank you very much. Beer has had more than an occasional reference on this BB and as a true North Westerner, we takes our beers very seriously out here, and any of you folks who come out this way from the mid-west, south, east, northeast, or other parts or our world (leave anyone out?), I will be more than pleased to treat you to some of the best beers you'll ever taste, IMHO. Some of our brew pubs are small (by definition?), out of the way places that produce amazing beers. Ah, can you just taste that first swallow of an IPA in a chilled glass right now? As Dave B wrote, "this club is exclusive"; we have a passion for MGs, and 'T's in particular, but just as I am a member of MG clubs (both 'T' and larger) as well as share a weekly gathering of buds for beer, our individual tastes my vary somewhat, but it's the love and enjoyment of either these MGs or beers, or sometimes both, that units us. Cheers to all -- John |
| John Brickell |
| Keven I probably posted on your car. I probably would agree that what we put on this web may seem to be very critical. I think sometimes we do this as somewhat of a contest to see what we can spot that is incorrect or not well listed by the owner. Few of us have truly perfect or totally original MG's. I can understand someone not familiar with this thinking we are being snobs and that we all have perfect cars. I am glad that your car tuned out to be a good one. My 67 MBG GT is an e-bay car, and it was an absolute steal. I got so much more than what I expected. I would say that for the majority of the e-bay critiques we do, the information is correct. People not familiar with MG's really should have people who know the car give them this kind of information. I would invite anyone who is looking to purchase a TD on e=bay to ask the group to chime in. As for the original theme of this thread. I have a couple of concerns. Since there are a lot of our cars still out there, we do need to figure out how to keep them. Where will the next generation of auto shops that know how to work on MG's come from? I know some of you have great shops in your area, but some of us have to travel a ways to find a good MG shop. This will reduce the new owners by itself. Parts are currently fairly available, but that again is primarily because there are many of us right now keeping the MG name alive. Look how many of the posts talk about their car sitting in a garage for many years. I think it is likely that this is what will happen again to many of our cars. They will get passed on to family or sold and when they break, will be put in a garage. Without folks like us that grew up with them, I fear they will fade away. |
| BEC Cunha |
| "Its a replica. I remember those cars when they were new and they had an aircooled engine in the back". Actually Dave ...it was a TF! (unless this happened to somebody else) Here we are side by side ... (I'm the one without the shag carpet in the bonnet) Even had a sign with me that said "real". Cheers, David  |
| David Sheward |
| OBTW: If you noticed ...door is wide open! This was about the only time Izzy wasn't full of "utes" at that show. The guy next to me got mad because some of the kids wanted to know if they could "drive" his car also. Even made a big "don't Touch" sign. I don't think he liked me. I had fun ...won a giant Teddy Bear as door prize ...it went home with a darling little girl that fell in love with it, (and the TF). Spread the good-will, be friendly with the kids, give rides! Oh yea...Izzy won Best in Class that day...and get this...the "clock" hasn't worked since! LOL It is typical "T" correct tyme, twice a day. Cheers, David  |
| David Sheward |
| Working on my TD in the driveway one day last summer. A neighborhood kid and his friend walk by. They both stop and the friend says "wow great car, can I look at it". "Sure" says I. The local kid goes back across the street and the friend walks up to the car. As I watch, he runs his hand back and forth along the bonnet. A far-away look comes into his eyes as he stands there stroking the bonnet and saying "this car is beautiful" I can imagine that he is thinking of motoring along with the wind in his hair and not a care in the world. Finally he stops and thanks me for letting him touch and see the car. I have just experienced the miracle of the TD. True story. Cheers, Jim |
| James Neel |
| Again, this is a terrific thread, and it I commented on it (and the idea of what "authenticity" means) on my personal blog. (Did not point to the site or reveal it in any way, so no worries about Hannibal at the gates). I think one thing being revealed here is the essential short-coming of the internet, email, and web-posting. That is, that a HUGE amount of communication is non-verbal. What you might SAY to someone (e.g., that this or that part of his car is non-original) would be taken differently than what you WRITE about them in a post. Offence that was not intended can accidentally be construed by the written word. |
| DWB |
| Just by chance : ebay listing 313936055 ended 5/14/00 seller in Phiadelphia PA. (think you can guess who winner was) "1955 MG TF1500-All Orig-Nicest One in town" Ivory / pale yellow w/black interior. Any of you "old timers" recall any discussion on this BBS about that one? Don't think I found this site untill a year or two later, but I would be very interested in reading any comements that might have been posted. Tried a search ...didn't see anything, but just wondering if it was covered under another topic I haven't looked at. Reward offered if you can direct me to the thread! Cheers, David  |
| David Sheward |
| Kevin / KO Martin Here is a TD listed on eBay which this BBS group commented on, the seller obviously dose not know MG TD’s or is being less than honest. Hopefully you can paste the number into an eBay search box. The BBS groups question dealt with the rust free part? My question would be if the rust free part is not true, how about the runs part? John eBay # 230395783045 1952 MG T-Series TD MG TD 1952 Runs, solid and rust free |
| John Hambleton |
| Hi All . . . my turn: I too read the Little Red Car at 12 and am now 67 . . . the magic has never dimmed! I have owned over 300 cars, many of them sports cars. I bought my first sports car at 20, a new 1963 Sprite that my son now owns. I had my TC for 37 years and finally “traded-up” to a TF four years ago. I currently own: two ’54 TFs (1 original, 1 “B”-powered), a ’65 Sunbeam tiger, a 74 MGB GT, a ‘75 Mini convertible, and am currently building a ’54 Austin replica Racer. Whenever I can, I do not just give young people a ride in my cars; I let them really feel the magic by letting them DRIVE them. There is nothing in world like seeing the light dawn on a young face as they first experience the exhaust note change as THEY execute a crisp shift at the sweet point of the RPM scale. If we have time, I love to let them work their way up; TF, Mini, BGT, and then TIGER. Yes, my cars have taken a wee bit of abuse in this process but nothing has been broken yet and several young people have gone on to be true Sports Car enthusiasts. It takes more than just looking at a car and a quick ride around the block to truly understand what it is all about – you have to experience it but once you do the magic never leaves. Godspeed in Safety Fast Jc |
| John Crawley |
| John, and all, DWB really hit it on the nail when he wrote: "What you might SAY to someone (e.g., that this or that part of his car is non-original) would be taken differently than what you WRITE about them in a post. Offence that was not intended can accidentally be construed by the written word." I took offense at what was written years ago when those that commented wrote what they saw or "felt" was wrong with the eBay listing. Was I right or wrong? As my wife often told my kids as they were growing up, "Feelings are neither right nor wrong." Many are now getting defensive about what I wrote concerning those posts. Sometimes I can put into print what I want to say, sometimes it comes out totally wrong. I completely agree with the questioning of the "rust-free" description of the listing. Maybe I opened a bucket of worms and offended some here. I apologize if I did. As I mentioned earlier, I love this site, and agree 99% of the time. And John Brickell, I totally agree with your admiration of the local brews in the Northwest. I get up there fairly often and truly enjoy sampling the local flavor. As a matter of fact, it's 11:07 here which means it's after noon out east which means it must be OK to open one and toast all of you. As Dave always says, "CHEERS". |
| K O Martin |
| Kevin, I know the feeling- after spending a zillion hours researching and trying to do my car as original, someone on the board noted I didn't cover the side curtain compartment nuts with the vinyl (oops!), then at a concours event, they took exception to the leather-wrapped steering wheel and the radial tires. Luckily they didn't spot the pertronix ignition, walnut dash, different rear end gears, etc. It is all good, and welcome to the board. BTW- above I mentioned my "lousy black upholstery"- not refering to the color- it was just ripped, rotting, and a mess! Your car looks quite sporty. George |
| George Butz |
| Someone commented on dangers to our old cars, including environmental bans. Frankly I don't see that coming any time soon and if and when it does, I'm relying on entrepreneurs to make retrofit catalytic systems available to help clean it up - which I certainly would not mind if it helps cut down on the pollution most of us see around us every day... I'm much more worried about the availability of original parts; as others have said there is a lot of junk out there on ebay posing as 'original'... And what happens as more and more parts simply aren't available? We will have to start compromising and using parts which may look something like the original but are made from different materials (plastic instead of metal etc). Lastly, in regard to environmental bans, if we all do our part to make our regular daily rides more efficient and cleaner, that will help keep those bans from becoming necessary ... |
| Geoff Baker |
| K O -- You're more than welcome to come by and share some great NW micro brews anytime your up our way. We can sit out in my garage at stare at my TF (or take a ride if the restoration is completed), and swap stories. Very cool. Been getting the front suspension completed today. The coil spring compressor finally arrived today (decided not to do the jack and chain bit). John |
| John Brickell |
| When I was 17 in last year of school in 1968, I got my TF which was non runner. Sitting behind the wheel, it was the view down the long bonnet (hood) as seen from that really impressed me. I had been looking for some "project" to work on having been influenced by watching an old guy who was a neighbour of ours some years earlier (1956 to 1961) who spent that peroid rebuilding every component in his 1931 Indian motorbike, the eagerly commenced the task of rebuilding the TF. In those earlier years, my brother and I had watched the old guy (appeared old to a 10 year old) cast pistons and cogs and machine them on his mylford lathe and make make titanium con rods by filing down an old plane propellor. The guy Burt Munro since has become a legend by breaking the land speed record for an under 1000cc motorcycle in the mid 1960's using the bike we watched him build when we were neighbours. That record remains unbroken. Our T-types will always remain serviceable if the supply of parts ever ceased as with the case of Burt Munroe, even record breaking machines can be made in a shed. The movie "The World's Fastest Indian" featuring Burt Munro's exploits came out about 3 years ago. For any who have seen the movie, the exterior and interior of the shed are exactly as it was and the actor Anthony Hopkins captured Burts character and accent perfectly but there was not 10 year old kid called "Tom" living next door!...(and lemon trees do not grow at 46 degrees south). My TF remained in daily use through my years of univ. marriage, setting up home and served as an only car from being at school up to the end of the first seven years of married. I have a son now 23 who is aware of the car's significance but his dream is to own a 1986 German classic (his birth year and era) . . . what will the future hold? It will always be a reminder to him that the TF is something to be cherished as a driving instructor unknowingly told him when he was taking driving lessons that "an 'MGTF' was his (instructor's) dream car that he would love to own one some day" . One thing for sure, while my wife is alive, the car will not be sold. Very few rhd T-types aspecially "TF's" remained in the UK and even fewer found there way to Aus and NZ and prices for good examples in UK and NZ remain high. In the future there will be a contining demand from hopeful enthusiasts especially in countries where numbers are limited, to take care of them. |
| Peter Falconer |
| Peter, Read the first two sentences of your post and knew it had to be Burt Munro...that was an awesome movie. I'd have loved to have lived in your neighborhood. Gene |
| Gene Gillam |
| Gene, Appreciate the comment. Looking back, it was an awsome connection. Unlike what was represented in the movie, the neighbourhood could have been just like any other, as it was only cluster of houses on a city fringe with no public water or sewer supply, no sealed foot paths and no telephone connections. Burt was bit of a hermit and did not engage in social interaction with the locals, which would have been added to provide the entertaining component of the movie. The realization that he was into something serious came when I first saw the red aerodynamic body appear on the bike in around 1958. I did not know it at the time, as Burt did not brag about his connections, but the design of the aerodynamic body of Burt Munro's bike came from the XPAG/MGA powered MG record breakers of that mid/late 1950's. On around 1956-57 he went to Bonneville just to observe things and went a week before the August speed week and caught up with Lt Goldie Gardner chairman of Castrol and the major funder of the MG record breaking attemps, who was testing the MG EX??? racer at that time. Burt was so impressed with the MG profile and that was duplicated in the design of the bike. At the time Lt Goldie Gardner offered him a free lifetime supply of Castrol so long as he continued in racing. The movie did truely represent the facts ... Burt did make his racing tires by triming off the tread with a kitchen knife and then consealing the cracks with nuggate, and he did have his helmet and goggles come off on his record breaking run and complete the final stage of that run in salt air and no goggles and fighting the effect of speed wobbles and then fall off and burn his leg (no room for safety leggings). He had a way with people and money. He could purchase parts for his bike from a company and then have the company pay him the purchase price for the privelage. Peter |
| Peter Falconer |
| Peter, Thanks for posting that! Was a big fan of Burt Munroe in my youth, haven't thought about it for years. Haven't seen the movie for a long time either ...have to look that one up. Was fun reading some of your insight from knowing him. Never knew about the MG EX connection to his design. Brought back some great memories from my MC days...but one painfull one...why did I ever sell my Areial Square Four! (even more painfull in that I know where it is and it will no doubt ever see the road again ...what a waste) Cheers, David |
| David Sheward |
| I am 45, and took over stewardship of my TD from my father (he was the 2nd and 5th owner) about 4 years ago. The car has been in the family 10 years longer than me. (NEMGTR #23) I fully expect to hand it down to the next generation, rather than ever sell it. I share the concern about the aging of the T-series ownership population, and the effect that might have on the supply of repair parts. My father stopped driving the car for over 20 years, in large part due to difficulty in getting parts (and the time to maintain). When I took it over a few years back, he'd given up so long before that he was amazed at the ease I had in getting parts. |
| Stan Griffis |
| Hi there to all Interesting topic. Who will continue our passion in the future? 57 in 2 weeks time. Just told my boss I'm retiring at the end of March. Had my 1953 TD since 1996. My father restored it from ground up in 1986. When he passed away I bought from my mother to ensure it stayed in the family. My eldest daughter has always expressed the desire to inhert "Pop's car" when I decide to get rid of it or cark it! Son in law has driven my ZB Magnette and seems mildy interested. Whenever we're out on a club run, I always encourage people to look at/touch/sit in the TD - after all the little kid I let sit in the car, have their picture taken, sound the horn might be the next MG enthusiast. The car club I am in is always wrestling with the idea "How do we attract more members?". Our club is limited to vehicles manufactured as new with crankhandles. Do we loosen the criteria or run the risk of eventually running out of eligible vehicles? Les  |
| Les Gardner |
| "Cark it".... God you guys are descriptive...... (lovely Magnette) |
| gblawson(gordon) |
| Gordon Sorry that's the ocker (Aussie)in me coming out. Cark = pass away = croak it. Les |
| Les Gardner |
| Hi to all you youngsters: Seamus Healy here....age 73! I fell in love with an MG in 1948, standing waiting for a trolley after school on Huntington Ave. in Boston. It was a two tone green and green TC with a luggage rack containing a leather suit case and some type of rolled up sleeping bag. The rumbling exhast at idle was pleasing to hear and the roar when it took off sent a chill up my spine. I said 'someday I'm going to own one of those.' Well I have since had several MGB's but it wasn't till 5 years ago I bought a 1932 MGJ2, blue and blue, totally restored and even more exciting than the TC I saw back in 1948. I sold that a year ago because I wasn't using it since it was too nice for an every day driver. That car now resides in Canada. Currently I have a '54 TF very nice every day car but I don't seem to be using it much either. Maybe it's time for me to get a boring sedan (probably a Buick) and join the rest of the grey heads and sell the MG.....I dunno. Seamus |
| j.f. healy |
| I think a Healy ought to own a Healy. No? Jim |
| James Neel |
| Hey Seamus, At only 73, you should be enjoying your 54 TF, not thinking of selling it for a, whatever. Think of the warm sunny days with the top down, driving along some of the back country roads that you have in that beautiful state. It's there if you want it. George Raham |
| G. L. Raham |
| At 69, I've been caretaker of my TF since '83, and my YB for some 20 years. Gave the YB to my 21 year old Grandson, and we are doing a complete restoration on it. He loves the car, and loves working on it. Looks like the TF, when the time comes, will go to my daughter, who enjoys driving it. My TR4A went to my son, and he loves the car. We campaign the Triumph, and have a blast competing in it together. |
| Larry Brown |
| Hi: I'm 63 and found two loves in the late 1950's when I was growing up with a not so upper class accent in Luton Bedfordshire England. The two loves were (1) aircraft, I lived on the approach to the preferred runway at the local airport using airport transfers tonbridge; and (2) MG T series, I went to the local "Picture" theater and watched the movie "Reach for the Sky" that was the life story of Douglas Badder the "legless" airman from WWII. It was a Premier opening of the movie and there in the lobby after the show was Douglas himself on his "tin" legs with canes in hand promoting the movie. Outside the exit doors was the purported MG used in the movie that Douglas and his buddy drove using the one leg and crutches, that they had between them. I "mooned" over that car (Probably a TC!). I later left went to Canada and "played" with airplanes all my life ( I own a Mooney M20C) until 2 years ago when I finally decided to indulge my second childhood dream the MG and bought a 1954 MG TF that had sat in three eastern US garages for more than 30 years. I then started to frame off restore it and "journey" is just as much fun as I believe that the "result" will be! This BBS is unparalleled in it's depth and worldwide breadth and willingness to assist.(Many Many Thanks to those of you that tirelessly answer the repetitive questions of the neophytes(me included) that join the board looking for help!) EBay, while many decry it, is a fantastic source for parts; as are the major suppliers: much more so than when the cars were still common everyday "drivers". My 15 year old Grandson has taken an interest in the car and wants to help with the restoration and I will leave it to him when I'm gone and he knows that he will have to look after it well or suffer me haunting him:) We are "hooked" on the internal combustion engine, not just gasoline products and at the chagrin of the oil companies we will learn how to adapt existing technologies to "burning" water, in the form of Hydrogen. Prototypes already exist! Regards Rod Murray 1954 MG TF |
| Rod Murray |
| The Future is brighter! I was invited to the Greenwich Concours last weekend. My MG TF took "Best English Sports car 1954-1960" awarded by judges. BUT IT ALSO TOOK THE PRESTIGIOUS PEOPLES CHOICE AWARD!! I think this was a first at a major concours. I beat out Ferraris, Jags, Astons, Porsches, etc some million dollar cars! There were also 2 TDs and a nice TC there. People of all ages were there. Probably up on their website soon or now. Whoopee - I can die happy! |
| K E MURPHY |
| You better write a song about it first before you do. :-) And where are the pictures? |
| MG LaVerne |
Here is the winning picture at the Concours LaVerne - just like your Green TF!
 |
| K E MURPHY |
| Gents, Im 74 and first owned a TD in 1959. Part of the money I saved when I quit college. Purchased my current car in 2002 at the age of 61 for the wife's birthday. Yes she drove it ONCE. With no younger relatives the car will someday leave the family. I have a standing offer from (you guessed it) an OLDER friend who stops to see the car several times a year. Yes, he is a LBC guy driving a Jag. I resigned from our club two years ago due to health problems. However the club seems healthy and continues to grow slowly, Very active with some sort of social event nearly every week. Yes, I think the cars will continue to sell. Most of us will not make any money but I for one want the next owner to have a love for LBCs and MGs in particular. Regards, Jim Haskins 1953 TD |
| J. M. Haskins |
| Jeff. Your concern is heartfelt! I am 87 and the owner of a TF 1500 that I bought in 1964 after seeing my future wife's TF for the first time. I have a daughter and son-in-law in their '40s who are into T cars who will inherit my cars. They are also members of Jeff's Clubs of which I am the Editor for one (and a founding member of the other) Jeff will be submitting the threatened Article to me. I could not agree more with Jeff's Thesis, we need to make ourselves and our T-Cars visible to the much younger crowd. It is to be noted that my sixteen year old Grandson is getting a '70's MGB roadster for his first car when he makes his grades by his parents choice, skipping a generation. Thanks Jeff. Don Harmer Editor, mgTalk Southeastern MG T Register |
| Don Harmer |
| I read the red car in grade school. I bought my TF in 1972 in Denver, drove it to my parents house while stationed in Korea and used it as my daily driver until augmented by a Jag coupe. The Jag was replaced by a Daimler SP250. The Daimler is awaiting repair/restoration The TF was stored during two more overseas assignments, and finally picked up after discharge. It sat for several years while I persued my career,but is now back on the road. My niece has asked about the TF, but no one seems interested in "Little Ugly", the Daimler. I am 67, so I should be able to use the TF for quite some time before worrying about its future. Chuck Daldry |
| :91 |
| I note from the American classic car programmes that appear on the Discovery Channel e.g. Gas Monkey Garage and American Hotrod that the desirability and value of older cars increases enormously when they are upgraded. This normally involves new engines, transmissions suspensions and brakes. I think that youngsters today are more interested in actually driving an old car rather than nostalgic memories. For some reason though updating a TD or TF devalues it. I am not suggesting fitting a "Crate Hemi" engine into a TF but a five speed box, disc brakes, modern shocabsorbers and similar upgrades may make a car more driveable and attractive to potential younger owners. Jan T |
| J Targosz |
| I'm glad that this thread was reactivated. Members of our MG club are meeting at my house next weekend to discuss ways to attract new members to our club. I am forwarding the link to each of them to spark their pre-meeting brainstorming. I am 69. I don't think that I had ever seen a TF until I bought mine a year and a half ago when I was 67. I was smitten. I always loved cars and anything mechanical. I own and show a near-stock 1954 Chevrolet pick that I've had for over fifteen years. No kids. I hope that I can find a good home for it and the truck when I can no longer crawl into them. The largest category of questions on our club website by non-member MG owners is for technical help or advice. Perhaps "tech days" at a member's garage or tech sessions in club meetings could attract new members and potential new MG owners. I agree that exposure is important. I attach this card to my windsheld at all shows and frequently when I park it during an afternoon jaunt. Lonnie TF7211 |
| LM Cook |
| oops - here is the sign: Lonnie TF7211  |
| LM Cook |
| I agree with what Lonnie is saying there about Tech Sessions. With cars now being so complicated with the number of computers most of us avoid going anywhere near our regular drive. I am 46 and my parents have owned our TF since before I was born. I have great memories of my sister and I being driven to school by Mum in the little 2 seater. We would sit in the back! I have spent most of my adult life restoring our car and just this year my parents gave me membership to the Irish MG car club. I imagine because they thought I would get the right advice. I have been getting notifications each month of their regular meetings but havnt gone. Until that is I got a notification of a Tech session which I am going to next week. From my point of view with a young family and a very busy life catching up with fellow MG heads to have a pint and a chat hasn't grabbed me but what has is the formal Tech session. Who knows this will probably lead on to the monthly meet. We will see. Anyway I have 2 boys 10 & 11 who at times help me restore the car as the mood takes them. But in terms of passing on the car I won't ever sell it. But I will need to acquire another TF to stop a fight. So Lonnie if you are ever selling!  |
| D Lamb |
| This will be a 2 (or maybe 3) parter. Sorry for the length but this subject is pretty dear to my heart.: This thread has really captured my attention. I’m now pushing 70 and wanted a TD since I drove my uncle’s at about age 14. Financial considerations, work and other issues prevented me from realizing my dream until 3-4 years ago. I’ve owned and loved driving my TD for about 4 years now and just last week I became the new owner of a pretty pristine MGB (I also have a ’77 F-100 that I bought new and a ’67 MB 230S – bought new by Missy’s Dad - that is not currently drivable). Missy and I have been married for 47 years but we have no children of our own and no nieces or nephews with any interest in classic sports cars. I’ve attached an excerpt from my club’s newsletter (FBCC – May, 2015 – I hope you can blow it up enough to read it) that describes a visit that Dennis (spiffed up TR-6) and I made to the Walahalla, SC, High School Classic Car Club. The visit was an eye opener for both the students and for us. The students are 16-18 year olds with an interest in cars. Sadly, for them a “classic” car is an ‘80s or ‘90s Camero or Mustang. Out of about 12 members of the club, no one had ever heard of a Triumph and only one claimed to have ever heard of an MG. None had ever seen, much less ridden in or driven, a “real” sports car. We had only about 50 minutes with the club so there was not enough time to take anyone for a ride or do much more than kick tires and, as we left, listen to the engines roar (purr?). I hope that we’ll get to go back in the spring when school is back in session because I believe that one or two of the members might actually get interested in our cars.  |
| J K Chapin |
| Part 2 (there's no part 3): One thought that comes to mind on this subject is that most people (and probably all of those youngsters) think that classic British sports cars cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Many people seeing one of my cars will make a comment something like “I bet that’s worth more than your house.” As we know, you can get a decent driver (I just paid less than $18 grand for the MGB) for $18-$20 grand – lots less than a new Toyota. I don’t know what you gals and guys are paying to put your teenager in a “first car” but it’s probably in that range. The other thought that comes to mind is the fact that many young people (and a great many older people) don’t know the difference between a sports car and a hot rod. I have friends with hot rods and they’re cool but they are not sports cars. … and neither of them are “muscle cars”. I’m just rambling but, as many above have said better than I can, if we don’t get young people riding in and driving our cars, I fear for the future of the cars. Whenever I’m at a show and an 8 or 10 year old looks twice at my car I invite them over with “Want to get in it?” I wish more shows would make it easy to give kids rides in our cars. I have an old Air Force buddy who’s big into RV airplanes and the EAA. They have a program called “young Eagles where the pilots take kids up for rides to get them interested in airplanes and flying.. We should do the same thing as often as possible. Take the young kids for rides and, if your nerves can stand it, let the older kids drive your car around a few blocks. |
| J K Chapin |
This thread was discussed between 07/01/2010 and 06/06/2015
MG TD TF 1500 index
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